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Help and advice
Constructing a paved area whether it is a patio or a driveway does not have to be outside the scope of the average D.I.Y. enthusiast. The following step-by-step guide is designed to help you create something special for yourself, which will not only be enjoyed by friends and family, but will also add value to the home.
Design and Planning
Start by sketching out the area to be paved showing dimensions and include such items as drains and height of damp proof course (if a paved area abuts a house then check with local building regulations, in most cases the finished ground level must be a minimum 150mm below d.p.c.). Other considerations are the fall of the paving to allow for surface water drainage, either into existing gulleys or into a soakaway directing the water away from the house; in most cases a fall of 1:100 is adequate.
Consider how much material has to be removed from the area to be paved in order to achieve you desired finished level. To calculate this the start level needs to be an average of 150mm below finished level, more for driveways or where the existing earth is soft. A sub base of crushed stone ( MOT ) or hardcore needs to be laid and compacted to a depth of approximately 75mm.The remaining 75mm is taken up with the flag itself (approximately 40mm.), and a bedding material (approximately 30mm.). The measurements given are a guide only, the lighter the traffic, then less hardcore, the heavier the traffic, then more hardcore. In fact in the case of a patio where the existing ground is clay, then there is no requirement for a sub base.
The actual design of the area to be paved is down to you, and you do have a lot of choices. You might want to consider employing a professional designer at this stage, it's certainly worth contacting one because their expertise can save you money in the long run. Consideration should be given to the choice of paving, the colour, type of edging, overall shape, the inclusion of any features, i.e. Circular paving, walling, steps, water features, decorative aggregates, and much more. Try to achieve a coordinated look to the design avoiding areas looking like afterthoughts.
Flag laying
Decide where to lay the first slab, this is usually a corner flag and probably at the highest point. Dependant on what laying pattern is used (in most cases random), it very often helps to use string and mark out the area to be paved, which helps to keep the joints at 90 degrees to each other. The bedding material for the paving needs to be a mixture of 6 parts sand to 1 part cement. Water and plasticizer are added to give a workable mix, neither too wet nor too dry.
Place a dab of mix in each corner of the area where the slab is to be laid, plus one in the middle. The size of the dabs should be such that when the slab is tapped down to the required level, they should all meet, keeping any air voids to the absolute minimum. The method of laying should be such that each flag must not bear any weight for at least one day. Care should be taken to ensure that the mix is kept off the surface of the paving because it cannot be removed once the cement has set. Aim to position each flag exactly first time. To do this do not apply excessive pressure on the flag, but by checking with a spirit level, gently tap the flag until the exact position is found.
In most cases, having to cut paving is inevitable and unavoidable. Prior to cutting, measure the size of cut required and mark the flag accordingly. The best method of cutting is to use a stone cutting angle grinder, adhering to all the safety instructions necessary.
Having completed all the laying, the next job is the pointing, and unlike all the previous stages this can only be done on a dry day. Building sand only should be used and mixed at a ratio of 4 parts sand to 1 part cement. Some water should be added but not too much as to make it wet. The total quantity mixed should be no more than it takes to point for approximately 30 minutes. With the use of a bricklayers pointing trowel, push the mix into the gaps to form a uniform surface to the pointing. The excess mix can only be brushed aside once it has lost its wetness, usually between 30 and 60 minutes. If wet pointing mix is brushed over the paving it will stain the flags and in most cases this cannot be removed.
All stone products whether natural or reconstituted are subject to weathering and as such periodic cleaning may be needed. In no circumstances must acid be used for this job, as it will attack the surface of the paving. It is recommended that a soap based solution is used, but consideration needs to be given to plants and animals. Generally speaking keep the cleaning to the absolute minimum. In some circumstances a sealer can be appropriate to apply, this will help to keep the paving clean and resistant to staining.
It is hoped the above advice is useful and that you will have many years enjoying the fruits of your own creative efforts.
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Hard Landscaping Made
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