How to use old books to make a small patio in back yard?
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Ech8761142
Can I lay the books out then cover with cement for the patio?
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Can you describe in a a bit more detail what you are thinking? Are you making a table out of cement or p, perhaps, a half wall?
I asked my husband (residential contractor). He said no, this will not work. First, you need to prepare for the patio, and books would not provide a good foundation. Cement will not cure, and will quickly break down as the books collapse (from the wet, caustic nature of the cement). He suggested you remove all vegetation, even everything out, lay down a ground barrier followed by sand, all the while being sure everything remains level. Once this is done, lay out patio blocks in a pleasing pattern to you. You can then sweep sand over the blocks into the cracks, wet it, and then sweep more sand, repeating the sand alternating with sprinkling, until the sand is even with the block.
There are some nice uses for books on Hometalk you might want to check out before sending your books for recycling.