How to lay a patio for beginners

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Gardening has seen a resurgence in recent weeks, and many are starting to get their gardens ready for the summer months. Some people may even be looking to lay a new patio.

Before starting the process of laying a new patio, you should take plenty of time to prepare.

You will need to decide what style and colour paving slabs you would like in your garden.

You should also lay the slabs out in advance, so you can decide exactly where and how you want your patio to be laid out.

Think about the size of your garden, and what size patio you think would look good.

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Although it is possible to build an affordable patio, it can get quite expensive, so set a budget and keep track of your spending.

When building the patio, it’s not a good idea to lay it on your own.

You may need help lifting heavy items, so make sure you have somebody to assist you.

There are many different approaches you can take to laying a patio yourself.

But DIY and home improvement supplier Wickes has posted their own method on how to lay a patio on their website:

  • Before starting to lay a patio, you should use a CAT tool to make sure there are no hidden cables or pipes where you intend to excavate.
  • Using pegs, string, or a builders line, mark out the position of the patio.
  • Check each corner is perfectly square with a set square, adjusting as necessary.
  • Mark the edge of the patio with a spade or lawn edger, all the way around, before removing the pegs and string.
  • When you dig out, you’ll need to allow for 100mm of MOT Type 1 or hardcore, 25mm of Slablayer, plus the thickness of your chosen paving slab. Don’t forget to include the necessary fall in your calculations, and to maintain it throughout the build.

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  • Add half of the MOT Type 1 or hardcore, to create a 50mm layer, and rake it so it’s roughly level.
  • Compact the area with either a tamper or a wacker plate to form a very stable base. Add the remaining MOT Type 1 or hardcore, to create an overall depth of 100mm and, once again, compact.
  • Now add the Slablayer, raking it out to a depth of 25mm.
  • Following the manufacturer’s instructions, use a watering can with a fine rose, or a spray gun, to apply water, then rake again to level the surface.
  • Starting in the corner at the highest point of the patio, dampen the underside of the first slab and lay it.

  • Gently tamp down on the surface of the slab with a rubber mallet to bed it in. The first slab is used as the guide for all the others to follow, so make sure it’s absolutely level and square.
  • Continue to lay slabs, not forgetting to leave space for your required joint width.
  • Use offcuts of wood as spacers to maintain a consistent gap between slabs.
  • Regularly check the levels, including the fall you’ve allowed, as you go along.
  • Slablayer needs to dry slowly over a few days, so cover the patio with plastic sheeting if rain is forecast.
  • Fill in the joints with either Slablayer or dry mortar mix (4 parts sand to 1 part cement). Mix with enough water to create a damp, but not wet consistency and apply to the joints with a trowel.
  • Brush any excess Slablayer or mortar from the face of the paving slabs, before it can set and stain the surface.

Wickes also have these tips for staying safe while creating your dream patio:

  • Wear suitable footwear and gloves when handling slabs, sand, gravel or cement, and when digging.
  • If using a wacker plate, you should wear ear defenders and steel toe-capped boots.
  • When using a mortar mix, or Slablayer, wear a dust mask, safety goggles and protective gloves and be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Wet and dry cement can cause irritation and burns, so handle carefully, covering skin and immediately washing off any cement that accidentally makes contact.
  • Always wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask when mixing concrete.
  • If you’re using heavy paving slabs or lifting any other heavy items, ask someone to help.

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