The mortar mix should consist of five parts building sand and one part cement. Then, lower your first paving slab into position. In order to achieve professional looking results, it is essential to install a paver border, whether it is the same blend as your field pavers or not. Design your patio stone layout before getting started. It may seem something that is obvious, but it’s something that is often forgotten in the excitement of choosing materials and furniture for your new patio. James Allan of Puma Landscaping gives us his advice in this complete beginners guide to laying a new patio. Once all of the stones have been laid, then it’s time to start edging. To check the mix is thick enough, pick some up and mould into a ball. You should then add water to this in order to create a doughy mix. Because they’re the same thickness, they’re easy to put down too, making them perfect for beginners who have never laid a patio before. After you get the hang of the first few, the rest of your patio … Another consideration is privacy. Never done anything like this before? A patio … These only have to be small but let you enjoy your garden to its fullest. If there are only minor alterations needed to be made to your paving slabs than a traditional hammer and chisel should suffice. Then, lower your first paving slab into position. Once you’ve laid your patio, spray the whole area with water until it’s completely saturated, and leave it to set for at least 24 hours. Make sure it’s smooth, flat and firm. Although building your patio over a concrete slab helps to ensure it won't settle unevenly later, you can build a patio without cement. To give you an idea, for a patio that is big enough for a table enough for four people, 3m x 3m is adequate. We’ll assume that you’ll be using paving stones as these are by far the most popular option for those people wanting to lay their own patio. Outline Your DIY Patio and Remove the Sod. The size of the patio determines the amount of concrete required and whether you will need a mixer. Lay it into the concrete mix and gently tap it with a rubber mallet so it’s fixed in place. Inspiration, keyboard_arrow_left You’ll need to make enough concrete to make an even 40mm layer in the patio bed. The size and shape of your patio will dictate how much preparation your stones will need. I repeated this step 5 times, watering … The coating needs to be reapplied every two years to ensure it does not lose its colour. Natural stone is a more expensive option due to the fact that it is quarried and there are transportation costs too. Step 4. Once the edges have been completed, it’s worth cleaning down all of the slabs and edges to make sure you remove any mortar spills before they harden. Laying patio slabs Make a mortar mix – five parts building sand to one part cement. You may wish to locate your patio in a more private area of your garden away from neighbours. Step 1: Lay and Compact the Gravel Base Your patio needs the support of a gravel paver base. Then, leave the mortar to dry for at least 24 hours. The first step is to lightly spray down the road base with water to trap the dust and bind it with the stones, Then go over the whole area with the compactor. How to Lay Slabs. Before even thinking of laying paving slabs, you need to prepare your patio area. Calculate the total area of your patio in square metres. Our Products, keyboard_arrow_left This … This should be to a depth of approximately 5 – 8 cms. The step-by-step video tutorial is intended for both complete beginners, and those with only a little experience, making laying a patio a breeze. Still, if you want to try a small, forgiving project, consider building a sand-based patio yourself. Perhaps the best option is the basket weave, which is decorative and eye-catching but also very easy to install. Then, you might want to create a decorative border by digging a gutter around the perimeter, and filling it with some sea washed aggregate or black polished pebbles. No problem. There are lots of types to choose from depending upon the look you want for your patio. By laying flagstone, tile, brick or other sturdy, flat pavers on a well-prepared base, your patio … Use blocks of wood and a hammer/mallet to align and lay your … There are many reasons why this is such a popular choice, it being very convenient and making it easy to come and go with food and drink from the kitchen. In this video we show you how to pour your basic 16 x 12 Concrete Slab! For example you could have a west facing patio in one part of the garden to enable you to enjoy sitting in the sun on a summers evening and another patio placed elsewhere to enjoy a quiet morning breakfast. While you are doing this, you should remove any plants or former paving that is present. Keep in mind to leave 1 centimetre between each unit. Then tip in the sub-base, raking it into a consistent depth of 100mm. Slope the entire area slightly toward the direction in which you want water to run off the patio pavers. Wondering which type of sand to put with cement for your concrete mix? It’s perfect for patios and gardens, and will prevent moles or rats from tunnelling underneath the paving slabs. Mark off the specific width and length of the patio with small dowels and rope. keyboard_arrow_left The Difference Between Halogen / Quartz / Tungsten / Short / Medium / Far Infrared Patio Heaters? When you let go, it should retain its shape without oozing water or falling apart. If you’re upgrading paving slabs that are already in place, dig these up before beginning. Pointing is the next step. Once you are happy with this, laying some hardcore is the next step. We use cookies to help give you the best experience possible. Dig up the ground. Once you’ve done this, you need to start digging the area to an approximate depth of 15cm. Brick patios were once very popular and they do look fantastic. You can use a wheelbarrow for this but if the patio you are building is of a decent size, it’s worth investing in hiring a cement mixer. Measure down from the string all around the patio space… The first thing you need to do is to make a mortar mix that will secure the slabs in place. Step 2: Measure Up The final part of laying a patio is applying the finishing touches. A slab is a structural element used for flooring (similar to tiles but larger in size and usually made of concrete instead of ceramic). A good compromise is to have one patio adjoining your house and have additional, smaller patios and seating areas around the garden. Lay down a mortar of about 5 cm in depth before you pace the patio stones on top. You can lay slabs for paving hard … If you’ve done all of your planning and preparation correctly, then laying your patio slabs is relatively straightforward. Leave for 24 hours and now you have a fantastic new patio. You can use a cement mixer, or a large tub or bucket. The mortar mix should consist of five parts building sand and one part cement. You should then add water to this in order to create a doughy mix. We go over all the necessary steps for your concrete slab to come out perfect! However, it’s a price worth paying if you want that fantastic, natural patio look but remember it is one of the more difficult DIY options. After cutting your designed paving slabs, you should ensure that the first piece you lay down is perfectly aligned with the string guideline. However, it doesn’t have to be the case and there may be a reason to situate your patio elsewhere. Here’s how to lay a patio for beginners in 6 easy steps. If you need to cut some, then you can do this yourself if you are confident with using a disc grinder. And if you size the patio to fit the bricks, you shouldn't have to cut any. Next, use a spirit level to check that the area is completely flat and that the soil is equally compacted across the entire area. Repeat this process, leaving a 10-15mm gap between each paving slab, until your patio is covered. Prepare a concrete mix of three parts sand and one part cement, adding water to create a doughy consistency. Gas & Electric Patio Heaters and Everything Outdoors! Add Landscape Fabric to the Patio Base. Outdoor Heater & Garden Heating – Patio Heaters vs. Fire Pits vs. Chimineas – Which Is Right for You? By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Our Wall Blocks, Pavers and Edging Stones Guide can give you more details on paving stones. Edging. See how they lay a patio, in the video tutorial! However, if you are not, it’s worth getting them professionally cut as disc grinders can be lethal in inexperienced hands. Installing a border around paver patio. After laying … To give the patio a nice framed feel, place the outer row perpendicular to the inner rows. If you’ve used spacers between the slabs, these should be removed, then it’s just a question of applying the mortar. The first thing you need to do is to make a mortar mix that will secure the slabs in place. Lay the pavers as closely together as you can and use a rubber mallet to seat them into the sand. Laying a patio is a big job, and making a mistake can not only hit you financially, but if can also mean the difference between success or failure. Planning is critical if for any do-it-yourself project, but it is particularly critical with a large project like laying a patio, especially if you have never done it before. Starting at a patio corner, lay out the paver stones one by one. Thinking about laying a new patio? Enable registration in settings - general, Laying a Patio for Beginners – How To Guide & Tutorial. You can use a wheelbarrow for this but if the patio you are building is of a decent size, it’s worth investing in hiring a cement mixer. About Us, keyboard_arrow_left If you do choose concrete, then be aware that there are maintenance issues to consider. Patios are nearly always next to the house. Depending upon exactly what sort of patio you ayre laying and its size will dictate the exact tools for the job, but the following list should cover you for most eventualities: The next stage is to prepare the site and the stones/slabs that you will be using. The weight and hardness of patio materials can make building one a challenge for the novice. Step 5. To get the best results, use sharp sand. If you want a completely natural look, then you have to consider natural stone. Before starting to lay the pavers in place, snap chalk lines along the edges of the patio to ensure the paver rows stay straight. Try not to spill any onto the stones but if you do, this can be easily brushed off and then cleaned with a damp sponge. Before you can start laying patio slabs, you need to dampen them so they don’t dry out your concrete too quickly. … If you're looking to make a small change to your patio and update what is currently there, then here is the guide you need. Preparing the base. This will help you keep the patio aligned as you lay each of the stones. The first thing you need to do is to mark out where you intend your patio to be built with pegs and string. More complex … For more information on laying block paving, check out our video guide on how to lay patio slabs below: How to choose the right paving for your garden, Lay paving slabs 15mm into the concrete with a 10-15mm gap, Fill the gaps between the paving slabs with concrete mix. Lay it into the concrete mix and gently tap it with a rubber mallet so it’s fixed in place. Add the gravel in 2- to 3-inch layers, wet it and run the plate compactor over it. Concrete is perhaps the least exciting option, but it can be spruced up with a stamped pattern that is dyed with a colouring agent to give it a more natural look. This can be bought from all good builders merchants and you should ensure that you level the hardcore with a good quality plate compactor. When setting the stones, place them straight down into the sand and fit them … However, there are maintenance issues that mean many people are put off to using it. Lay the pavers into place. Once you are happy with how your patio is going to look and how big it’s going to be, it’s time to think about what equipment you will need. Use a small level to … If there are some softer spots, you may need to add some more soil to ensure the area is as complicated as the rest. Always start from one corner and tap the slabs down firmly with a rubber mallet. How to Add Stairs to Your Deck Building deck stairs will provide … This is essentially filling in the gaps between the stones with mortar using a trowel. To lay a solid base for your paving slabs, you first need a layer of hardcore to a depth of about 50mm to 80mm over the area of your patio. Work as if you're starting at the tip of a triangle and working out. The location is also important. You want to choose a mostly even area so you don't have to level the uneven ground before you lay … It also saves you, your family and your friends having to walk across (possibly) wet and muddy grass. The answer to this question should help you to dictate the exact size of patio that you require. Bricks can be laid in a variety of different patterns. Is it going to be a space for family gatherings or is it going to be an ‘outdoor room’ for dinner parties and entertaining lots of guests? Often, the area next to the house may not have the best aspect. After deciding where you are going to lay your patio, formulate a plan. Top 10 Biggest & Best Roller Coasters in the UK, 10 Inspiring Garden Patio Paving Ideas for 2020. How Long Does a Gas Bottle Last in a Heater? Dirt That Can Cheer You Up: Mycobacterium Vaccae-Rich Soil. Help & Support. If the patio is too large in area, it might not be an easy DIY job. There’s also the fact that it takes longer to lay down. For further information on the types of cookies we use, please see our privacy policy. Welcome to PatioMate, we're here to provide you with honest reviews, deals and discounts on your next patio heater or anything for the garden! Read Planning for a Paver Patio … Lay a board... A level perimeter string will come in handy here. Now it’s just a case of finding that perfect patio furniture and you may want to consider patio heating and lighting options. Press them into the sand as you lay them. Because a patio is a place to enjoy socialising with friends and family, you want to be in the best position to sit back and relax in your surroundings. As well as choosing the size and shape of your patio, the decision as to what materials you use will have a major impact on how your patio will finally look. If you’re laying a small patio, do this in a wheelbarrow, for larger areas it’s worth hiring an electric … Ideally it wants to sit 15mm in the mortar. Before you start laying the border course, it will be necessary to re-layout your patio … Is it going to be a small, cosy area for just two people to enjoy? Ideally it wants to sit 15mm in the mortar. If you’ve done all of your planning and preparation correctly, then laying your patio slabs is relatively straightforward. If you'd like to use the space underneath your deck for storage but don't want the area to look cluttered and unattractive, install lattice walls. Before you can start laying patio slabs, you need to dampen them so they don’t dry out your concrete too quickly. Your edging should be laid down on a mortar foundation like the stones but this time, there will be no gaps left and they should be placed closer together, using a rubber mallet to ensure this is the case. The pattern is strictly for looks, and the brick surface will perform the same regardless of the pattern. Upgrade Your Backyard with an Easy DIY Patio in 6 Simple Steps 1. Lay down the mortar of around 5 centimetres in depth before placing the patio stones on its top. 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Because brick is porous and retains moisture, in freezing weather, it can crack, which means it has to be replaced. This can mean significant ongoing costs. Lay a garden hose on the ground or use stakes and string to define the... 2. The most popular and a good budget option, paving stones are now available in a wide range of colours and patterns, meaning that if you can’t afford to get genuine natural stone, you can get that sort of look at a lower budget. The first thing to think about is the purpose of your patio. If you need to break the edging stones to ensure they fit, a hammer and chisel will be fine for this job. Use a trowel to fill the gaps between your paving slabs with Marshalls Weatherpoint 365, ensuring there’s no residue on the slabs’ surface. If you want a decorative look that's easy to install, consider stamped pavers that look just like stone. Step 1: Plan Start from the corner and use a rubber mallet to tap down the slabs firmly. What Should You Do With Your Old Paddling Pool, Inflatable or Bouncy Castle? Measure twice, lay once and use premium materials to prevent moss and weeds growing! For beginners, it makes sense to use a simple pattern that requires little or no cutting of bricks. Continue … Line the excavated area with landscape fabric… The mortar mix is exactly the same as before (one part cement, five parts sand, mixed with water). Gorgeous Patio Paving Ideas to Help Inspire You! You should leave about 1 cm gap between each slab and if you’re not confident you’ll get the spacing even, then you can get special spacers for this. Dig a depth of around 150mm across the whole area, making sure the soil is evenly compacted. Remove any turf, plants or paving and dig down to a depth of about 150mm to allow for the foundations.