Cement - how long til it sets

Evening all.

This morning, I started laying the first surface stones of my new patio.

I mixed the cement quite stiff, about 1:3 cement to sand, and enough water to make a thick paste. I got some stones down, but how long til I can put any weight on them?

My dad reckons 4 hours. I think that's way to soon, as I can still poke my finger into a bit that spilled over and its about 12 hours since I did it.

My mate who's into landscaping reckons overnight.

Another mate who does volunteer work in one of the local country parks reckons a couple of days.

Who's right?

Also, I did a dry mix a few days ago, spread it on the foundations, and then wet it to make it run into all the gaps. It never did set properly. I have a theory that if there is too much water in the mix, the reaction that makes it bond will finish while all the particles are still in suspension, ie it will never really set. Does that sound right or am I just really, really rubbish at mixing cement?

 

You should be able to walk on it tomorrow Clueless. But I'd leave it a couple of days if you want to park a car or something on it. Also, the damper the weather conditions, the longer it will take to dry out.

I've never used a dry mix, so can't help you with that, sorry.

 

4 to 5 days before testing it with Penny's Elephant, if she can get it out of the lift

 

Dry mix for pointing is not how I do it...do a proper mix and force the muck well into the joints.
I was at a function where the patio yorks and been dry mixed and the ladies were having their heels drop in through the weak and shallow mix into the joints.... The language!!

 

Depends if it's quick set or the other. Read the instructions on the bag.

 

I'm guessing you're using ordinary cement cluless?

I find the stronger the mix the faster it cures, temperature can make a difference.

But I'd give it a couple of days before you start putting too much traffic across the slabs.
Its not a matter of drying, concrete actually sets, ie it does not need to dry out, in fact the slower it dries out the harder it will become.

 

Thanks all. I guess I was just being impatient as usual

When I checked this morning, it had pretty much set, but I'll be giving it a bit longer before I really trust it to take any weight.

 

I've rendered with quick setting cement, never again that stuff sets when you're mixing it