building patio step

andrewf75

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!

Dan-Dan

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

andrewf75

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

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

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

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

andrewf75

It won't bridge the dpc, but will come up to just under it

Dan-Dan

So why leave a gap ?
Mice get in the smallest spaces

andrewf75

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

Fair enough , i prefer mine flush but each to their own

andrewf75

I'm leaning towards doing it flush I agree it will look better

What would I need to fill the gravel border?

Cheers