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Question: Patio
What is the best method of construction for a patio with a step by step guide.

Answer

A lovely patio is usually right at the top of most DIYers' wish lists this Easter. This is a kind of multi-space which can be used to entertain, or maybe a place just relax with your family and friends.

Patio

This step-by-step guide to laying a lovely new patio, and I hope will help you achieving a quality finish. The most important factor to the overall success of this project is the preparation. If you take the time to get your groundwork's even as possible at the start, and also lay a base of hardcore, you cant go far wrong.

The first thing you must do is remove any grass, plants or paving to a depth of about 15cm (6in) to allow room for the hardcore, mortar and paving slabs. When this task is completed it time to barrow in the hardcore to a layers of about 5-8cm or (2-3in). With the aid of a rake now distribute it, and even out all lumps and bumps. This use of hardcore will help to form a very solid base for the patio.

I would strongly recommend you use a wacker plate to level out the ground. This machine is generally used to compact the sand base of driveways, it's also great for removing any lumps and bumps in the uneven ground.

Now using wooden pegs hammer same into the ground to the same height as the level surface of the patio, and you need to make sure they are level with any existing paving and manhole covers. Position several all over the patio area for you to work with, using a spirit level to ensure they are all even.

If you tend to build your new patio next to your house, it's important to include a slight gradient away from the building, so that rainwater can simply runs off into an area where it can be soaked away.

Now if you have chosen a design, start laying slabs on the finished ground to help work out which shapes work best together. Alternatively, you can cut out pieces of paper to represent scaled down slabs and this way work out a design on your scaled down plan.

Now its time to start the mortar mix this is five parts building sand to one part cement. If you're only laying a small patio, you could do the mixing in the likes of your wheelbarrow; alternatively it'll be quicker and easier to hire an electric cement mixer. Mix more mortar as and when same it is required.

Lay each slab on a bed of mortar that's about 5-8cm (2-3in) deep, tapping it down firmly with a rubber mallet or pressing down firmly with your hands.

You will require leaving approximately 1cm (½in) gap between each slab, which you can fill in later with mortar. As you progress, use your spirit level or a straight edge to ensure all slabs are laid level to the wooden pegs you placed into the ground at the start of this project.

All now should be left is to fill in gaps between the paving slabs using a pointing trowel and the same mortar mix as you have been using. Try not to get any mortar on the slab surfaces, as this will tend to stain if it's allowed to set.

Now wash down the area very carefully, making sure you remove any excess mortar before it can harden and stain the paving.

Now that's a project very well done! Now simply enjoy choosing your garden furniture, then sit back and relax in the knowledge that you've created a professionally finished patio you and your family can now enjoy.