Gradual move from slabs to gravel

[Angela26]

We are looking to pave a patio area and are considering setting one corner as 'normal' slabs close together with a gravel jointing (as per picture 3 on the 'other jointing materials' page) and then gradually going to the opposite corner which will be predominately gravel with the odd slab. Essentially this is due to various issues with levels and 'other' fixed items in the area which mean we couldnt pave the whole area with the drainage going away from house/garage/next door's garage

We have read up on laying slabs and what base work is required and likewise for laying a path (this seems the closest thing to the random individual slabs that will be in the mainly gravel area) but we are still concerned about the drainage and base thickness / material and at what point to change the laying method as all we are planning to do is gradually lay the slabs with greater gaps between them. Thanks in advance for any help / suggestions

[Rich H]

What type of soil do you have, Angela?

[Angela26]

Bit of a mix (think we were the last plot on the estate given by what we have dug up in the past) but underneath it all seems to be clay. We (by which I mean the husband) is OK doing the digging if necessary but is more worried about drainage if we 'concreted over' the whole area which was mainly grass

[Rich H]

There would be no need to concrete it over. Dig out, lay a sub-base and individually lay the slabs according to your design on mortar as describe on the main site. Where the area is mainly shingle have the sub-base higher, so that you don't have the shingle too deep. If the ground is draining ok at the moment, it will continue to do so with your approach.