Slab or slate?

[Deleted User]

Shubs, ground cover plants beneath front window have been removed. An area 11ft x40", ideal for seats. Unsure about using slabs (how many?) or slate which covers much of front garden. Cost important. 

Davesnave

You probably mean crushed slate, as the alternative whole stuff like slabs isn't in the running if cost is important.

Personally, I'd go for slabs, being a firmer base for seating. Costs vary tremendously, and for slabs you need a sub base. We don't know whether this is a self build or a 'get someone in' job so the pros and cons are hard to weigh.

[Deleted User]

Davesnave said:

You probably mean crushed slate, as the alternative whole stuff like slabs isn't in the running if cost is important.

Personally, I'd go for slabs, being a firmer base for seating. Costs vary tremendously, and for slabs you need a sub base. We don't know whether this is a self build or a 'get someone in' job so the pros and cons are hard to weigh.

Our son is recovering from health issues and disnt leave house. I suggested he try to create that area for a bench. It needs to be cheap. Yes, it's broken slate in the main, garden, with huge rocks as centre piece. I suggested he asked someone to give a price. 

[Deleted User]

hope this helps 

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User] said:

hope this helps 

The recess is now clear and the slate in forground is weed free. This streetview pic

Ebe_Scrooge

As per the previous comment, slabs will give you a firmer base for seating.  You'll need a sub-base, but it doesn't need to be anything like as robust as what you'd need for a drive-way for instance.  The slabs themselves will vary quite a bit in price, but plain concrete slabs are cheap enough.  I know you said you'll be looking for quotes, but it's not a difficult DIY job - although I appreciate that if your son has health issues then he may not be up to it.  However, if you or a friend/family member want to give it a go to keep costs down, there's loads of really useful guides here: www.pavingexpert.com

The crushed slate option is somewhat simpler - clear the area, lay down some decent-quality weed-proof membrane, chuck the slate on top and job's a good-un.  It comes down to price, practicality and personal preference.  For the area you're talking about, neither option should be particularly expensive, especially if you're able to draft in some help to DIY it.

Black_Cat2

Hi copter, have you left the little pinky looking bush at the front in?  Looks pretty from what I can tell, not sure what it is?   A bench or other seating will look great and help your son with somewhere to escape to.  Gardens/outdoor places are a god-send, especially for those with health issues. 

These times are crap, I wish you and your son the best and good luck with your choices - would love to see a pic when it's finished 🐈

twopenny

You could have both if you choose the colours carefully.

Much as I'd love some of the smart paving, the slabs are easy to walk on and non slip.

Current trend is to lay grey slabs (oblong) with an irregular border at front and infill the rest with slate.

Davesnave

That's a great little alcove. If I wanted a bench there, a few strategically placed slabs, levelled with a weak dry sand/cement mix could go where the legs would be, then fill in around  them with slate chips.

Apodemus

Davesnave said:

That's a great little alcove. If I wanted a bench there, a few strategically placed slabs, levelled with a weak dry sand/cement mix could go where the legs would be, then fill in around  them with slate chips.

Yes, I "temporarily" installed an arbour on four suitably-levelled quarry tiles simply placed on bare earth...eight years ago!  Since it has stayed firm and level, it hasn't been calling out to me to go back and do the job properly!

wort

You can sometimes get slabs on freegle or have a wander round local area see if anyone is taking up 2 x2 s and having fancier paving put in, they would let you have the old ones save taking them to the tip. Or ask on face book see if any one is getting rid of any left overs from work done in summer.  I know whilst out walking over summer loads of people having garden done.