What does patio installation involve?
Patios are relatively simple to lay and can create the perfect transition between the home and garden.
Size and location
Before you start digging up your garden, you’ll need to consider the size and location. Do you want a spot that gets the afternoon sun, or are you looking for the perfect place for your outdoor plants?
You’ll also want to check that any pipe or cables are at least 450mm below the surface.
Sub-layer
Next, you’ll need to prepare the sub-layer for the patio slabs to sit on. This is an important part of the patio construction. Use wooden pegs and a line to layout your new patio.
When marking your sub layer, you’ll need to calculate the fall gradient to ensure good drainage. The ideal gradient is a 16mm drop per metre.
Calculate depth
The depth of the sub-layer will vary depending on how thick the new patio slabs are. Typically, a total depth of 175mm is sufficient. With 100mm of granular hardcore, 25mm of slablayer and 50mm of paving slabs.
Create your hardcore
Add the hardcore mix and rake until it’s roughly level. You can use wooden pegs to mark the height the hardcore mix needs to reach.
Slablayer
Then add a slablayer. This should be raked to a depth of around 25mm. Add a fine spray of water across the slablayer and rake again.
Lay the paving slabs
The key slab is the first slab to be laid and should be placed in the corner of the highest point of the patio. Dampen the underside of the slab and continue until complete!
Point the patio
Once all the slabs are down, you can point the patio. If the joints are less than 5mm in width, kiln-dried sand can be swept into the spaces. For medium joints between 5-10mm, you should use a dry mortar mix. A wet mortar mix is best for large joints of more than 10mm.
What are alternative patio materials?
There are a plethora of patio materials to choose from and each type can drastically change the look and feel of any outdoor space.
Concrete slabs are the cheapest option, but bricks, stone coins, and limestone flags are popular options for homeowners looking to add more character to their garden.
How do I find and hire a patio installer?
With My Local Toolbox finding a local patio installer is simple. Post your job and local patio installers could be in touch with tailored quotes.
Patio installation FAQs
How long does it take to install a new patio?
Usually, you can expect to lay a new patio in two to three days. If you’re replacing a patio, it may take a bit longer as you’ll need to clear the area and remove the old slabs.
How long does it take to replace a raised patio?
Because a raised patio requires a retaining wall to help build a level surface, and potentially steps, it can take a bit longer to create compared with a standard patio. However, the steps involved in creating the patio are roughly the same.
To get quotes from patio installers near you post a job now.