DIY Patio Slabs Material Cost Underestimated

[Dave1UK]

We have a patio towards the end of the garden which is approximately 5m x 5m (25m²). It isn't close to the house. It currently has slabs (450mmx450mmx35mm) on it which were laid on a thin base of sand (1mm?) and just soil underneath, the soil is quite compact and hard if stepped on but not as much if you would dig a trowel into it. A handful of slabs have their corners cracked. There is also maybe a 10mm height difference with some as well.

This is a rental property, the landlord is aware of our improvement/fix plans so we have a budget but don't want to make a huge investment into getting this done as we plan to stay here maybe for another 5 years tops. Reason for fixing is as we have a toddler and want to just make the area more level and improve it slightly for the summer.

Initially wanted to DIY this properly (by the book) however now having checked the cost of MOT type 1/sharp sand and cement needed (used https://www.pavingdirect.com/info/patio-paving-calculators/). To get this done properly (delivery charges on top) it just wouldn't be feasible. We already have the replacement slabs (replace damaged ones) and all the necessary tools, except the wacker plate which I would hire for a day or two.

Given I wouldn't be using any MOT type 1 at all, is there any benefit to laying slabs on top of a 30mm mortar full bed? Or should I just stick to using sharp sand and levelling the slabs on top of that as they currently are?

 

[noseall]

Given I wouldn't be using any MOT type 1 at all, is there any benefit to laying slabs on top of a 30mm mortar full bed? Or should I just stick to using sharp sand and levelling the slabs on top of that as they currently are?

Full mortar bed - every time.

 

[mrrusty]

If it's on soil, you really do need a decent sub-base. From my merchant 3x grabs of MOT1 would be £120 ish with free local delivery. (you'd really need 3 bags). Check out your local builders merchants. There really is no point doing it unless you are going to do it reasonably properly.

30mm of concrete straight over soil is probably still going to crack and shift. Over well wacked MOT you would get away with 20mm full bed.

 

[SFK]

For you as a renter, I would simply place the slabs on the soil.

Keep your hard earned money for your deposit so you can buy yourself a house asap.

 

[Dave1UK]

If it's on soil, you really do need a decent sub-base. From my merchant 3x grabs of MOT1 would be £120 ish with free local delivery. (you'd really need 3 bags). Check out your local builders merchants. There really is no point doing it unless you are going to do it reasonably properly.

30mm of concrete straight over soil is probably still going to crack and shift. Over well wacked MOT you would get away with 20mm full bed.

Bulk wise it would be cheaper however haven't got a front drive, permit from council to keep that material on the road wouldn't be cheap even for a day I think? It would also take me a hell of a lot of wheelbarrowing to transfer that into the garden even for 1 jumbo/bulk bag (800kg).

 

[Dave1UK]

For you as a renter, I would simply place the slabs on the soil.

Keep your hard earned money for your deposit so you can buy yourself a house asap.

Wise words, unfortunately that won't be an option anytime soon, not in London anyway!

 

[mrrusty]

not in London anyway

Ask yourself what keeps you in London. My Son is there and I visit regularly, but you would have to pay me to live there. Have a look at West Lancs. Plenty of jobs around and 3 bed semis £150-200K

 

[noseall]

West Lancs

Nice golf course and is on our (golf club) reciprocal list.