Preparing a base for a patio

1. Set out and dig

Mark the area, then dig deep enough for the total build-up: paving thickness, bedding layer and compacted sub-base. Remove topsoil, roots and anything soft. Keep the excavation square and slightly larger than the finished patio.

2. Deal with soft ground

Over clay, made ground or soft spots, a geotextile membrane separates the subsoil from the sub-base and stops the stone punching down over time. It is a cheap step that saves settlement later.

3. Compact in layers

Spread the sub-base in layers of no more than about 100mm and compact each layer with a plate compactor. One thick lift will not compact properly, however long you run the machine over it.

4. Falls and levels

Water must run away from buildings. A fall of about 1:80 across the paving is a common target. Keep finished paving below any damp-proof course and make sure air bricks stay clear.

5. Bedding

Most slabs — especially natural stone and porcelain — should be laid on a full mortar bed, not on five dabs. Spot bedding leaves voids that crack slabs and collect water. Porcelain also needs a primer or slurry to bond to the bed.

6. Jointing and edges

Joint once the bed has set, using a product suited to the paving and joint width. Edges to lawns, borders and driveways need restraint so the paving cannot creep.

Not sure what to order? Send your measurements through our quote form and we will work the quantities out with you, or call the yard on 01483359553.