

This piece of wood is known as a levelling shim. In our example in step 3, we calculated a fall of 12.5mm would be needed. Measure and cut a small strip of wood to the required drop in height of the patio per metre. This ensures that when the sub-base is laid, the gradual slope of the fall will be present in the sub-base. Hammer in the next row of wooden pegs in line with the first, exactly one metre away. Use a long piece of timber as a straight edge to make sure that all of the pegs are level with each other and remedy if not.

Hammer them in until the marked line is level with the excavated earth. Hammer a row of these marked pegs – spread at 1m intervals – across the highest side of the site. From the top of the peg, measure the depth of the sub-base (100mm) and mark a line clearly on the peg using a pen or pencil. Take a number of wooden pegs (600mm tall and pointed at one end is ideal – these can either be made or purchased). Peg out the final surface level of the sub-base. You can choose the slope direction if there are no walls on any side. If building a patio next to a house, garage or outbuilding, the paved area should slope away from the walls. Allow a total fall of 37.5mm from the highest point of the paved area to the lowest. This will give you the total difference in height required between the highest and lowest point of the patio.įor example, if you are building a patio 3m long with textured paving, you will require a fall of 12.5mm per m. 12.5 or 16mm) by the length of the sloping side of the paved area in metres (m). These paving slabs require a slightly steeper slope as they’re more likely to get slippery if surface water doesn't drain off quickly.

The fall is a slight slope across a paved area that helps surface water to drain away easily. You'll also need to calculate and mark out the fall. The first step in creating your new patio is marking out the space.

Sand buckets and shovels skin#
Sand buckets and shovels professional#
If you find buried pipes or cables, you can employ a professional to relocate these, or consider an alternative location for your patio. Pipes and cables should be buried a minimum of 450mm below the surface, but you can't always be certain that this is the case - especially with older properties. Before you start excavating the sub-base area, use a hired cable avoidance tool (CAT) to check for any underground pipes or cables for gas, water, electricity, telephone or drainage services.We recommend always working with a friend or family member to reduce the strain of lifting. If you are laying slabs 600 x 600mm or larger, you must have someone to help you lift and lay them. Ear defenders - when using the plate compactor and angle grinder.Steel toe-capped work boots - when using the plate compactor.Rigger gloves - for handling paving slabs.Angle grinder with stone-cutting disc - if cuts to the paving slabs are required.Cement mixer - ideal for larger paving projects.Plate compactor - also known as a wacker plate.Builders line - for marking out the site.Large builders square - also known as a folding square.Off-cut piece of timber - to protect the slab when laying.2 - 22millimetre (mm) timber or dowel off-cuts - used to make spacers for joints.Long timber straight edge - for ensuring your sub-base is level.Building sand - for jointing larger joints.Fine, kiln-dried block paving sand - for jointing 10mm or smaller joints.MOT type 1 hardcore or sub-base material.
