Loose stones in retaining wall/steps

[Haze]

Hi there, as per photos - set into one corner of the vast retaining wall structures at my place I have a set of steps; you can see where one big stone has come adrift.  A bit of a safety issue with the kids going up and down every day!  Obviously this particular stone, being on the edge/corner like that, is an integral part of the action when it comes to using the steps - so there are structural and flexibility issues to consider.

My question is - what is the best product/mix to use to re-set it in place?

Any and all advice appreciated - both product wise and process wise.

Cheers!

[JacobZ]

Hi @Haze,

Thank you for your question.

I think the best thing for this repair is some good old-fashioned Mortar with a bit of BondCrete to prime the surfaces.

Start by taking the stone out of place and giving the stone and the hole a good clean with a brush to remove any loose dirt or debris that could affect the adhesion of the mortar. 

Once clean, apply a seal coat of the BondCrete, which is 1-part BondCrete to 4-parts water, to the back side of the stone and the face of the steps. Allow this seal coat to dry, then apply a bond coat, which is 4-parts BondCrete to 1-part water, to the back of the stone and the face of the steps.

You can then mix your mortar following the instructions on the packaging, apply it to the face of the step and the back of the stone using a brick trowel and press the stone into place.

Once dry, you will have a solidly repaired step.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Haze]

Thanks for the thoughts Jacob!

I had been assuming standard mortar was probably the way to go, but then I started browsing around and started wondering if something like this would be more appropriate/better:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/dingo-10kg-structural-mortar-repair-bag_p0363480

What d'you think?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Haze,

The only reason I didn't mention that exact product is because it is likely more than what is necessary.

If you'd like to go that little bit further to ensure it is the strongest repair possible, then yes, you should use the Dingo Structural Repair Mortar.

Let me know how you go.

Jacob