Repointing the garden paving myself....

[hillbilly]

Our paving was laid about 8 years ago and desperately needs repointing and some slabs re laying totally. Am I mad to think I could do it by myself? I have access to a pressure washer which I thought I would use initially to clean the slabs and get rid of the loose cement and weeds which have shot through.

Any tips?

None of mine have ever been pointed. I just have gaps between. I did have grass growing through and used to strim it to flag height which looked nice but I got rid of it all with a hoe so I could pressure wash last week.

Easy! Just clean out the gaps - never tried a pressure washer, I just have a sort of hooked knife, but whatever works for you. Then buy a bag of 'dry mix' from the DIY store.

Lift the loose slabs one at a time and put some of the mix under, then put them back level - a long straight piece of wood helps you get the level right. Dampness from the earth will work its way up and set the cement over a few days.

Then carefully put more of the dry mix into the gaps, trying not to get too much onto the surface of the slabs. You can use a brush to persuade it to where you want it. Then you can water it in (gently) or wait for a shower.

Thanks guys - I feel inspired!

I think I'll pressure wash anyway because they are looking very green!

There are a few DIY videos on youtube. If I remember rightly you can repoint with a cement and sand mix. I don't think you need a lot of water, just a slightly moist powdery mix. I think I might try mine when it gets a bit warmer.

From my experience Indian Sandstone is a very good product to use for garden paving. royalestones.co.uk/index.php?route=common/home

Geofix is expensive but easier to use than mortar mix. As for rebedding the slabs, a mix of 4 parts sharp sand and one cement, not too wet, 5 blobs and gently tamper down.