Patio area help

spadoosh

Sorry ive put it in here as it seems more DIY than greenfingered, hope thats ok?

Im looking for advice for a patio area. The house is surrounded by a 3-4ft concrete path. Beyond that is grass. Im looking at installing a patio area that extends roughly 6ft beyond the concrete. The grass is pretty unlevel and varies from 1-6 inches higher than the concrete currently seperated by a 1-2ft crumbling brick wall.

My first thought was slabs but i think that has the potential to cause problems with the damp proof course (im sure ive read it should be so high above ground). Next thought was decking (although i dont really like it) and the next thought was pattern imprinted concrete (dont mind the look) but again might cause issues with DPC and will cost $$$?

As usual, id like an easyish option, a cheapish option and one that wont cause issues going forward.

Is there any expertise in this area?

Im planning a play area for little one, that will probably be about as wide as the concrete path, so this can cover the concrete and patio area solely on the grass but i would like them to be 'linked' and flow ok. Any ideas? Im not too great with garden design.

TheCyclingProgrammer

First step: remove the concrete path. Do a test dig to see how deep it is - probably not very. You can save money by digging it up your self.

You can then properly excavate to the correct depth to allow a properly prepared sub-base for your patio without risking bridging the house DPC.