subject: A Guide For Getting That Patio Paving Correct [print this page] Wooden decking - so NoughtiesWooden decking - so Noughties. During the Teenies, the true players have gotten patios. A well fitted patio using good stone or slate will add hundreds of thousands to the resale value of your property. Well, maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but a crisp patio makes a garden and creates a multi-purpose space for potted plants, garden furniture, BBQs and loungers.
Now, the better way to get your patio laid is to pay another person to complete it. Of course. However, if you're still fit and active, possess a modicum of common sense and the time, nothing beats the satisfaction of building your own. Excellent in the smugness stakes when your mates come over for drinks in the evening.
Slate, sandstone, York stone and in some cases shaped concrete, the selection of paving stone is now endless. But cough up a bit of dosh for it. As in life, you will get what you pay for. It is my opinion a dark slate looks particularly nice in most gardens but you should do what you feel is correct, of course.
Whatever stone you use, the strategy is just the same.
The important thing to the success of this project and any other landscaping project is preparation. Take your time and do not rush. Preparation is where you will require to put in most of the effort. It's where the professionals spend time to acquire that fantastic finish. Start with the ground you're laying the patio onto. Get it absolutely even.
Materials you will will want are as fllows:
Hardcore (Sometimes called MOT type 1)
Building sand
Cement
Paving slabs (sandstone, York stone slate etc)
Tools you will want are as follows:
A Shovel, a rake, a wheelbarrow, wooden level pegs or stakes, a hammer, a spirit level, a long plank of wood, a vibrating plate (rent one), a cement mixer (rent one), a rubber mallet, a pointing trowel.
The procedure to follow is:
1. So, firstly, clear the area. Remove any turf, weeds, plants or old paving to a depth of about 15cm (6in). This will allow your patio to sit flush with the lawn. Now get your vibrating plate and give the area a once over. It will make it nice and flat.
2. Now you will require to create a solid surface for the slabs to sit on. Get a wheel barrow and cover the area with in a 5 to 8cm (2 to 3in) layer of hardcore. Use a rake to spread it evenly.
3. Get your vibrating plate out again and run it over the hardcore to compact and level it.
4. Right, if your patio is near to the house, you will require to generate a slight gradient (away from your house) to permit rainwater to empty off. So, get 10 or 20 wooden stakes (depending on the size of your patio) and spacing them evenly, hammer them into the earth so that the are all level. Now you will need your spirit level and a long plank of wood. Make sure that the stakes are all level to begin with by resting the plank across the stakes as they face from the home and putting the spirit level across it. Now knock the stakes furthest from the house further into the ground. You are looking to produce a steady gradient here for the rainwater to drain. Measure the gradient by placing the spirit level on the plank. Spend time getting this right. It is important for the finish.
5. Now, figure out the design you wish for the patio. If you want a random design, start fiddling with some slabs to work out which shapes work and interlock well together. If you want a regular pattern, make some measurements to make sure you've got enough slabs and you can avoid having to cut the stone.
6. Make life easy for yourself and hire an electric cement mixer. Now, make a mortar mix of 5 parts building sand to 1 part cement. Don't mix a lot to start with - it'll set in the event you leave it for too long. Mix mortar as and when you will want it. Spread a layer of mortar about 5 to 8cm (2 to 3in) deep, and place your slab onto it, tapping it down firmly using a rubber mallet.
7. Remember to leave a 1cm (in) gap between each slab. You will fill this with mortar later. Keep make use of the plank of wood and spirit level to ensure the slabs are level with the stakes you banged in the earth earlier and that you've still got your gradient.
8. Wash down the slabs you have laid and ensure you remove any splattered cement. Otherwise it will harden on the slabs.
9. Finally, fill the gaps between the paving slabs using a pointing trowel and the same mortar mix as you used before. Spend time to accomplish a decent finish.
Youre done - well done. You have done an excellent job here. Time to call your folks and get them round for that drink. Naturally, your real friends are already here helping you with your patio.
