How to grout the cobbles!

This is a totally back breaking job even for the most energetic, strong, resilient builder.  Bending over, scraping down in minute detail, brushing out old detritus, adding in new, then forcing into spaces with small tool and then brushing over – then repeating the excercise!  I have to take my hat off my wonderful builder Del and his team.

The granite cobbles came from London Stone: http://www.londonstone.co.uk/stone-paving/granite-setts

They are tricky to lay as they come in different shapes and sizes – see earlier blog: https://www.carolinegarland.com/2015/01/cobbles-in-a-residential-clapham-garden-fabulous-effect/

Brush down all cobbles and scrape with wire brush to remove any detritus

Clapham cobbles

Mix 1 part cement with a small part of dye

Cement colour

Give a good shake
Add 2 parts find sharp sand
Shake and tread
Then 1 part soft sharp sand
Shake and tread
Add a small quantity of water to the Admix (PVC/glue, and waterproofer)
Shake and tread
Pour out into spaces
Brush in

Clapham cobbles

Then further force in with small tool/small scalpel

Clapham cobbles

And REPEAT!!

Clapham cobbles