Some DIY patio advice?

[Hpd]

Hi guys,

I’ve got a lawn that gets quite boggy and ideally I’d like to turn at least half of it into a patio, so just after some advice!

What’s involved firstly in terms of preparation? How much to dig away, what to put down as a sub base etc?

What sort of fall would a typical patio have? And any other tips or pointers would be great!

Thanks I’m advance

 

[Mr Chibs]

What are you having for your patio?

For Indian sandstone, I've used 100mm hardcore, whacker'd down, then around 50/60mm of bedding mix, 5:1 sharp sand to cement.
Use a full bed, not 5 spots.
Wash the back of the slabs, some use primer, some don't.

Fall, think 1:60 is average but around 10mm per meter seems OK to me, depends on conditions.

 

[mrrusty]

have a look here - advice for all aspects of paving https://www.pavingexpert.com/

 

[Hpd]

Thanks for the reply. Not sure yet but possibly the sandstone you mentioned. I’ll watch a load of YouTube videos to see if it’s something I feel able to do lol. How difficult is it? And does it take long? Vague questions I know but just figuring out if it’s possible for a DIYer

 

[Hpd]

have a look here - advice for all aspects of paving https://www.pavingexpert.com/

Ideal that’s what I’ve been looking for. Thanks

 

[mrrusty]

possible for a DIYer

definitely possible. You can hire gear like wackers of course. If you intend to do a fair bit of landscaping DIY the evolution disc cutters are good value to buy. https://shop.evolutionpowertools.com/collections/disc-cutters - extremely handy to have around.

 

[andycollins]

I'd can vouch for buying a wacker. I've hired one in the past for the odd job but decided to buy one as I had a load of jobs to do (patio, play area, drive, extension).

I went with a Hyundai in the end which has served me well: https://www.accolademowers.co.uk/pr...etrol-plate-compactor-wacker-196cc-86kg-420cm

You just need somewhere to store it!

 

[Hpd]

Thanks for the tips and the suggestions for tools. Very tempted to go for it!

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

I've had the usual natural riven faced sandstone before at a previous house. It looks nice but, whatever slope you have, water will collect in the natural dips so they will go green or black fairly quickly. It's not the biggest deal in the world, but it used to annoy the obsessive in me.

At the other end of the scale, polished stone can get slippery.

Next time round I'll be getting sawn or sand-blasted finish. It's easier to lay and looks blooming stunning when done right. I don't know how the price compares though, I could still be persuaded to get the riven faced if there's a huge difference.

Concrete can also look absolutely fine, if done carefully. They look much better if spaced apart and pointed, as you'd do for stone, instead of just bunging them next to each other.

Whatever you get, use a decent gradient level and some string line.

 

[berty3000]

I'm doing the same thing soon but using brick pavers, what people often use for driveways. Cheaper and easier to install, or adjust later.