5 tips for laying a perfect patio
A patio is a beautiful addition to any garden or outdoor space. It provides a comfortable area to relax, dine or entertain guests. However, laying a patio can be a challenging task, especially if you don't have the necessary skills and experience. In this blog post, we'll discuss five essential tips that will help you lay a perfect patio that's both beautiful and durable.
Make Sure You Have a Good Sub Base
Before you start laying your patio, it's essential to ensure that you have a good sub base. A sub base is a layer of compacted material that sits underneath the patio slabs, providing a solid foundation. Without a good sub base, your patio will be uneven, and the slabs may shift or sink over time.
To create a good sub base, use hardcore to spread over the area and compact it down. Hardcore is a mixture of crushed stones, rubble or bricks that are used to create a stable and durable base. Once you've spread the hardcore, use a plate compactor to compress it down until it's level and firm. This will create a solid foundation for your patio, ensuring that it lasts many years to come.
2. Always Check Your Levels After Laying Each Slab
One of the most critical aspects of laying a patio is ensuring it’s level. If your patio is uneven, water may pool in some areas, and slabs may become loose and unstable. To avoid this, always check your levels after laying each slab.
To check the levels, place a spirit level on top of the slab and check that it's level from all sides. If it's not level, adjust it by adding or removing mortar until it's level. This may take some time, but it's worth it to ensure that your patio is level and stable.
3. Always Lay Slabs on a Full Bed of Mortar
When laying patio slabs, it's essential to lay them on a full bed of mortar. The ‘5 spot’ method or the ‘dot and dab’ method, where you put small blobs of mortar on the corners of the slab, can leave gaps underneath the slabs and doesn’t fully support them. A full bed of mortar ensures that the slabs are evenly supported and won't shift over time.
4. Make Sure You Provide Adequate Drainage
Adequate drainage is crucial when laying a patio. Without proper drainage, water can accumulate on the surface, leading to water damage and dampness. To ensure that your patio has adequate drainage, create a slight slope away from your home, towards the garden or a drainage channel.
You can also incorporate drainage channels or soakaways into your design to ensure that water drains away from the surface of the patio. If you're unsure about how to incorporate drainage into your patio design, give us a call to see how we can help.
5. Do Not Walk on the Patio Until the Mortar is Fully Dry
After you have laid your patio, you should allow the mortar to dry fully before walking on it. Walking on the patio before the mortar is fully dry can cause the slabs to move, affecting the levels and overall appearance of the patio. You should wait at least 24 hours before walking on the patio and up to 72 hours before placing any furniture or heavy objects on it.
Remember to take your time and pay attention to details. Hawker Property Services also provide a patio laying and landscaping service, so be sure to call us on 07384 511773 or click here to contact us.