First of all, what an excellent website, its already been invaluable to me. However I am about to lay a travertine patio and just have a couple of questions i wanted to sort out before I start.
It will consist of 2 patios around a new extension, 1 approx 5mx3m and the other 2.5mx2.5m
Firstly my ground level is already about 5 brick courses below my patio doors and I want to bring it up nearer this level. Its currently compacted soil. I was aiming to use approx 75mm of type1 as the sub base then a 50mm of a sand and cement mix for the bedding. This will bring the level up near to my ideal height.
I know you are supposed to leave 2 brick courses below the damp course but can you go higher if you use gravel against the wall? If so how high and how wide does the gravel part need to be?
Is it better to do some sort of edging first or last?
For these slabs would screeding be the best method or just individual laying?
I have been advised to use white cement.
Do i need a compactor
Any other tips gratefully recieved.
Many thanks
David
Laying a travertine patio - A little help please
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slimdotjim
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Tue May 15, 2007 5:49 pm
- Location: derby
NO you cant go higher and bodge with a strip of gravel, stay 150mm below and build a step. Use driveway kerb stones with 2 external corners fill the void and top with travertine, make the step as wide as the doors( its a safety thing)
Do your edging first. (helps with screeding)
If the slabs are of a very uniform thickness, then a screed bed would be acceptable.
If you have been advised to use white cement ( by the slab manufactures I assume) then use it.
Yes you need a compactor.
Travertine is best used in a south facing position as it can become slippery in any but the driest situations.
Personally I prefer to lay natural stone on a full bed of mortar.
If your slabs are random sizes work it out on paper first or use one of the many patio generators available
Do your edging first. (helps with screeding)
If the slabs are of a very uniform thickness, then a screed bed would be acceptable.
If you have been advised to use white cement ( by the slab manufactures I assume) then use it.
Yes you need a compactor.
Travertine is best used in a south facing position as it can become slippery in any but the driest situations.
Personally I prefer to lay natural stone on a full bed of mortar.
If your slabs are random sizes work it out on paper first or use one of the many patio generators available
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seanandruby
- Site Admin
- Posts: 4713
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:01 am
- Location: eastbourne