Alan titchmarsh show - How to easily build a patio easily

[BobtheDIYer]

Hi
Did anyone see the Alan Titchmarsh show (just before Christmas) where him and Sven Wombwell built a small patio in the studio.

They showed a brand new product - it was a sort of patio spacer that seemed to make the job much quicker and more accurate than bits of wood in the joints. They were grey like a tile spacer but MUCH bigger. Anyway I have searched everywhere B&Q, Homebase, Wickes but can’t find them

Does anybody know what they are called so I can see if I can find them on Google?
Cheers
Bob

[DNgroundworks]

Yea i think the gaffer of this site had something to do with the development of the concept, drop him an E-mail.

[Carberry]

This is the thread you're looking for

[Tony McC]

The little gizmos are known as GapFast. I've been trialling them for the manufacturer (and will be looking for new vic....errr....volunteers some time next month) over the last six months or so.

They are sold in *some* of the DIY sheds, but it does seem to be a bit hit and miss, with some branches having them while other branches of the same chain claim to know nowt.

The website is here

[BobtheDIYer]

Thanks guys you have all been helpful. I contacted the company today and they were extremely friendly and are even sending me some free samples. They did say 'Gapfast' will not be hitting the Big Sheds (whatever that means) and Builders Merchants untill this Easter, but for the time being I can get them mail order (also I found a great video on how to use them on their website)
Cheers again
Bob

[rab1]

hitting the big sheds = on the shelves of b/q etc.

[local patios and driveway]

Tony, we would be happy to trial them on an ideal job in 6 days time if you want honest feedback and pics?
Dan

[London Stone Paving]

I've got a few bags of these. A few weeks ago I met the guy who invented them. To be honest I was not 100% convinced by the product. They look like they might be quite fiddly if laying on a wet mix. When I told the guy this he offered us a pallet free of charge. I really admired the confidence he had in his products and obviously accepted his offer. If anyone else wants a bag of them to test pm me

[ringi]

They may be a case of great for DIY as they need a lower skill level to get right, but not of much benefit for an expert paver – if so it will be hard to interpret reviews.

[lutonlagerlout]

am i missing something or is it just a slightly large tile spacer?
generally i lay flags/slabs to a string line so no use to me
LLL

[Tony McC]

Hoping to start scheduling a new batch of trials some time next week. I'll post summat on here as soon as I have more news....

[London Stone Paving]

Whats your thoughts on them Tony MC ?

[Gapfast Customer Services]

Hi Guys
Well I have been told we have been getting a few hits on Gapfast, so I thought I had better log in to see what is going on! I will answer the various posts separately

Availability - Gapfast will be available through many outlets throughout the UK; in fact Toolstation have just taken their first order and Gapfast will be shortly available in all their 110 locations - meanwhile they are available ex-stock via our website www.gapfast.com

Kimmy x
Gapfast Customer Services

[Gapfast Customer Services]

Message specifically for Dan of South East Landscape Services. I would be happy to supply you some Gapfast with our compliments – provided you send me some photos in exchange – it’s only fair! Just email me at sales@resigap.com with the size of your project, type of flags being used and your address and I’ll get them straight off to you.

Kimmy x
Gapfast Customer Services

[Gapfast Customer Services]

You are perfectly correct Ringi, these will only be of assistance to professionals if they are employing less skilled tradesmen or simply want to speed the job up. Gapfast were originally designed for the jobbing-builder and of course DIYers.
Kimmy x
Gapfast Customer Services