Concrete based for patio

Type 901

Currently working on putting in a patio at the back and side of my house. There is an existing poured concrete slab outside the backdoor with narrower paths running left across the back and to the right down the side passage.

Plan at the moment is to extend this slab/paths out from back (approx 21m2 total area) and to the cover the side passage area (approx 29m2). This would give me uniform concrete base to lay granite paving for the patio area.

Space didn't need much digging as older decking was removed and soil is already compacted well. Plan to get 804 in and compacted. Issue now is the concrete, with about 3-3.5 cubic metres needed to cover and bring to height of existing with correct run offs.

With amount of concrete needed mixing myself is out (probably 52 bags of cement and 7 tonne ballast ). If I get ready mix I would only have myself and a friend to barrow in, and then tamper it correctly, so time issue here. Pumping could be tricky with the delivery and pump trailer finding space at the front of the house in a cul de sac.

Wanted to see if any other options before I go the concrete slab route. Say I get enough 804 compacted to bring level with existing slab. Then mortar/cement the paving on this. Would the patio be stable over this mixture of bases - concrete and compacted 804?

SEPT 23 1989

big enough job for DIY

Rows Grower

Get someone else to give you a hand, two lads on the wheelbarrows and one roughly spreading, then the three of ye finish it off.

The most important work is the preparation and you can do that in your own time, once the prep is done right it should be no bother for three men.

rje66

Why the need for concrete?. Most patios are laid on a compacted base of hardcore/804. Then laid on a wet mix of sand n cement or a compacted layer of paving sand. Is this not an expensive way to do it??

Type 901

Rows Grower wrote: »

Get someone else to give you a hand, two lads on the wheelbarrows and one roughly spreading, then the three of ye finish it off.

The most important work is the preparation and you can do that in your own time, once the prep is done right it should be no bother for three men.

Have the frame in place already, all square and levels/run offs correct. Getting another friend on board is tough with restrictions. Going to see if some of the mini mix companies do any barrow assist services to provide an extra pair of hands - seem to be popular in the UK.

Type 901

rje66 wrote: »

Why the need for concrete?. Most patios are laid on a compacted base of hardcore/804. Then laid on a wet mix of sand n cement or a compacted layer of paving sand. Is this not an expensive way to do it??

If the existing concrete slab and paths weren't there I would be just laying on compacted 804. But they are and my worry would be when the pavings down I come into issues/movement with the mixture in bases, for example a third the paving will be on concrete and 2 thirds on compacted 804..

rje66

Type 901 wrote: »

If the existing concrete slab and paths weren't there I would be just laying on compacted 804. But they are and my worry would be when the pavings down I come into issues/movement with the mixture in bases, for example a third the paving will be on concrete and 2 thirds on compacted 804..

I do this all the time , never had a problem. If you are raising the area by, say 150mm compact 804 in 2 goes of 75mm each. As extra insurance mix the laying course a little stronger. But I don't think this would be necessary.

Type 901

rje66 wrote: »

I do this all the time , never had a problem. If you are raising the area by, say 150mm compact 804 in 2 goes of 75mm each. As extra insurance mix the laying course a little stronger. But I don't think this would be necessary.

Good to hear possible! Assume I would need a single 3 or 4 inch block on the perimeter to keep the hardcore in place and allow to be compacted enough? Can the blocks be laid on the soil/hardcore or would you do anything more?

rje66

Type 901 wrote: »

Good to hear possible! Assume I would need a single 3 or 4 inch block on the perimeter to keep the hardcore in place and allow to be compacted enough? Can the blocks be laid on the soil/hardcore or would you do anything more?

This depends on how high the filling is going to be. If u are stepping down onto the lawn then a block/kerb of some sort would be needed. But if its level ,you could get a few metal or wooden pegs to hold a scaffold type board along the edge , fill in 804, compact, lay paving, remove board and concrete up the edge(haunch). This holds it all in place.

rje66

See here

DublinDilbert

rje66 wrote: »

See here

Did you just put the 804 down on the grass or did you remove the sod before putting down the 804? i'm looking at down one this summer, which will be built up about 150mm above where the current grass is, so not sure if should remove the sod and use more in-fill.

Fine Cheers

rje66 wrote: »

See here

Nice looking timber cladding on wall and shed ? What is it

rje66

DublinDilbert wrote: »

Did you just put the 804 down on the grass or did you remove the sod before putting down the 804? i'm looking at down one this summer, which will be built up about 150mm above where the current grass is, so not sure if should remove the sod and use more in-fill.

Yep,

rje66

Fine Cheers wrote: »

Nice looking timber cladding on wall and shed ? What is it

Micro shades, from timber ireland. Not the cheapest but worth it.

rje66

rje66 wrote: »

See here

Before n after