Laying An Indian Sandstone Patio Landscaping Talk

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[@brickrightbuildinglandscaping]

Great advice on the pricing. You no John i found out today a guy laying vinyl floor was earning more than me .so no digging out no skips no wet weather no cutting no pointing or grouting .he was in and out in less than a day and earnt more than me slogging on a patio.so floor layers tilers and kitchen fitters all earning more than the landscaper id have to talk to you about it mate . Great video and advice as always . Justin 👍

[@GreentopLandscapes]

We need to change our jobs mate

[@brickrightbuildinglandscaping]

@@GreentopLandscapes john i was so annoyed there is so much more effort. Work planning and time that goes into a patio and the vinyl floor guy is on more money and a fair bit more money. I put my prices up on four jobs and i already no im not the cheapest and supprise supprise i haven't got one of them jobs.fact is although theres more work in a patio people will pay and value other lesser jobs more and will pay more. Im put out by and im a qualified tradesman. Mate this is not good also as a bricklayer my trade is under valued compared to other trades while again there is often more skill and planning involved its so not right . Keep smiling mate all we can do Justin 👍

[@nicholasbrekespere3616]

Nice video, you've got a great attitude. Nice to see that we've been doing it the right way up till now, 5:1 sharp sand mortar, leaving the edges so theres space for the pointing and slurrying the undersides. Doing a front garden for a customer atm, I think she's slightly feeling that we are expensive but it costs what it costs to do a robust job that will last. She's got some stone laid out the back thats all over the shop, large pointed gaps, tiny ones that dont seem to have any pointing at all. All the building work she's had done on her house is a bit shoddy, and we got the work because all her previous builders left part way through jobs, I expect because she didn't pay them enough to feel good about doing the work. It feels nice knowing that the work we do is of a higher standard and that I priced it right. Hoping she'll learn from this when she see's the finish and stop trying to cut corners.

[@barryford7135]

Hi Johnny, what is the slurry mix, is it a weak sand cement mix?

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Hi Barry, its SBr water and cement and a few other things the manufacturers put n theirs is more consistent

[@barryford7135]

@@GreentopLandscapes so Marshall’s primer would do the trick? Love the channel mate, keep up the good work. 👍

[@davethegardener3136]

Hi Johnny, good vids Just about to do my first Indian sandstone patio so a couple of Q's Do you slurry all the slabs in one go and leave to dry first before hand? Have you used any sort of sealant on the finished paving to keep those strong colours? Plus does it work ok with the brush in pointing like sika?

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Hi Dave use the slurry but it will jus depend on what product you use so read the instructions Buddy and I will start presealing now as the paving is so thin

[@sunnyday8927]

Thank you for the helpful videos.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Sunny Day thank you for your feedback always here to help

[@jamesdavies810]

I tell you what Johny, I learn something new in every one of your videos. So the slurry is to help adhesion but ALSO to stop moisture staining coming through the thin sandstone. As I said on Saturday, I’m a chippie, so handy with a level and measure but I’m no landscaper so your videos help no end on my own patios that I am about to start. Invaluable pal. 👌🏻 Looking forward you seeing you point that sandstone 👍🏻👍🏻

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Cheers James mate

[@jamesmadgwick4447]

Great video, I’d love to know more about the pricing etc. I have a small landscaping company. Thanks for taking the time to chat about things like this. 👍

[@GreentopLandscapes]

My Pleasure James mate always here to help buddy, though I am getting so many messages now its mad. Full time job coming up I think lol

[@mickedwardo2997]

Morning Johnny, hope you and team are well. Great videos and watched a few now around laying patios, really helpful and appreciated. Can’t highlight your comments enough around communication between contractor and client. I hope trades watching this take heed as some I’ve had working on bungallow been diabolical. Examples saying turning up and don’t, cutting corners, doing what you asked not to do etc. simple communication and honesty saves a load of hastie. Thanks again 👍

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Cheers Bud, so sorry that you have had this experienced

[@ddavies6830]

Hi great videos. I'm laying riven indian sandstone in a few weeks. It's next to my extension so I have walls of house on two sides. Can I lay it with a 1 in 80 fall or will it need a 1 in 60 to drain the water? I'm laying 6m and and the fall is going towards house and aco channel drains. I've set my lines and the 1 in 60 seems very steep against the wall. Do I also need a slight angle across the width towards a drain or can I keep that level. Thanks

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Hi Buddy thanks for the feedback its appreciated, 1:60 is to much in my opinion the 1:80 is British standard for sandstone but always run it off shortest distance and Aco sounds fine, seems to me that you have it sorted to be honest send us picture, be safe

[@mariereagan353]

Is mint fossil supposed to have deep ridges on the top ? As mine have and builders/ landscapers are now having to come back also as firstly I couldn't open my patio doors and now one of the slabs in front is higher than the rest a real trip hazard . Can you please advise me, great video very informative.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Marie it sounds it need to be relaid

[@Ratsotone]

That big block paving job you were talking about, where you made the princely sum of £75...you gotta look on the bright side Johnny boy, at least you didn't make a loss lol...but as far as pricing goes, I think all of us are guilty of having shot ourselves in the foot at times :)

[@GreentopLandscapes]

So so true mate.

[@paulyguard]

Hey Johnny, great words as always...just a quick one about slurry, my brother had some porcelain laid last summer, and he has lots of water marks on the surface, he's had the guy back 2 or 3 times who's just told him to let it dry out! Has he not put slurry on, can it be fixed or does it need ripping up? It looks like they were laid on a full mortar bed but the water is definitely imo coming through, on pretty much every slab. Have a great weekend mate relax and enjoy it 💪

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Hi bud my pleasure any time can you send me a picture please?

[@regwatts]

Great advice, a lot of people don't know half of it..

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Your right Reg mate we all need to learn

[@theabdalla]

Sir how do you cut slaps into small chunks

[@bobcharlie7982]

Iv got some reclaimed yorkstone. Unfortunately they laid them the wrong way up originally. And the joints are this way \/ instead of /\, i cant swap them over because the backs are stained with the original mortar. Will the joints be alright? Im tempted to chuck it but apart from that its lovely, and the plus was it was 100% free!

[@GreentopLandscapes]

What a pain Bob mate do sorry to hear that

[@Skotten1965]

Hei Johnny, excellent videos and instructions, trying to workout if I could use Sandstone in Norway (winters are -20 degrees) Keep up the fantastic work 👍🇳🇴

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Well they use it in Canada Mark but you need a thick one at least the ones now are so thin

[@leeryan9695]

Great advise really enjoyed the video, av undercut myself on jobs plenty and still do to this day, mainly through the time it takes to finish a job due to weather permitting, preperation ect, it is hard work being a landscaper if the prep is not done right.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Good stuff it is hard work Lee we have to value ourselves. thanks for watching.

[@richardpaul2503]

Great video Johnny boy I think the pricing of jobs is super important and if all companies thought the same way it would still give us all a fair crack of the whip, and dilute these customers who sometimes blag their way through to a cheaper price , even though they certainly have the monies to pay correctly!! ❤️ all the best

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Thank you Richard mate that’s kind of you, such an important topic.

[@waynecraft2511]

Iv just laid a PQC 100mm thick on top of sub base. I mixed mine up at 8:1 ratio so not too cementy, using 20MM ballast. Would you say that was fair?

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Brilliant Wayne thats great

[@handygroundworks8638]

6f2

[@allanblackshaw3046]

Great vlogg johnboy great points again , well done your Saturday shows are getting better and better .I remember that nupty giving you grief about using existing materials as a base . Nice to see u jumping back onto sandstone Chris and liz are great to deal with, u need to get Alison on KZbin to make a cooking show ,your dinner on your day off vlogg looked class , she looked as if she was raging with u , I know that look 😭 , nice to have a day off but all to soon its back to work ,its like when we were young and at school dreading for a Monday,. Awra best to u all 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Allean thanks mayte your a star be safe mate

[@olliefowler2136]

So useful.. going to uni to study landscape architecture and design and want to get involved with the business side of thing.. keep it up 👍

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Come and join us for a day

[@danielbennett5395]

Great video 👍 From a local Newport lad starting a landscaping & maintenance business 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Nice 👍 be good to meet up

[@jamesb8854]

Great video and great tips at the end for anyone new to the industry watching. Watch JB's video's he is a fountain of knowledge.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

That’s very kind

[@attilagal6672]

Can porcelain be laid on top of old existing Indian sandstone please? I would really appreciate your advise. Many thanks. Love your channel. I'm watching more and more now. I'd like to be part of your team if you ever consider extending your team around Buckinghamshire. Cheers

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Hi Antilla many thanks for watching its greatly appreciated. I would probably not lay on sandstone patio I would dig up and start again to be honest.

[@attilagal6672]

@@GreentopLandscapes Thanks Johnny, much appreciated! Then probably the best idea would be to break up the existing sandstone and recycle it back into s new foundation of the mortal base mixed up with some chip stones? Perhaps we can do that?

[@carlfisher5195]

We can all be 'busy fools..', don't be scared to charge for a quality job..

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Absaloutly

[@jackw9920]

I do love sandstone. You are right they are getting so thin now. Need to slurry them as you say. Chap who did a clients patio didn’t, and so many have popped now.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

its the Usual thing now Jack mate

[@davehamer5486]

Hi.weather crazy at minute. It get so frustrating sometimes. Customers think it my fault weather bad sometimes lol.thanks for video

[@GreentopLandscapes]

you can not be blamed for the weather bud

[@AndrewGoosey]

Great work lads!! Learning alot from you guys!! Thank you 👍

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Thank you Andrew

[@GrimeArtist1]

This is a trade I would love to learn, where do I start lol, I have my own business doing gardening and fencing but would be great to expand one day, I guess it's diy until your confident and also help others who do this and learn on the job! Experience is key and I need some! Haha. Great videos, genuine, honest info, great to learn watching, thanks.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Thanks mate always here to help any time

[@GrimeArtist1]

@@GreentopLandscapes Thanks, will be watching more!

[@kinspired9416]

Hi Johnny, been watching a lot of your videos the last few days as I'm just about to lay a sandstone patio in our garden -- putting the type 1 sub base down this weekend. Really enjoy your laid back style and first class results, thanks for sharing. Can I check with you what ratio you use for your SBR, cement, water slurry mix? And do you have a brand preference for the SBR? Thanks again mate.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Cheers Bud thank you so much, to be honest I have not found the best ratio yet as every one I make goes off to fast so still working on it but dont mix up to much.

[@kinspired9416]

@@GreentopLandscapes Thanks Johnny, I'll give it a go.

[@stevenburrows530]

Well said about pricing work,and yes you are right a wife is the one who knows how much it takes to run the home and the business per month

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Wives know mate

[@jmc8018]

Think lots of people never realise the time you spend, thinking or planning the job when your not on site. Or the time running around to get materials or equipment. Then they get a chancer in paying no tax or having insurance etc. Of course they will be cheaper.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Your so right on many points there bud

[@jmc8018]

@@GreentopLandscapes don’t know if it’s just me..... the thing that winds me up most is neighbours thinking you’ll do there garden for free. Or can I borrow your digger. It’s like someone with no driving licence or experience, taking your car out. Rant over, happy Friday 👍

[@wayneosullivan1549]

Have bee the and done that 👍🇬🇧

[@Danny51ngh]

Hi, love the video, I’ve learnt so much! Just wanted to ask, is there a reason why you shouldn’t but up to the house instead of a gap? Also what would you fill the small gap between the paving and the house?

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Hi Danny mate thank you, I never Lave to the house because of grout cracking and water build up against the house if you understand. Thanks for watching.

[@dalinakunwer1892]

Ff vee myo go aayi zoo

[@bennburslem8788]

Brill post Johnny, been following you for a good few years and learnt loads , keep up the good work 👍

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Thanks 👍 Cheers Ben mate

[@tonynewnham3114]

What is SPR?

[@amac1657]

Thanks for these videos. Brilliant and learning a lot.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Glad you like them! appreciate it bud

[@hskma1]

Some cracking advice Johnny boy 👌 take care

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Cheers bud

[@matthewhardman3320]

Hi Johnny what do you fill the 15mm gaps with in between the stones ? Sorry if it’s a silly question

[@GreentopLandscapes]

On what buddy

[@matthewhardman3320]

When pointing is it jointing compound or mortar

[@GreentopLandscapes]

just depends what you use mate

[@gregjennings2544]

Great video mate. Im gonna lay and indian sand slab patio and wondered what sand i should use for my mortar mix??

[@handygroundworks8638]

Big jobs are a nightmare

[@GreentopLandscapes]

They can be Lee

[@t22sw14]

Fantastic channel Johnny, thanks

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@darrendudman7606]

Wise words indeed. I love your philosophy. I'm exactly the same as you. I've been a chippy for 28 years, and I've done it all. I know I'm more experienced than most now & concentrate on quality. I don't care if I'm more expensive than others, I've developed a resilience over time. I've got quotes wrong in the past and you learn the hard way. I wish someone like you had sat me down 20 years a go when I had a business & employed lads. I'd have priced things very differently! Thanks for the video, great work.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

thanks mate I totally agree with you, we learn as the years go by, thanks for the response.

[@lewisdow]

Great channel

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Thanks Lewis have a great weekend.

[@ArgyllPiper90]

Hello, I have a 30m2 beam and block patio area, built as part of my extension. I’m thinking of ideas and ways in which to finish this area and how to approach it with the block and beam. The B&B naturally has a little flex in it therefore I want to proceed with the correct method to ensure tiles and joints don’t crack. I’m looking at a porcelain tile finish. Will this require a fibre screed like I had internally then to lay the porcelain with a cement mix? Advice would be useful from anyone who has experience of this. Thanks

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Hi there, check pot Ditra matting its an uncoupling product to avoid the cracking.

[@johnward182]

Hi Johnny boy Well said mate 🙏 never forget you can't pay the mortgage with all the good jobs you've done 👍 you need to make money else it's ⚰⚰⚰⚰ price per sqr meter is only good for material , not your finished job quote ? Lots come into at access , labour ,weather , all come into it as you know ? Great vlog love the Indian stone its my favorite to lay? all the best Keep safe and loving your work 👍👍👍

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Great words John, where would I be without you, stay safe mate

[@dianeparry6761]

i have watched a few of your videos and wished I'd seen them before I had my patio laid. why do you have such a small gap between the slabs? what do you use to point this sandstone? can you put a coloured pointing on top of yellow cement? I really don't like how my contractor has pointed my patio - grooved and yellowish cement between grey indian sandstone . thank you

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Hi Diane, thank you for watching, the gap is to allow the water to go back into the ground. There are many pointing products to be used. Yellow mortar and grey slabs sounds auwful

[@andylees136]

Hello Johnny, learnt loads from your videos. I'm about to relay my patio, we promised nice days but cooler nights around minus 1, will covering my work with Hessian and pvc sheets protect it. Thx again.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Sounds great! well done Andy mate thanks for watching

[@hortedlandscaping1492]

Johhny boy love the videos, been looking to buy a Rubi wet saw, do you use yours to cut all the patio stones you lay. we lay a mixture of stone, but some of the saws say only occassional use for natural stone. Any advise would be grateful.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Please give me a call, we can help. My number is 07795595994

[@andreashavin]

Johnny Mate you use Easy Grout for pointing , have you ever used Flowpoint as I have seen other KZbinrs use that , but they always seem to have a void to put the access grout when they PW the slabs , what if you are an enclosed site , you can not just wash it into a drain.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

I hear its good Clyde but it does have a grainy finish mate and you do have to power wash some where.

[@danielbeale1487]

Love your work mate is there any need for the sbr in the mix I mean what ever works for you but I never add sbr to my mix n never have any problems what’s the benefit? Cheers

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Hi Daniel mate, its not a must but in a wet mix it has some synergy with the mix if you have SBR in that pulling the two together plus its a water proofer and you know how wet the UK has it.

[@lmilne4859]

Wise words.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Thank you

[@bearwoodcarpentry]

Wise words.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Thank you

[@tomlonerganthelonerpromoti7356]

great videos and invaluable advice from a top tradesman on the essential use of slurry when laying thinner limestone and sandstone patio slabs. Thanks

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Great tip!

[@AH-xf7qf]

Hi there....I had some kandla grey sandstone laid last week and wondered when can I use a pressure washer to clean off mud stains? (Came about as a result realising I needed topsoil when 4 mates helping me out and well, you can realise the about if dirt that's left on my new mly laid paving) Would be grateful for your tip? Btw....using a stiff brush just doesn't quite do the trick. Is using a pressure washing at this stage too early????

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Just depends what you grouted it with.

[@AH-xf7qf]

@@GreentopLandscapes Hi, thank you for your response. Much appreciated. It was grouped with Easyjoint. I take it pressure washing would damage this? Would you instead reccomend a chemical treatment on newly laid sandatone? I only ask as I wonder if it needs time to weather/allow it to release salt and if so, would a chemical treatment harm this process? Amazing work as always btw!!!

[@chrisartis4284]

Nice advice on the pricing... Simple but accurate 👌

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Glad you liked it!

[@dariuszebrauskas8831]

Great video. Very informative and interesting to watch.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@loxtonoffroad]

Hi, love your videos really helpful, just one question please do use any form of formal contract with the client before you start work?

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Always 100%

[@loxtonoffroad]

@@GreentopLandscapes Cheers mate, good luck!

[@shhitapns]

Absolute legend Johnny boy 👌

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Your just to kind, honestly thank you

[@darrenhedley]

Love the videos, will be laying Sawn Mint Indian Sandstone in my garden shortly, going down on top of an existing concrete slab, should I just use a full bed 4 to 1 mix, nothing else needed ?

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Hi Darren mate, SBR the concrete slabs first.

[@jord..3548]

Thank You John. I Priced My First Patio Today, I’ve Been Wondering If I Priced It To High But Like You Say, It Has To Be About Profit. I’m Highly Confident In My Work & Hope To Have My Own Landscaping Business In The Near Future & Say Bye To The Big Sites Forever Lol.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

love it Jordan mate I like to wish you all the best

[@rochdaledirectory]

As a Landscaper from the 80's just stepped back into Landscaping and was undercharging, so really wise words.

[@GreentopLandscapes]

Cheers Peter you and me Buddy same era

[@Wr5379-g2y]

There's plenty of rip of landscapers trying to rip ppl of aswell Trying to charge £250 a man per day

[@lewisashe5265]

How is £250 a rip off Steve ? Break it down and what are they left with ? So £250 per day let’s say 10 hours per day ON SITE £25 per hours Uniform / PPE Holiday pay Fuel for both vehicles and the individual Tools His or her knowledge built up over time of learning skill level Attention to detail The time off due to bad weather I’d say we lose 25 days a year due to the weather her in the Northwest the individual shouldn’t lose money because of the weather Tax National insurance Vehicles payments it’s all adds up someone has to pay for it I’d say 5 days a week £250 a day £1,250 having taken all the into account there taking home less that £900 which isn’t beyond a fair price I have guys on more money per day which means I’m charging more than £250 a day because I want to make a profit off them as I’m a business I just think it’s harsh to call them a rip off I’ve had any jobs that I’ve lost money on and made money on and many where I wish I’d never even started it’s horses for course different clients and different location demand a difference in price that’s all

[@Wr5379-g2y]

@@lewisashe5265 in mot saying all but some,I had a quote for 55sqm of raj green sandstone remove grass and install all inclusive ie plant hire,materials labour 7days I was getting quotes between 6000 to 8500 ,some landscaperstake the micky big time I got the job done 5800 and with that price the bloke got a load more wrk on my street and elsewhere

[@lmilne4859]

@@lewisashe5265 Spot on buddy.

[@MrJep1234]

@@lewisashe5265 totally! Costs me approx 9-10k per year to keep business going, and spot on re the 25 days per year, also then maybe may even want a holiday!. I am paying for my family at the moment, living in Oxford, rent and bills food are 2,000 per month, not spending on anything, just to simply eat and rent. Need to clear 900 to 1000 per week just to get by around here!!