Wooden decking - so Noughties. During the Teenies, the true players have gotten patios. A well fitted patio using good stone or slate will add millions to the resale value of your property. Well, maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but a crisp patio makes a garden and creates a multi-purpose space for potted plants, garden furniture, BBQs and loungers.
Now, the better way to get your patio laid is to pay for someone else to do it. Of course. However, if you're still fit and active, possess a modicum of common sense and the time, nothing beats the satisfaction of building your own. Brilliant in the smugness stakes when your friends come over for drinks on an evening.
Slate, sandstone, York stone and perhaps shaped concrete, the selection of paving stone is now endless. But cough up a bit of dosh for it. As in life, you will get what you pay for. I think a dark slate looks particularly nice in most gardens but you should do what you feel is correct, of course.
Whatever stone you utilize, the method is exactly the same.
The important thing to the success of this project and every other landscaping project is preparation. Take some time and do not rush. Preparation is where you need to put in most of the effort. It's where the professionals spend time to get that fantastic finish. Start with the earth you are laying the patio onto. Get it absolutely even.
Materials you will probably need are as fllows:
Hardcore (Sometimes called MOT type 1)
Building sand
Cement
Paving slabs (sandstone, York stone slate etc)
Tools you need are as follows:
A Shovel, a rake, a wheelbarrow, wooden level pegs or stakes, a hammer, a spirit level, a long plank of wood, a vibrating plate (rent one), a cement mixer (rent one), a rubber mallet, a pointing trowel.
The procedure to follow is:
1. So, firstly, clear the area. Remove any turf, weeds, plants or old paving to a depth of about 15cm (6in). This will allow your patio to sit flush with the lawn. Now get your vibrating plate and give the area a once over. It will make it nice and flat.
2. Now you will need to create a solid surface for the slabs to sit on. Get a wheel barrow and cover the area with in a 5 to 8cm (2 to 3in) layer of hardcore. Use a rake to spread it evenly.
3. Get your vibrating plate out again and run it over the hardcore to compact and level it.
4. Right, if your patio is near to the house, you will require to produce a small gradient (from your home) to permit rainwater to drain off. So, get 10 or 20 wooden stakes (depending on the size of your patio) and spacing them evenly, hammer them into the earth so they are all level. Now you will need your spirit level and a good plank of wood. Make sure that the stakes are all level to start with by resting the plank across the stakes as they face away from your house and putting the spirit level across it. Now knock the stakes furthest from your home further into the ground. You're looking to produce a gradual gradient here for the rainwater to drain. Measure the gradient by placing the spirit level on top of the plank. Spend time getting this right. It is vital for that finish.
5. Now, figure out the look you want for the patio. If you need a random design, start playing with some slabs to work out which shapes work and interlock well together. If you want an everyday pattern, make some measurements to make sure you've got enough slabs and you can avoid having to cut the stone.
6. Make life easy for you and hire an electric cement mixer. Now, produce a mortar mix of five parts building sand to one part cement. Do not mix too much to start with - it'll set if you leave it for too long. Mix mortar as and when you will need it. Spread a layer of mortar about 5 to 8cm (2 to 3in) deep, and place your slab onto it, tapping it down firmly with a rubber mallet.
7. Remember to keep a 1cm (½in) gap between each slab. You'll fill this with mortar later. Keep make use of the plank of wood and spirit level to make sure the slabs are level with the stakes you banged into the earth earlier and you've still got your gradient.
8. Wash down the slabs you have laid and ensure you remove any splattered cement. Otherwise it will harden on the slabs.
9. Finally, fill the gaps between the paving slabs by using a pointing trowel and the same mortar mix that you used before. Spend time to accomplish a pleasant finish.
You are done - well done. You've done an excellent job here. Time to call your folks and get them round for that drink. Obviously, your real friends are already here – helping you with the patio.
Author Resource:
My name is Stephen Drummonsy and hopefully I have given you some ideas over the years. There are plenty of ebooks and such stuff on the internet if you want to know more. You can always find me at Landscape Gardener London . If ever you need any further help.
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