Patio Sub Base

BassM

Quick question, currently building a new patio and trying to find a way of saving a bit.


For the sub base the cheapest MOT type 1 i found is £22 + VAT per tonne (not bagged).


I have been looking at crushed concrete (75mm to 40mm). Would be ok? is there another spec i should be looking for?


Advice greatlly appreciated.

Phil&Michelle

You don't have to use sub-base for patio but some people perfer too. They should be layed on concrete mix of sharp sand / cement. Don't make it too wet so its slightly crumbly. If you google "how to lay a patio" the first link should be Bradstones which shows you how. I would just level the soil jump up and down it to make sure its firm and flat.

Furts

75mm down will be useless for doing a patio because a patio has relatively little depth of stone. That is why Type 1 is a good idea. plus your price sounds acceptable. What were you expecting?

andrewf75

You do need MOT type 1 rather than crushed concrete because the mixture of sizes of particles from stones to dust is what allows it to pack down into a solid base. All will become clear when you run the wacker plate over it. The sub-base is very important so I would do it properly. £22 per tonne is good value. If you lay it without a sub base it won't last.

TheCyclingProgrammer

You won't find much better info than on this website:
http://www.pavingexpert.com/layflag1.htm

BassM

thanks for the advice guys. I suppose i was just trying to save as much as possible but knew the best way is MOT1.

TheCyclingProgrammer, I have seen that website before but not read in detail till now ... I think I should be ok, dug minimum 6 inches (150mm) and was hoping for minimum 75mm sub base, around 40mm bed and the stones vary a bit in thickness but around 25mm to 50mm (old reclaimed stones).

Ruski

Road scalpings offer a good alternative, see if your supplier does those loose by the tonne.

HTH

Russ