what do I fill edging block gaps with?

[Stevieboyo]

Hi,

I've been creating a few shrub borders as follows:

 

- 10cm x 10cm x 5cm blocks made of cement/concrete material.

- sub-base of MOT, base of mortar.

 

2 questions:

 

1 - I have gaps of 1-6mm particularly on the curves. I am concerned about freeze/thaw/repeat in the winter causing damage.

 

The options I've come up with are:

 

- dry mortar brushed/poked in and misted with water.

- wet mortar pointed.

- a resin base product such as Fugabella piped in.

 

I initially thought of polymeric sand, but that seems to need a pervious base, so I've ruled it out.

 

2 - What size gaps can I leave alone and not bother filling/pointing?

 

First time I've done anything like this so pointers are much appreciated!

 

Thanks,

Steve

[markc]

The gaps are too tight to point. You could use grout mixed very watery and pour in but that could leave a lot of staining on the top. Dry grout brushed in and allowed to go off on its own or leave them to fill with dirt but that will encourage weeds

[joe90]

I would spray with water, let the surface dry off then brush a fine sand/cement mixture in, the damp below will soak upwards and set the cement but will not stain if the tops are dry before you start.

[Stevieboyo]

Markc and Joe90 thanks for the replies. A dry mix after cleaning/drying sounds like the way ahead.

 

Do I need to think about the gaps of 1-2mm as well?

 

Thanks.

[joe90]

18 minutes ago, Stevieboyo said:

Do I need to think about the gaps of 1-2mm as well?

Whatever the fine sand will go into.

[Stevieboyo]

That's great. Thanks for taking the time to help out a new boy 😁👍🏻