Poor quality patio - what to do next?

stuart45

EssexExile said:

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.

Unfortunately not every customer will accept that. The clean up can be the trickiest part of the job. You have to constantly change the water and keep the sponge spotless, and even then when it dries you can see marks.
Some people seal the slabs first to make things easier.

twopenny

Instead of looking at the grout I looked first at the slabs.
They are lined up perfectly for such a difficult task. Good work.
Lovely natural stone like that is going to vary in just about every way.
I think you'll find some of the bits you think are not cleaned off were there to fill in natural dips in the slabs. If they are cleaned out you may find the uneven bits just as annoying.
These nice slabs and the surface give a good grip for walking on in winter or rain. Something often not considered.
I agree I'd have preferred a darker grout but it will darken over winter as said before and you'll be pleased.

stuart45

twopenny said:

I think you'll find some of the bits you think are not cleaned off were there to fill in natural dips in the slabs. If they are cleaned out you may find the uneven bits just as annoying.

You shouldn't be using grout or mortar to fill in on top of the slabs. Riven slabs have a natural uneven surface which is part of it's character.