natural1

Getting ready to begin a stone driveway. I have done plenty of patios and walks but this is my first driveway and I want to build it to last. We are using a 4" (about) fieldstone for the surface. This will be set on an 8" concrete slab. Overkill on the slab i know but that is the way this house has been built.

My question is should I use a latex additive in my mortar mix such as the laticrete additive?

Also, what is an appropriate depth for the mortar bed which will give it the greatest strength? They gave me 6" to make up between the concrete and grade. Which means 2" of mortar or more depending on the size of the stone. Seems a bit much to me. Any thoughts welcome.

Thanks,
Mike

Tommy C

Mike, 2" bed joints is way too much. Although in theory it should be fine, as long as you have no voids. Just a waste of mortar, in my opinion.

Yea, I would use the acrylic additive.

natural1

Thanks tommy,
I know - a lot of mortar and more work but I have been given a grade and it would be difficult to change at this point. The stone is also ordered so no getting thicker stone.
Extra work aside, my concern was how much mortar is too much mortar? The person at the stone yard (who's opinion i trust) believes 2" is perfect for a 4" stone.

Also, in the past I have been mixing about a quart of laticrete 3701 per bag of mortar. Sound about right?

Mike

Tommy C

I've never used laticrete...I use an acrylic fortifier (can't think of the brand), for which I add about 10 ounces to a 5 gallon bucket of water.

Like I said, you'll be fine with 2" bed joints, just make sure there's no voids.

You really want a good bond on each and every stone...remember, this is a driveway and there will be much more stress on it then on a walkway or patio.