Whats the least back breaking way to lay a patio?

happypeter · 16 Aug 2020

Hi,

The last time I used the old 600 X 600 slabs and it almost killed me. Can anyone give any tips as to what method / materials make the job a little easier?

I've seen porcelain paving described as 'lightweight' but not sure I believe it.

thanks

Tigercubrider · 16 Aug 2020

Pay someone else

mattylad · 16 Aug 2020

Tigercubrider said:
Pay someone else

What ^^^ said.

ETAF · 16 Aug 2020

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Ark-Silver-Matt-Glazed-Outdoor-Porcelain-Tile-600-x-600mm/p/223568
32Kg each

Paving slabs
https://www.wickes.co.uk/Marshalls-Richmond-Smooth-Buff-Paving-Slab-600-x-600-x-38-mm/p/153361
32Kg

you can get light weight slabs as well
https://www.tilemountain.co.uk/tiles-for-other-rooms/p/surface-outdoor-mid-grey-porcelain-slab.html

and some companies have lighter versions

Or
concrete it all and stamp a pattern into it

whatever method , going to be back breaking

EddieM · 16 Aug 2020

Annoying, others got in first with the correct answer

happypeter · 17 Aug 2020

Tigercubrider said:
Pay someone else

This a DIY forum so clearly I've decided against this

For anyone else finding this thread by searching..

Vitrified porcelain seems to be the best option. At 20mm thick manufacturers claim they are lighter than traditional slabs.

Block paving is also far easier to lay although not suitable for my needs

Keithmac · 18 Aug 2020

Is lighter always better or will they be easier to crack if something drops on them?.

OwainDIYer · 19 Aug 2020

happypeter said:
The last time I used the old 600 X 600 slabs and it almost killed me. Can anyone give any tips as to what method / materials make the job a little easier?

Two people, and a paving slab lifter. Even better is a vacuum lifter.

https://www.speedyservices.com/73_5405-h-handyman-vacuum-lifter

Munroast · 19 Aug 2020

I made my own crane

happypeter · 20 Aug 2020

OwainDIYer said:
Even better is a vacuum lifter.

https://www.speedyservices.com/73_5405-h-handyman-vacuum-lifter

Wow never even thought such a thing existed! My speedy account says I can hire it for £120 a week not bad

happypeter · 20 Aug 2020

Munroist said:
I made my own crane

Thats genius love it!

lonner · 20 Aug 2020

Technique is everything when laying slabs.

Let the slab take the weight, walk the slab, rocking corner to corner.

Place slab on edge of laid slab , slab standing up and lower it into place, adjust with trowel or shovel to get gaps correct.

Repeat

Ian H · 25 Aug 2020

What about the 4 size sandstone? You get a heat 3x2 then a break while you lay the 3 smaller ones.

happypeter · 25 Aug 2020

Ian H said:
4 size sandstone

I do like the look of them and at 20mm thick they can't be too heavy. Any idea of the weight of the larger ones?
ta

Ian H · 25 Aug 2020

I got a 19mtr pallet and it weighed 1000kg so maybe around 25kg for a 3x2?

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Whats the least back breaking way to lay a patio?

EddieM

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