Poor quality patio - what to do next?

EssexExile

You can't see the unevenness in the pictures but from what I can see it looks fine.

stuart45

The standard joint size is 12mm for riven flags, although it has to be adjusted when various patterns are used and the flags are slightly different in size. Hard to see properly from a photo about the levels, but riven flags will always have slight discrepancies.

Niv

Yes i think you are being harsh based on the photos provided. Once it has dried properly, give the patio a clean and see how it looks. The only thing I would say is I would have used a darker mortar but if you didn't specify this then I don't think there is much come back on that tbh.

Bendy_House

I think I'd clean up the grout line edges (where it goes slightly over the slabs), and then stain the mortar either to be a similar shade to that of the slabs, or even darker. From what I can see from Google examples, that would look a lot better.

Stuart, what's the best stuff to use for dyeing the mortar?

And would this be a reasonable thing to ask the installers to do - at least the small amount of cleaning up?

Emma, we cannot really comment on the levels/unevenness as it cannot be seen from these photos. I suspect it's fine - it looks fine - but cannot tell properly from the pics. A straight edge across them would be needed.

In general, tho', that patio looks great, but I'd personally have the grout lines darkened.

stuart45

There's one called Steadfast, and although it not really recommended on horizontal surfaces, they say it can be used if sealed after.
I don't think the.installers would expect to do this as part of their contract.

Gunner276

I think the job looks reasonable tbh. I agree with others about the colour of the grout lines. 

I would have used something like EasyJoint instead: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jointing-Compound-Stone-Joint-Mortar/dp/B010V0U5MG

stuart45

A darker colour would probably look better, although some people prefer a contrasting colour for the joints.
A rough rule of thumb for brickwork and slabs is that when the bricks are all the same size and perfect shapes the joints can be thin and straight. In this case a contrasting colour is better to show the accuracy of the work.
When joints are larger and more irregular a less conspicuous colour is better, as a contrasting one detracts from the masonry units and shows up the defects more.
The patio here looks like it was slurry grouted and not quite cleaned up enough.

Bendy_House

Thanks Stuart.

Would it be reasonable to ask/expect the installers to tidy up the slight overspills a bit? It is quite minor, and will likely wear away in use, but still...

stuart45

The slabs should have been left clean. Looks like there some grout smears on some of the slabs. Still you know the old saying in the trade 'don't worry luv, it'll wevver in soon.'

EssexExile

stuart45 said:

The slabs should have been left clean. Looks like there some grout smears on some of the slabs. Still you know the old saying in the trade 'don't worry luv, it'll wevver in soon.'

And it really will! Then it'll get dirty and stained and moss will grow on it and weeds will grow through it and you'll forget the slight imperfections you are worrying about now.