A-Z of DIY & Building Guides How To Lay A Patio

Date Published:

20/05/2009

Contributed By

George Clarke

Decided an outdoor dining area is your next project? Laying a patio in your garden will create a smart look that's easy to care for - but you need some muscle to get the job done.

Time required:
At least two days, plus drying time

Cost:
Allow around £200 upwards, depending on the paving stones you choose. DIY store paving blocks can cost as little as 30p each, for example, but you will need to add the cost of hardcore, cement and any tools you need to the cost. Or, you could use a patio kit, which includes all the paving required. Wickes' Natural Riven Sandstone Patio Kit, for example, costs just under £450, and includes enough paving to cover 11.25m sq.

Skill level:
Competent DIYer - it pays to have more than one of you tackling the job

You'll need:
spade; wheelbarrow; wooden pegs; string; hardcore; spirit level; levelling board or vibrating plate; paving slabs; building sand and cement (or ready-made mortar mix); lump hammer; pointing trowel

Step One

Mark out the position of your patio using pegs and strings. It’s easiest to adjust the size of the patio so that you don’t have to cut any of the slabs. Dig out to a depth of 15cm unless your patio is against the house in which case you’ll need to go 15cm below the damp-proof course additionally.