How to Build a concrete patio

[bally74]

We are looking to build a concrete patio. We decided on this route as we felt slabs or pavers a pain to remove weeds and possible shifting of levels and stubbed toes. We like the idea of a dyed concrete.
I got advice and a quote today and wondered if it was correct and a good price.
A minimix of concrete with fibres, apparently this stops cracks provided I cover it with plastic to stop it drying so quick.

Tamping and then trowel. I have no idea how to do this.

Adding a dye would cost £40 per metre and (although awaiting a more official price) £100 per metre for the concrete.

100mm deep concrete with 50mm hardcore below.

We are raising this up so I thought I would make a frame with 150mm wood that would stay in place and be used for screeding.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[wrathkeg]

http://www.pavingexpert.com/concrete.htm

And see the link near the bottom of that page for a pricing guide.

 

[bally74]

Good website but the pricing is just an excel calculator where I have to input the price per volume so still no idea on whether I have had a good quote or not.
Does sound that I could get away with not putting hardcore down though.

 

[wrathkeg]

I would have thought that the default costs for labour etc he has in the spreadsheet would be a good guide.

Or try getting more quotes (often easier said than done, in my experience).

 

[samm1978]

I know this isn't answering your question but I've seen some ppl create concrete driveways that they then imprint using this rubber template that creates the impression of cobblestones. I like the effect - really nice effect without the hassle. Maybe you could do this for a concrete patio?

 

[r896neo]

Be really careful trying to diy a concrete patio if you have no experience working with it.

Concrete can be a difficult material to work with and very difficult to do the final surface finishing well and you only get one chance.

Pouring a concrete floor levelish for a screed is a very different kettle of fish to a patio which needs correct falls and a powerfloated finish.

If its anything more than 10 -15m sq I would seriously consider getting a pro to do it.

Do you know anyone in the trade who could help with the floating?

What is your intended finish?

I don't mean to put you off it is certainly doable just consider it carefully

 

[bally74]

I have laid screed in the house before and foundations but this is probably 20 to 30 sqr metres. I guess the minimix is the ideal solution. I will be doing all the work. Finish wise. I will just float until until close to going off then perhaps use a textured roller. Im not fully sold but the other alternative is block paving and that seems more labour intensive both the original setting then aftercare.