We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
building patio step

andrewf75
Posts: 10,424 Forumite


Hi all,
Have recently laid a patio and I now plan to build a simple step to the bifold doors. Pretty much like this one (from paving expert website)

First question: There is a 10cm gravel border. Can I lay the bricks at the house side on a mortar bed that is half on the slab and half on the gravel?
2nd question: Speaking to a mate, he suggested leaving a small gap to the wall just to be sure about damp issues. If I did that would there be an issue with the hollow step being open to rodents or anything else? or would you add another line of bricks so that the step is fully enclosed?
Appreciate any thoughts
Cheers!
Have recently laid a patio and I now plan to build a simple step to the bifold doors. Pretty much like this one (from paving expert website)

First question: There is a 10cm gravel border. Can I lay the bricks at the house side on a mortar bed that is half on the slab and half on the gravel?
2nd question: Speaking to a mate, he suggested leaving a small gap to the wall just to be sure about damp issues. If I did that would there be an issue with the hollow step being open to rodents or anything else? or would you add another line of bricks so that the step is fully enclosed?
Appreciate any thoughts
Cheers!
0
Comments
-
I have the same Andrew , i didnt leave a gap , the air bricks along the wall will do that job , i am unsure why you would need a small gap between the slab and the wall really...assuming the air brick isnt where the step is going
As for the gravel , i would have thought you would need a perfectly stable bed to lay ontoNever, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.0 -
Thanks. So fill the gap with concrete and allow to dry, then lay the bricks.
Yes, there doesn't seem to be a reason for leaving a gap not sure why he suggested that - he's pretty knowledgable about this kind of thing0 -
Personally I would leave a gap. The gap will stop penetrating and rising moisture potentially caused by the step bridging the dpm (so airbricks won't help in this regard).
Why not build a full rectangle of bricks rather than a 'U' ? will prevent the rodent issue.0 -
Personally I would leave a gap. The gap will stop penetrating and rising moisture potentially caused by the step bridging the dpm (so airbricks won't help in this regard).
Why not build a full rectangle of bricks rather than a 'U' ? will prevent the rodent issue.
Great, sounds like a plan. So to build a full rectangle of bricks I would need to basically fill the whole gravel border with concrete to support them. Any suggestions for that part? I have a load of sharp sand left over from doing the patio if that can be used.0 -
Personally I would leave a gap. The gap will stop penetrating and rising moisture potentially caused by the step bridging the dpm (so airbricks won't help in this regard).
Why not build a full rectangle of bricks rather than a 'U' ? will prevent the rodent issue.
That depends on how high the step is , mine doesnt bridge the DPCNever, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.0 -
It won't bridge the dpc, but will come up to just under it0
-
So why leave a gap ?
Mice get in the smallest spacesNever, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.0 -
Fair enough , i prefer mine flush but each to their ownNever, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.0
-
I'm leaning towards doing it flush I agree it will look better
What would I need to fill the gravel border?
Cheers0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 349.7K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 452.9K Spending & Discounts
- 242.7K Work, Benefits & Business
- 619.4K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.3K Life & Family
- 255.6K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards