I'd like to try to repair my front steps, which are topped with large slate tiles. The mortar around those tiles is crumbling and as a result one of the tiles has come loose. I've never done any masonry work and I am honestly not terribly confident in my DIY skills as a whole... so I'd like some advice. If I remove all the existing mortar and loose debris will this be as simple as filling the gaps with fresh mortar? The tiles are placed on top of sand… Which has begun to erode a bit around the front edge where the mortar was crumbling. Is there a need to fill in the small areas where the sand has eroded A bit… Or is it OK to just fill in the gap with the new mortar? Is there any need to introduce grout into this equation? I'm not sure if it's clear from the picture, but it's worth noting that the slate tiles can't be entirely removed without removing the railing on the steps, and I don't want to get into that. I'm not concerned with it looking perfect as long as the tiles are secured in place. Here's a couple pictures for context: http://ift.tt/2vocxBv I appreciate any advice. via /r/DIY http://ift.tt/2t2dHla
