Chase Landscapes a member of RatedPeople.com show us how to lay a patio. Find out more here: [ Ссылка ] ‎

Preparation

1. Mark out the area to be paved with string and pegs - check the corners are at right angles by using a builders' square
2. Clear an area slightly larger than that to be paved, excavating to a depth of 150mm
3. Base out with hard core (50-80mm deep), level and compact with a wacker plate

Tip: if the patio is next to your house, the surface needs to be laid at least 150mm below the damp proof course.

Laying the patio slabs

1. Mix mortar, either by hand in a wheel barrow or for larger areas hire an electric mixer, with 5 parts sand to 1 part cement and add water to create a stiff-ish mix
2. Covering the area for one slab at a time, lay about 50mm deep of mortar on top of the prepared base
3. Ripple the surface of the mortar with a trowel - this will help when levelling the slabs
4. Lay the slab, gently, on the bed of mortar and tap down, if necessary lift the slab to add more mortar
5. Put spacers between the joins to ensure equal gaps between the slabs
6. Use a spirit level to check the patio is flat, but remember that you need a sufficient fall to allow water to drain away - approximately 25mm over 1.5m (or 1:60)

Tip: slabs in plain white colours will make a space look bigger
Finishing touches

1. Avoid walking on the patio for a few days to let the mortar set
2. Mix a dry mortar mix of 1 part cement and 1 part sand, brush the mix into the gaps
3. Compact the mortar with a pointing trowel or a piece of wood and brush away an excess that may stain the slabs
4. Lighting hose down the slabs to remove any residue and allow to dry

Tip: for the a high quality finish employ a qualified landscaper, like Bobby from Chase Landscapes.

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