DIY Knowhow… laying a patio

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DIY Knowhow… laying a patio Posted On 15 June 2020

With the warmer weather here, adding another area to your garden, in the shape of a patio, is perfect for long summer days. Usually, a job you would get a professional in for, laying a patio isn’t actually as difficult as you might expect, although it can be time-consuming – it could take up an entire weekend or longer, depending on the weather.

Materials

Cement
Sand
Aggregate
Water
Patio slabs
Patio Grout

Tools

Shovel
Cement mixer (you can hire these)
Trowel
Wacker plate
Bucket
Long spirit Level
Wooden Dowling
Rubber mallet
Large grout float
Outdoor brush

Step 1 – Mark out the patio area after doing measurements on a piece of paper. Dig down 150mm for the entire patio trying to create as flat an area as possible.

Step 2 – Lay builders aggregate and sand until it covers the entire base area of the patio.

Step 3 – Use a Wacker Plate to level down and create a tight base level for laying the slabs.

Step 4 – Lay a corner slab without any mortar to check the level of the patio as this will be your keystone. If the height is perfect move onto mixing your mortar.

Step 5 – Connect your cement mixer safely to your outdoor electrics. Use 1 part of cement to 5 parts of sand and slowly add water as it mixes until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 6 – Using a shovel, pour mortar mix directly onto the base where the first slab is going to go. Lay the slab and using a spirit level, check it is even. Add or remove aggregate and mortar as necessary until it is level. This is your keystone.

Step 7 – Follow this process again, adding mortar and laying the next stone next to the keystone. Use the long spirit level to ensure the second slab is the same level as the keystone. If it is a very small amount out, use a rubber mallet to knock it into place.

Step 8 – Complete laying patio slabs in rows, following the previous slab, which should be level with the keystone, using the long spirit level.

Step 9 – Clean your tools to ensure the cement doesn’t dry on them.

Step 10 – Leave to dry for 48-hours. Once dry, apply patio grout using the large grout float. Wipe over the edges using a cloth. Once dry, use an outdoor brush to remove any excess dust.