Diy block paving advise - Advise needed

[n0chex]

I take it " Dab & Dot " is a swear word around here then ?

The diamonds are half a block but what about the 1/4 blocks do they need to be cut individual or can you buy them already cut.

[Pablo]

Cut em

[n0chex]

Cut em

Wow that is alot of cuts then and you must be accurate with all the cuts..........and i thought you could buy them like that.

I forgot to ask about how long does a diamond blade last in the saw i know there are good ones and cheap ones but on average will 1 blade last for my project 57 Sq m or will i need more.

[David 1234]

I think the yellow lines on your front are very effective. If anyone parks there do they receive a fixed penalty notice?

[Rich H]

n0chex, pretty much any 9" or 12" diamond blade will last the job.

[n0chex]

Rich H ....Thankyou for the reply

[GB_Groundworks]

hire a block splitter will be quicker and easier,

remember when using your cut off saw to use water suppression to cut down the dust and appropriate ppe, safety glasses, ear defenders and mask

[n0chex]

hire a block splitter will be quicker and easier,

remember when using your cut off saw to use water suppression to cut down the dust and appropriate ppe, safety glasses, ear defenders and mask

I have been told if i want my cuts nice and neat use the saw as the block cutters leaves the edges a little rough a little like breaking a digestive biscuit to speak and even more so on small corners etc.

And thanks for the advice on the safty aspect which to me is most important as the last thing i need is to be going to hospital with a few of my toes in a bag.

[Rich H]

You can buy a PPE kit for just a few quid; masks, goggles and ear defenders. If you use an electric 9" cutter then dust suppression is difficult. It's actually better to use a petrol cut off saw (12") with a hose attached. The machine is a bit of a beast at first but it keeps you respecting it, at least.

[n0chex]

Ok started to take some of the flags up to look at what level i need , and it is hard work with a spade i must say but i will get there in the end as i'm in no rush.

The level to the left of the building is high so i need to dig and drag that over to the wall end on the left .....Phew hard work and i keep thinking should i bring in the cavery ( Micro Digger ) or do i just plod on and do it by hand.

The ground is pretty solid with a good covering f sand and underneath that looks like clay and ash.

Would a 2-3" covering of sand wacked down then a 75mm layer of screen be ok do you think ?.

Also i will need a nice step near the back door and was thinking a half moon style but please all your comments welcome guys and i am always looking for idea's regards what borders i will use and do i use all block paving or have a mixture of slabs also.

A few pictures below:

[Suggers]

Congrats on your hard work so far - goood photies - still not clear why you seem obsessed with going down the blockwork route - why not think about some real nice natural paving?
Blockw0rk's had it's day - was only ever designed for driveways.
Keep going !! - how much for a skip in St Helen's by the way?

[n0chex]

Ok i think i can answer your questions .

Going down the Natural Paving route is going to be expensive and i can get a pallet of block paving for well under £100 around 10 sq mtrs.

I have not gone off paving flags and some of the indianones are real nice but expensive but i might end up doing as the above a mixture and a feature in the centre also.

I have plenty time as i do not work at the moment so got plenty of time really and i think i have done the hardest part already with lifting the old pebble type flags as they weighed a bloody ton and now i am only left with the 1" grey ones and they are not to bad to lift.

A skip has not been needed upto now and i doubt i will need one as the small pile of rubble is from a concreted strip across the back door way and around the manhole and under some of the flags but a large skip is around £100 ish in St helens.

I will have to get the grit sand and paving/flags delivered at the back of the house and at the end of the back alleyway so that will be a good days work in moving them to my rear yard......but all in the fun of it i suppose.

I have might have a problem around the soil spoit as it has a good cementing in around it and i don't want to be using the hammer/chisel in case i damage the junction so i will have to work around that , but i have been looking on ebay at the manhole covers that take 50mm block paving and they are about £35 inc delivery ...does that sound right?.

Also i was thinking in doing the long run on block paving down to my gate and then do a nice patio area as i step out the back door ( Undecided ) .

[Suggers]

You're obviously determined to take the block paving route - I shall now withdraw, and leave you in hands better than mine - all the best. Suggers
ps - I thought St Helens was an island off Jersey / Guernsey .... duh?
- learn something every day.

[n0chex]

ps - I thought St Helens was an island off Jersey / Guernsey .... duh?
- learn something every day.

You must have heard of St Helens RLFC

[Suggers]

No - are we talking Rugby League - my mate works for sky sports & only does rugby league - a law unto themselves?