Now that we are coming into the warmer months, many of us will be spending more time outdoors. One simple way to create a great outdoor space is by laying a new patio. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a tradesman that wants to expand your skills, this guide is for you! Here is how to lay a patio, step-by-step.
Firstly, you will need to gather the necessary tools and materials before you begin. Here at Fairwayrock.com we stock a range of high-quality suppliers and brands to help you keep costs down.
Tools:
And here are the materials that you need.
Materials:
- Paving slabs
- Cement
- Sand (use sharp sand for best results)
- Sub-base aggregate
Once you have gathered all of your tools and materials, it is time to move on to step one. Here is how to lay a patio!
Step One: Measuring the area
Before you start doing any digging, you should first measure the area and mark out exactly where the patio will be laid. This will help you keep track of the projects progress and will help gauge whether you need to stock up on more materials.
Step Two: Creating a smooth surface
Once you have measured out your area, remove any turf or old paving slabs and dig a depth of around 150mm across the entire area. Ensure that the soil is evenly compacted, then tip in the sub-base. Continue to add sub-base until you get a consistent depth of 100mm. Use your rake to level the sub-base and create a smooth, flat area for laying the paving slabs.
Step Three: Prepare your concrete
Now that you have created a smooth foundation, it is time to prepare your concrete. For this step you can either use a cement mixer like this Build Buddy 370W 230V Cement Mixer, or a large bucket. Prepare a concrete mix of three parts sand and one part cement, adding water until you achieve a dough-like consistency. You can test if the mixture is thick enough by picking some up and moulding it into a ball shape. When you let it go, it should retain its shape without dripping water or falling apart. You will require enough concrete to create a level 40mm layer.
Step Four: Laying your patio slabs
Firstly, remember to dampen your patio slabs with water before laying them so that they don’t dry out your concrete too quickly. You can now start by installing your first slab, laying it in the concreate mix and tapping it with the rubber mallet to set it in place. Make sure to space out your slabs evenly, leaving a 10mm gap between each. Use your spirit level after every slab to check if they are evenly laid. Once you have finished, spray your whole patio with water and leave it to settle for at least a day.
Step Five: Fill in the gaps
After at least a day has passed, use a trowel to fill in the gaps between the patio slabs with a concrete mix of four parts sand to one part cement (add water until you achieve the right consistency). Make sure to brush any excess off the slabs with a hard brush before it dries, then clean with a damp sponge. Leave this to settle for a further 24 hours, and then you are all finished and can admire your work!
We hope that you have found this guide on how to lay a patio helpful! You can browse our website here to discover all of the tools and materials you need. And don’t forget to follow us on our social media channels where we share industry-related products, news, guides and more. Find us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Tags: diy, garden, industry, outdoors, tools