Want to start enjoying your garden more? A patio is a great way to create a space where you can relax or enjoy a meal. If you are a DIY enthusiast, a garden patio can also a great project to complete yourself. While beginners may find it daunting, with the correct preparation and tools, anyone can tackle this.

Let our experts take you through how to lay a patio and see for yourself!

In this guide, we'll cover:

  • Starting tips
  • Tools and materials you will need
  • Step-by-step guide: How to lay patio slabs

Before You Start

In principle, laying out a patio is not an overly complicated process. Broadly speaking, it is about properly preparing the area, laying and securing the slabs. However, there are a few things to be considered before you start.

  • You should always check that there aren't any pipes or cables running where you are planning to lay your patio. While newer properties shouldn't pose any problems, some older properties may have pipes running within 450mm of the ground, which would be an issue.
  • If you are placing your patio next to your property, the top of your finished patio (datum line) needs to be at least 150mm below the damp-proof course so as to not compromise the dampness protection of your house.
  • You will have to calculate the fall, this is a slight gradient required so that the water doesn't pool on the patio and it will run away from your property. The type of slabs you are using will be important here. Non-textured slabs can have a gradient of 1:30, or a 16mm decline per metre, and textured slabs should have a gradient of 1:80 or about 12.5mm drop per metre.
  • Laying down a patio is not a one-day project due to the mortar drying time. If bad weather is forecasted, you should plan for the appropriate supplies to protect your patio while the mortar dries.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help! While laying a patio is not a complex project, the slabs can be heavy and you may find the process easier (and more fun!) with some assistance.

Are you new at this?

Beginners, don't fret! Aside from handy guides such as this one, your local builders merchant will be more than happy to discuss the details of your project. From specific product recommendations, tools and useful tips drawn from experience, don't hesitate to drop by and ask for advice.

Tools & Materials You Will Need

How to Lay a Patio: The Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing the Area

Start by measuring out the area where you will be laying your patio. Dry laying slabs on the ground and positioning them is a great way to visualise how things will look and make sure you are covering the whole area. Pegs and strings can be used to mark out the area that will need to be dug, which should be a little bigger than what slabs are covering.

Next, dig the foundations of your patio to a depth that is suitable for the paving slabs, mortar bed and sub-base that you will be using. Typically, that could be between 150-210mm. Remember to take the required fall into account.

Note: If you are looking to replace existing slabs, the process will be a bit different, and you may need to hire a tool to remove slabs and any sub-base first.

Laying the Sub Base

Depending on the ground in your garden, the sub-base may be anywhere between 100 and 150mm. Using wooden pegs is a good way to ensure you are reaching the desired height, starting with the highest point in your foundations and making sure you are still accounting for the fall.

Using a plate compactor is the easiest way to compact down your sub-base - don't forget to use adequate safety equipment when using any machinery! Keep checking that the sub-base is level with your measurements, you may need to add, compact, measure and repeat until done.

Mixing Mortar

Mortar will be required to easily lay out patio slabs onto your sub-base. Mix four parts of sand with one part of cement to obtain your mortar, or use a ready-mixed option. Although you can mix mortar by hand, you will likely find that using a cement mixer will make your life much easier, especially if you need to cover a larger surface area.

Add water slowly until you reach the desired consistency. You want the mortar to retain its shape when molded into a ball without it feeling too runny or too dry - think pliable but firm.

Priming & Laying Patio Slabs

With the sub-base in place and mortar at the ready, it's time to lay the first slab of your patio! Start from either the highest point or next to your house if the patio will be laid next to it. Spread mortar to cover about the size of your slab, at least 50mm thick.

We highly recommend using priming slurry on the bottom of each slab to increase the bond with the mortar, as well as provide additional damp protection.

The first slab (key slab) will serve as a guide for all others, so it's important to take the time to position it well. Once you are satisfied, use a rubber mallet to secure it in place. Beginners, don't fear! Mortar doesn't set instantly so you have time to reposition your slab if needed.

Once the first slab is down, repeat the process to place and position the remaining slabs, leaving a gap between them of about 5 to 10mm, depending on the type of slab and desired finish. You will need to wait at least 24 hours before moving on to the next step.

Pointing Between Slabs

We are now reaching the final step of laying a patio, which is when you will really start to see everything coming together. It is time to fill in the gaps between the slabs, using a dry mortar mix with one part sand and one part cement.

Gradually fill the gaps between your patio slabs with the help of a soft brush, and compress as you go, using a pointing trowel. Keep repeating the process until the gaps are solidly filled with the dry mortar.

Note that if you are using porcelain paving slabs, you will need to check your paving grout is suitable.

Enjoy Your New Patio!

Now that the hard work is done, it is time to step back and admire your work. Please wait at least 24 hours after completing your project before using your patio, to give plenty of time for the jointing grout to fully dry.

Depending on which slabs you have used, you can also finish up by sealing your patio for added protection against dampness, staining and weeds.

Now that you have seen how to lay a patio, it's up to you! Remember you can shop all landscaping supplies and building materials at great prices at Haldane Fisher.

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