Patio - Grit/dust For Infill

[Maggoty]

Hi guys

Weekend of sunshine so decided to 'do' the garden. Weeded the patio but when pulling out the weeds/grass it has left gaps in between the slabs. I have looked in B&Q but can find nothing fine enough to fill them in with (the guys who laid it used a very pretty black glittery sandy material) It can be any colour - just need it fine enough. Does anyone have any idea what its called so I can ring around and try and locate some?

[SlackAlice]

Silversand and 'play sand' is about the finest sand you'll need, but it's not cheap. Everyone also says you must use kiln dried sand but that not cheap either.

I've used builders 'soft' sand to fill in on my brick pavoir drive with no problems. Just pick a nice sunny day and spread sand thinly on the surface. As it dries out you can brush it into the gaps with a soft broom.

[heathfield]

Here's a site with advice on filling in the gaps. As you'll see, it's not advised to use any old stuff. Wickes has kiln dried block paving filler sand, but they don't give the grain size on their website. Whoever you buy from, make sure the sand is perfectly dry in the bag, or you'll have problems brushing it into the gaps.

http://www.pavingexpert.com/jointing10.htm#materials

[237SJ]

I saw some sand today in Wickes that is for filling the gaps between block paving. Maybe that would do.

[Tuvok]

Trip to the beach......

[Maggoty]

Thanks guys - may take Tuvok's suggestion - a trip to the beach INSTEAD of gardening :-)

[Wak]

You could always try a sand/cement mix. Just brush it in, then after it rains, you will have sealed the gap with cement and no more weeds.

[heathfield]

Don't use beach sand. Beach sand grains are rounded and won't cling together. Read what it says about interlocking grains in my link.
(Believe it or not, sand from the River Tay in Scotland used to be exported to Libya! The river's rough sand grains were recognised as being far superior for use in construction work to the smooth grains of their desert sands.)

[craft1948]

Isn't it illegal to remove sand from a beach?

[heathfield]

Actually, yes, Craft.

[Maggoty]

Thanks guys

Read Heathfield's link and have gone for the grout stuff. Extra work for me but hopefully less chance of weeds coming through again.

Cross fingers it works. I have only a hour to do the whole patio (from opening the bag), so that should be fun :-)

x