New Build Garden Renovation

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Looking at changing our garden in our new build house that we've been in for two years. We're looking at replacing existing patio slabs and grass for new patio slabs with block paving borders, a section of artificial grass and decking at the end of the garden. Im getting together a materials list/items list so i can price the total job up, i'm wondering if anyone has any experience of the job listed and could give some light on potential things im missing.

Patio Slabs -

Weed Membrane
Weed Membrane Pegs/Nails
Patio Slabs
Hard Core Base
Mortar Tubs
Porcelain Primer? - Unsure what this is for
Grout? - Is this the same as above?
Wacker Plate
Skip
Usual Gardening tools for bringing up grass/mud
Block Paving Bricks

Artificial Grass - 

Artificial Grass
Terran Weed Membrane
MOT Sub Base
Grano Dust
Border to attach the grass to for the edges
Turf Cutter

Decking - 

Composite Battons
Sub Base? - What type
Weed Membrane
Composite Decking
Decking screws
Varnish/Paint

Anything ive missed please let me know! Thanks in advance

ArbitraryRandom

AFAIK (not a builder), the primer is something you paint on the slabs to stop them discolouring and also help them stick to the mortar on your prepared base; The grout is then what goes in between the slabs. I think it's because porcelain slabs (and some types of stone like slate) aren't very porous so sometimes don't bond well otherwise.  

If you are going for something like Indian sandstone slabs then I don't think you need it. 

You might also want to look into if hiring a mixer/mixing the mortar yourself with sand/cement is worth the time/effort for the cost of the pre-prepared stuff in tubs. Probably depends on the size of the area, but I think I've mostly seen people mix their own when working to a budget. 

-taff

Sorry to insert a duff note here but artificial grass is incredubly bad for the environment, both for it's manufacture and for you. It can get hot enough to burn in the sun. There are lots of alternatives, including recycled plastic ones, it all depends what you want to use that area for.

twopenny

You need an underlay for the artificial grass.

What's the drainage like in your garden? And the surrounding area.

I ask because the road I used to live in was ok until us oldies left and the young families paved for cars and convenience - along the whold flat road. Now it floods quite dramatically in winter.

You are aware that you need to sweep the grass regularly and weeds will grow? They'll need weeding out.

You may want to post on the DIY forum too as this is more a building job than a gardening one

I think there may be more building experience there.

FreeBear

-taff said:

Sorry to insert a duff note here but artificial grass is incredubly bad for the environment, both for it's manufacture and for you. It can get hot enough to burn in the sun. There are lots of alternatives, including recycled plastic ones, it all depends what you want to use that area for.

Even if the outdoor carpet (artificial grass) is made from recycled plastic, it is no better for the environment. Weeds will self seed in the stuff, and the roots will knit in to the fabric (and any weed membrane). As a result, when it comes to removing it, none of it can be recycled. So it ends up in landfill or burnt in an incinerator.

I would imagine that the existing slabs are already laid on a decent bed of hardcore - Probably bedded in on a layer of weak cement, or a bed of compacted sharp sand. List the old slabs, remove the top 25-50mm of bedding. Reinstate the bedding layer, and put the new slabs down on top. No need for a weed membrane.

Depending on the subsoil, the decking can go down on a well compacted base of MOT1 - Weeds will have a hard time growing through the stuff, but if you must, a weed membrane over the top will stop any from taking root. With composite decking, zero need for varnish or paints.

gwynlas

Decking is outdated needs a lot of maintenance and rats burrow underneath. You are far better off with paving or gravel  similarly for artificial grass which looking good when new is bad for environment as stated.

Dustyevsky

gwynlas said:

Decking is outdated needs a lot of maintenance and rats burrow underneath.

Did you read the spec? Composite decking, like Millboard, needs none. Might require a second mortgage, though! 

As for rats, they travel, so even if you have nowhere for them to live and nothing for them to eat, neighbours may provide. A friend was in that place, but the rats reckoned without meeting a farmer's daughter!

SteveSave24

gwynlas said:

Decking is outdated needs a lot of maintenance and rats burrow underneath. You are far better off with paving or gravel  similarly for artificial grass which looking good when new is bad for environment as stated.

I'd definitely agree. Paving all the way and real grass.

kiss_me_now9

Please reconsider the artificial grass. If your lawn is looking patchy and sad, it might have a leatherjackets problem (very common in new builds). This can be combatted with nematodes - https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/expert-advice/garden-management/pests-and-diseases/nematodes and you could consider reseeding with something like clover if you don't want to mow any more. 

Dustyevsky

kiss_me_now9 said:

Please reconsider the artificial grass.

OP hasn't returned to the thread for 10 days. Perhaps something made them reconsider MSE!

kiss_me_now9

Dustyevsky said:

kiss_me_now9 said:

Please reconsider the artificial grass.

OP hasn't returned to the thread for 10 days. Perhaps something made them reconsider MSE!

Oh dear, perhaps we scared them away