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I always thought a full bed of mortar was the only way to lay a paver patio
On a job in Phoenix last month, the homeowner wanted a herringbone pattern with these huge concrete pavers. My usual method was taking forever and eating up so much mix. The foreman, this old timer named Ray, told me to just butter the edges and corners, leaving the center hollow. I thought it would crack for sure, but we did a test section. After a week of that desert heat, it was solid as a rock and saved us about a third of the mortar. Has anyone else used this spot bedding method on a big residential job?
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xena_anderson6mo ago
Spot bedding is asking for trouble down the line. That hollow center is a perfect trap for water, which freezes and heaves in most climates. You might get lucky in Phoenix, but try that in the Midwest and you'll have a wobbly mess after one winter. It also creates voids where pests can nest and weeds can take root. A full bed locks everything in place and prevents those long term issues, even if it uses more material up front.
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angela_coleman6mo ago
Spot bedding works well with large, rigid pavers because they bridge the gap. The key is using a stiff mortar mix that won't slump and making sure those support spots are perfectly level. I've seen failures happen when guys get sloppy and leave too big of a hollow underneath, creating a drumming effect.
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