Use either a brush or a squeegee to brush the grout into the gaps between the paving slabs. If the instructions indicate that the paving slabs need to be continuously wetted, you may need an extra pair of hands. Traditional mortar mixes are available and the product we review in this category is one of these. This is where the sand and cement are pre-mixed in the correct ratio and you just add water and stir.

The mix is combined with water and applied into the joints. The downside is that the weather has to be very dry, as moisture on your patio may lead to staining. The dry time is important as this indicates how long you’ll need to keep off your patio for. Some are specifically designed for speedy drying, such as the Geo-Fix All Weather Paving Joint Compound which can ‘surface set’ in as little as 6 hours. We’ve used Bostik jointing compound with concrete slabs, slate, clay, terracotta and even sandstone, finding it to provide a solid and mess-free seal with excellent curb appeal! Long lasting The grout dries hard enough to withstand your pressure washer and any weeds trying to get through from underneath, yet remains permeable enough to let water pass through it without pooling up.The Bostik Easy To Use Patio Grout can simply be brushed into the paving joints for an aesthetic and hard-wearing finish that stands the test of time. There are a few different types of patio grout, each with their own pros and cons. The most important thing is that the instructions are followed correctly to prevent residue and staining. Pre-Mixed Patio Grout Epoxy grouts are durable and weathertight. They’re also quite an expensive grout and are more commonly used for indoor areas like showers rather than large spaces like patios.

Grout will prevent paving slabs from moving. It also prevents weeds from growing between the slabs and reduces water damage. When patios are fixed with grout they look neat and professionally finished. Different Types of Patio Grout Some epoxy grout products come with liquid resin, hardener and sand. Others come with a resin mixed with a sand compound and a hardener mixed with a sand compound. The latter needs water added. The resin and hardener will need to be mixed together in the correct ratio so that the grout will set properly. Available in a natural colour, this patio grout is suitable for neatening up existing patios. It can be used with stone, slate, clay, concrete, terracotta and cobbles, and the colour blends well with weathered stone. It’s suitable for filling joints between 5 mm and 30 mm in width, with a minimum depth of 25 mm. Plus, it’s easy to apply.Once your patio has been laid (if you are laying a new one) fully wet it using a garden hose. You’ll need a lot of water for the resin to bind with, otherwise you may end up with stains. Make sure you’ve prepared your grouting area completely (power washing, moss removal etc.) before your start the grouting job and plan it all out carefully beforehand. Most of these types of grout state that you can even apply them in wet weather – useful in the UK summertime. Allow the patio to dry according to the instructions. The grout will usually set in under 24 hours, and may take up to 48 hours to fully cure.

The following steps outline the general method for applying grout that needs to be applied to a wet patio: Sika FastFix All-Weather Self-Setting Paving and Jointing Compound is a resin grout suitable for your patio. There is no cement in this product and it looks like sand. It comes in a variety of grey and brown colours to match or contrast with your patio stones: Deep Grey, Charcoal, Flint, Dark Buff and Stone. As long as you put at least 5cm of water on top of the left-over grout in the tub, it keeps for about a year. All the patio grouts I’ve recommended are specifically made for ease of use. I’ve only selected premixed grouts, and most can be applied single handedly with just a brush. Some products, like the EASYJoint Paving Grout require the paving to be kept wet during application. Covers an area from 2m 2 to 4.32 m 2 depending on the size of the slabs and the width and depth of the gaps between them.Another option is to use a traditional sand and cement mix. This mix is made up of four parts sand and one part cement, and is still often used by contractors. The Bostik Cementone General Purpose Mortar is a standard cement mortar for those who like to go old school/traditional in their stonework. This product is a pre-mix of sand and cement in the correct proportions. You just have to add the right amount of water, and you’re told how much to add to the tub. Mix it all up and you’re done. For a smooth look to the grout, once all the water has drained away, go over the gaps with a flat tool to smooth everything out. With patio grout you’ll also get a choice of colours, so you can decide if you want the grout to contrast or blend in with your paving .

Weather conditions will usually affect how long it takes the grouting to set and fully cure. Dry weather above 15℃ and below 25℃ is optimal. To apply this grout, it can help to have an extra person on hand to make the process easier. A lot of water needs to be added during application – so it’s best if one person sweeps the compound into the joints whilst the other adds the water. This grout can be applied in all weathers, so there’s no need to wait for a sunny day.Though the two colours that Bostik patio grout comes in do suit most paver styles, it would be nice to have a wider variety of options, and whilst a curing time of 10 hours is far from the longest wait time we’ve seen, there are a few products that dry much faster! Colours After mixing all three components together, the grout can be applied to the joints using a squeegee or brush. Epoxy grout requires sand to be mixed with an epoxy resin. There are often three components that require mixing together. These may be liquid or solids. Additionally, this grout must only be applied in dry conditions. It shouldn’t be used if rain is expected within 24 hours. We’ll compare the Bostik jointing compound to the competition, focusing on its value for money and overall performance. By the end of this review, we’ll let you know whether Bostik patio grout is the best option for your next paving project.