Hi Folks –

I’m doing a small patio in 6×9 cement patio blocks, laid in sand. Overall size is about 16′ x 19′, essentialy a rectangle. A sidewalk alongside is 4 x 10. Half of the perimeter of the patio is already mostly set, blocks in concrete. The other half buries under planter boxes, so it’s not visible. There’s a 5 x 5′ concrete platform in the middle of the patio that is already done. The pattern is a modified herring bone running parallel to a side. 

Problem is that I wanted to give a day’s work to a relative, who is a mason, but who’se also an alcoholic. He wants to bring his brother to do the “heavy work” – which I interpret as making sure he has liquor hidden in the truck. I think I’m potentially being taken advantage of.

Question: How many feet of brick and sand can a decent mason do in a day? Is this really two or three man days work?

 Actually, I’ve been told three man days, in addition to the day to lay it out. I think I remember laying a lot more than this in a day myself only 20 years ago. (I know the numerous cuts are a problem and PITA, and I’ll allow for that.)

I’m leaning towards putting myself back to work and forget helping him out. Thanks for the input.

Don