LAYING SLATE

I have just won some slabs of slates on ebay :D
to make a path, what is the best way to lay them :confused:

Cement them in or lay them on sand

 

Depends on how much traffic and what weight of traffic. Occasional foot traffic then compacted sand, heavy usage then cement.

 

Palustris is correct, about 2 inches of sand on well compacted soil would be ok for light use, ground cover matting under the sand can be a good idea. A bit of cement mixed in (about 1:8) will make it harder wearing.
If the slabs are of various thickness then it is easier to acheive a more level final result by laying on a wetter mortar bed ( same mix or a bit stronger )
For very heavy use it's the same but on a more solid base.

 

Thanks Palustris and Tortuosa. Its gonna be for heavy traffic and various thickness, so cement it will be!!