Raised flowerbeds question! any ideas?

[Dan240877]

I want to know if I can build a small raised bed on top of my patio slabs? It would only be about a foot high and around 7 foot long. Would the slabs act as foundations? Also I would like to use Breeze blocks and then render them nice and smooth - so they can be painted white. ...possible?

 

[Odd Job]

for me ( im only a DIYer) it would depend on the foundation under the patio slabs regarding roots more than wieght.

if i was building a bedding section and fillling with earth i would worry it would encourage roots from under the patios to grow through causing possible damage to slabs, have you got nearby trees or ivy bushes etc.

do you have to weed it much now?

regarding the wieght maybe you could use the thermolight blocks??

Sure someone will give you some more proffesional info soon.

 

[crazycanuck]

no problem although you might want to line with black plastic for weed control punch a few drain holes in base for heavy rains but not to many or you will be watering everyday during dry spells

 

[Thermo]

you can, providing they form a firm secure base. If they are bedded on sharp sand or are wobbly already, youd be better off taking a row of them up and pouring a shallow concrete foundation for them.

 

[Adillin]

You were saying about breeze blocks these may not be the best choice. You are able to pick up outdoor concrete blocks which are more subsepticale to the weather elements. I would also go for the black poly liner between the slabs and soil. As long as the slabs are well bedded in and are not raised from the ground it should be fine as a base.

Andy