Paving newbie, first patio, what paving?

[oddjobjohn]

Hello everyone,

May I first start by saying what an absolute goldmine of information this site is. Although this is my first post I have browsed the site many times and it has given me advice on many issues that I never thought I'd need help on. Keep up the good work Tony, and all those who contribute to providing all the excellent advice and help.

Anyway, onto my question. We have an old patio of approx 25m2 laid with with 3x2 concrete grey flags which I am going to replace. The garden isn't huge so will probably be reducing the area a touch. Having visited a couple of paving centres the other half saw some Haworth Moor which she really liked,, however with a wedding on the way the cost of it is way beyond our meagre budget (why do women have an ability to automatically pick the most expensive stuff!)

We saw several other brands Bradstone, pavestone etc and would prefer to try and stretch to a natural product if possible, although anything is an improvement over what is there! Not including edgings/sand/cement etc we are probably looking at around £20(+/-)/m£ for the paving, what would your recommendations be in this price range? ie are we better staying clear of natural stone because it may be a bit iffy (non-durable, pain to lay etc) or would £20/m get a reasonable product thats not likely to delaminate after a couple of winters? if not then we'll start looking at alternatives. Not asking anyone to slag off any particular manufacturers or anything like that, just opinions on what you think are reasonable products for that sort of budget.

Also, just out of curiosity (I know it is almost blasphemy to mention!) but why when we went round the Marshalls centre are some of their products 'due to their construction' recommended to be bed using the 5 spot method and then pointed using 'M-point' or whatever it is, i thought 5-spotting was a big no no but they swore blind it was the way to go?

Thanks in advance

John

[Rich H]

If you shop around you can get decent natural stone for that price. Try the builders' merchants rather than garden centres, etc. Try some of the smaller suppliers (there are quite a few) rather than the big names. With your size patio you will be able to buy two patio packs (typically 13-14 sq.m/crate) which is usually much cheaper than buying by the square metre.

On the subject of laying, I know Tony works with the manufacturers to try to get them to give sensible advice but you know the one about leading horses to water, and all that. Simply put, five-spot laying is no good.

[lutonlagerlout]

rich is right globalstone is around £20 a metre,some of the nicer ones maybe £25-35
remember the flags are only 25-35% of your costing ,the subbase etc is the same no matter what you use

so the overall difference between the nicest and the worst flags may only make 5-10 % difference on the overall cost

as for women it is a special 44th chromosome which makes them automatically go for the most expensive item in a catalogue etc.

whilst men,with their eye on the beer kitty do the opposite :;):

LLL

[oddjobjohn]

Thanks chaps, will do some ringing around and get some quotes. Didn't want to be setting an unrealistic budget that was only going to buy me a load of rubbish that i'd be regretting in a few years. Will let you know how i get on when i start (prob have more questions too!)

Cheers,

John

[Tony McC]

The twonks that are recommending spot bedding really ought to be drummed out of their job by their employer. It is BAD PRACTICE. It's not just my opinion, it's a fact: spot bedding causes failures, and, from my understanding of Marshalls' own construction guide, which is issued to all their 'approved' contractors, spot-bedding is verboten.

I guess that's why this particular twonk is selling paving rather than actually laying it. Those that can, do: those that can't, sell. :;):

[Rich H]

and the last part of that, Tony?

Those that can't sell, teach.

[lutonlagerlout]

and the last part of that, Tony?

Those that can't sell, teach.

touche rich lol
LLL