Patio - ideas for construction please

andygb

I have a basic 3.5m x 3.5M patio and I am going to relay the old slabs which are in good condition.
So, what should I do for the base, as I am doing it on the cheap.
I have loads (10 bags) of pea shingle, but that was going to be drainage for the raised beds.
Can I get away with flattening the earth (after removing stones and levelling) and simply put down a mixture of sharp sand and mortar, laying the slabs then watering in?
If so, how much sand would I need?

Cheers.

wallbash

I am a big fan of slablayer

http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/153707/?source=123_75

Problem with us amateurs when laying slabs is getting the things level ( or rather with a slight fall for drainage. ) Also ordering sand/ cement you order too much or even worst 'just' too little.

Back to slablayer , flatten earth , spread dry mixture , I do an area for a couple of slabs at a time , take as long as you need. Get it right .
Then water very gently , with a watering can fitted with a rose.
Place ( gently slab on sand) ..... job done.

I priced up slablayer against sand/cement ( plus del ) and as I could get the bagged mixture in the car , the price was acceptable . No waste.

If so, how much sand would I need?

my way the number of bags is easily worked out , chart on side of bag.

andygb

wallbash wrote: »

I am a big fan of slablayer

http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/153707/?source=123_75

Problem with us amateurs when laying slabs is getting the things level ( or rather with a slight fall for drainage. ) Also ordering sand/ cement you order too much or even worst 'just' too little.

Back to slablayer , flatten earth , spread dry mixture , I do an area for a couple of slabs at a time , take as long as you need. Get it right .
Then water very gently , with a watering can fitted with a rose.
Place ( gently slab on sand) ..... job done.



I priced up slablayer against sand/cement ( plus del ) and as I could get the bagged mixture in the car , the price was acceptable . No waste.

my way the number of bags is easily worked out , chart on side of bag.

Cheers Wallbash, as a matter of interest, how big was the patio and how many bags did you use?

gmgmgm

Check out the pavingexpert website- this should answer all of your questions. Brilliant resource.