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

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

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.

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.

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.

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