building patio step

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)

step01.gif

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!
«13

Comments

  • Dan-Dan
    Dan-Dan Posts: 5,272 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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 onto
    Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
  • andrewf75
    andrewf75 Posts: 10,424 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts
    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 thing
  • DRP
    DRP Posts: 4,287 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    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.
  • andrewf75
    andrewf75 Posts: 10,424 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts
    edited 24 April 2015 at 12:44PM
    DRP wrote: »
    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.
  • Dan-Dan
    Dan-Dan Posts: 5,272 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    DRP wrote: »
    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 DPC
    Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
  • andrewf75
    andrewf75 Posts: 10,424 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts
    It won't bridge the dpc, but will come up to just under it
  • Dan-Dan
    Dan-Dan Posts: 5,272 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    So why leave a gap ?
    Mice get in the smallest spaces
    Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
  • andrewf75
    andrewf75 Posts: 10,424 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts
    Dan-Dan wrote: »
    So why leave a gap ?
    Mice get in the smallest spaces

    If I leave a gap I will do a full rectangle of bricks so not an issue.
  • Dan-Dan
    Dan-Dan Posts: 5,272 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Fair enough , i prefer mine flush but each to their own
    Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
  • andrewf75
    andrewf75 Posts: 10,424 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts
    I'm leaning towards doing it flush I agree it will look better

    What would I need to fill the gravel border?

    Cheers
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

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

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.