Laying a patio does not need a lot of time and is not too difficult. With our easy step by step guide you will have the patio you’ve always wanted in no time.
Step 1
Firstly, you need to clear the area where you want to build your patio on. It’s a good idea to dig down to about 15cm deep to allow for the crush concrete hardcore sub-base plus the depth of the paving slabs. If you are unsure, allow 10cm (approximately) for the sub-base and then measure the thickness of the paving slabs. It would be a good idea to use a rake to even out any bumps.
Step 2
It’s a good idea to use a wacker plate to compact the hardcore. This is not essential but it will help to stop the rubble moving while you lay the slabs.
Step 3
Then you need to hammer wooden pegs into the ground. They need to be at the same height to mark the level surface of the patio. Make sure they're level with any existing paving and manhole covers. You need to position several over the patio site to work with, using a spirit level to ensure they're even.
Step 4
Lay down the slabs (onto the dry surface) and re-arrange them until you have worked out the layout that you want. It might be a good idea to make a quick sketch of this if you are using random slabs.
Step 5
You then need to make a mortar mix. This should consist of % parts building sand to 1 part cement. Then lay the slabs onto a bed of mortar approximately 5cm-8cm deep fallowed by firmly pushing down on the slab or hitting with a rubber mallet to ensure it will be stuck in place.
Step 6
It is important to leave a 1cm gap between each slab (they will be filled in with mortar later on). As you progress, use a plank of wood to ensure that the slabs are level with the pegs you banged into the ground earlier.
Step 7
If you want a border around your patio, then edge the patio with paviours on a 5cm-8cm layer of mortar and butt them closely together. For a neat fit, it would be a good idea to use a hammer and bolster chisel to break paviours when necessary.
Step 8
Wash down the slabs when you have finished and make sure that you remove any splattered mortar before it hardens and stains the paving.
Step 9
You can then fill the gaps using a pointing trowel and the same mortar mix as before, try not to get any mortar onto the slabs as this will stain the slabs if allowed time to set.