Tips on building a patio

pledgeX

I'm intersted in laying a patio in my back garden. It'll probably be in the region of 4x4 metres. I'll be using standard paving slabs. 1/4 of the area is already covered in paving slabs but not the style I want, so I'll be ripping these up. The other 3/4 is currently grass. I'd like to do as much of the work as possible myself to save money.

I've never done anything like this before so was wondering if anyone had any advice or tips, or could maybe point me in the direction of a guide. Anything from what tools I'd need, where to source materials, or common mistakes to avoid would be helpful.

Thanks.

macman

The most important part is that which you will never see-put a proper stable base down.

ian103

dig off the topsoil, the dig needs to be deep enough to take 100mm (minimum) compacted stone base, sand/cement screed approx 35mm plus the thchness of the slab. overall about 175mm depth maybe 200mm.

chiefgoobster

Sorry to maybe point out the blindingly obvious......but slope the patio away from the house and make sure it doesn't cover over the damp proof course.

A slope where the bubble on the level is at the line (not bubble in the middle ) is not a bad guide.

spend good time on the base , like a previous poster stated.

prosaver

it would be easier to put decking down and properly the same price.
you could rest part of it on the concrete..i did it cost about 300 quid

laurel7172

Sourcing materials-if you can find a good local builders' merchant they will probably have a larger range, cheaper than the DIY sheds.

Canucklehead

Hi: see the Pavingexpert...brilliant resource!

HTH

Canucklehead

esmy

I'd second paving expert. We did this for the first time last summer - an odd shaped space approx same size as yours. We used Carpetstone - easier than cutting slabs to fit an awkward space, if a bit more expensive.

pledgeX

Thanks for the feedback all.

I know that it's worth putting time and money into the base after seeing my dads attempt from a few years back!!

Tbh laying the area out and digging and laying the base should be ok. The bit I'm worried about is putting down the cement (as I've never used cememt before) and making it nice and level (as I'm cack handed and will probably mess this up). Basically I don't mind the hard graft, it's the bit that needs a bit of finesse that i'll struggle with!

I'll have a look for my local builders yard as well as I have no idea where the nearest one is.

And as for decking, I'm not a fan and will definitely be sticking with the paving slabs, even if it is more expensive/difficult.

budgetdiyer

I'm just about to lay a 14ft x 8ft patio myself.

As for having a solid sub base, it does depend on your soil conditions as to whether you need a hardcore base. For a domestic patio, on firm ground a subbase is'nt really needed.

You don't need to lay the slabs onto a cement base. I'm laying mine with a dry sand / cement mix (10:1 ratio).

The paving expert site has all the info you need.