Crisis of confidence

[nelly05]

Oh dear, well the back garden project has begun, excavations have taken place, two levels 400mm different have been defined, soft soil replaced with MOT1 which needs whackering next week.
Drains are in and the Raj Green stone is ordered.

The budget got blown a little as we found an large shallow area of soft soil which needed to be excavated and filled back with MOT1.

There are minor things need sorting but i am having a massive crisis of confidence now regarding the laying of the stone.

We have opted for a 2.7m circle and sqauring off kit in the middle surrounded by flags.

Everytime i read something again to clarify it it becomes more frightening!!!

I am contemplating getting someone in to lay it - what sort of price would i be looking at for 55m2 of indian stone to be laid.

Preferably a smaller tradesman rather than a big company as i feel there is more pride in the work.

Thanks in advance

[seanandruby]

dont worry m8 we all get stage fright. worse case scenario rs to take up and relay. nothing ventured...... ???

[lutonlagerlout]

£825
about 3 days for 1 paver and 2 lads including pointing labour only
cheers LLL

[Tony McC]

Don't bottle it now, Nelly: you'll struggle to find a good tradesman at this time of year, and if they can start before July you really would be in luck.

Take your time, don't expect miracles, and concentrate on enjoying the experience. You'll be fine - honest!

[Rich H]

My advice - lay out the whole circle out including the squaring off kit before switching on the mixer! You may have to fiddle around with the joint widths a fair bit on your first one. The joints are usually smaller on the circles than the square paving.

It's really not that hard - just take your time and think of the satisfaction you'll have when it's done - you'll always be able to say "I did that"!

Lastly, my motto with slabs - "IF IN DOUBT, FLIP IT OUT!";)

[nelly05]

Ok guys, well i got the retaining walls in this weekend and just trying to sort the falls on the ground!!

Jesus christ, its a nightmare. the garden is on two levels and needs to fall in a couple of directions i think. Ripping my hair out to ry and sort - not good for a bank holiday ;(

Anyone fancy a jonny foreigner??

Regards

[seanandruby]

im sure you will be fine. take a step back, sit down with a cuppa, relax and think it through. look at the job from different angles. remember you are doing it for yourself so no need to go flat out. :;):

[nelly05]

Well, i did it. It has taken me 6 days, 5 ton of sand, 25 bags of cement, 6 litres of pva, a sore back, a bruised arse ( as i was putting a new gravel board in the back of the car i stepped back and wallop - ouch!!) and a lot of hard graft and i havent quite finished yet.

I had wobbles along the way, stone that was supposed to be 560 wide that was 520!!!! bigger joints, smaller joints, differing joints, 1 slabs lifted because i was really unhappy with it, 2 slabs lifted because for all the planning in the world i would have had a 4 corner scenario, discovery of a wasps nest right on the fence of next door!!!

BUT, i did manage it and i like it, the missus likes it and the little un likes it. Even the dog likes it.

Now i need to joint it - i have the rompox but the only kiln dried i could get was dark so tht will do in the week. then i need some sealant.

Then clad the base for the shed, door on the front for littleuns garage and all should be ok.

Anyway, with sore fingers and an aching body i will say goodnight, thankyou, especially LLL who through a series of pms kept me sane, and Tont for providing this site which without it i would never have attempted either the front drive or back garden.
I have put a link in for a photo, please dont be too brutle.

regards

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10886000@N06/1022295838/

[IanMelb]

Looks great!

[lutonlagerlout]

tout bon nelly
looks like a pro finish from here
are you glad you did it yer self now?
cheers LLL

[Stuarty]

very nice nelly, done yourself proud

[nelly05]

tout bon nelly
looks like a pro finish from here
are you glad you did it yer self now?
cheers LLL

I am mate, very chuffed.

There is things i would do differently if i ever did one again but for now i am happy.

The hand is bollocksed but am sure that a little time will sort that out.

I have worked in the construction industry for a number of years and spent 4 on a precast concrete site so new it would be hard work, but i dont think you realise how much.

Everything at the front of the house, all to be brought round the back, mixing, laying, mixing laying, bring more round etc etc.

But i can sit back all summer now and enjoy it!!! Few bits still to do - i need to do some granolithic mortar around the conservatory but i need to source that yet!!

Thanks again

[Dave_L]

Very very nice! Well done!