Complete novice on a tight budget - New patio

sally · Post: # 96773Post **sally** Mon Mar 31, 2014 4:14 pm

Hello all

This spring we will be giving our garden an overhaul and the first step is the patio. Unfortunately we have a very tight budget and therefore will most likely be doing the work ourselves. We are complete novices, our only prior experience is that we laid a shed base with concrete slabs.

I've had a good look round this website and found lots of good info. I still have a few questions so was wondering if someone could help me out.

The patio will work out to be nearly 30m2. I can attach some pictures if someone can explain how.

My questions are:
1. in the centre of our patio area is a concrete slab, about 2.5m x 1.5m ish. Can we lay slabs over this or do we have to dig it up (it will be a real pain to do!)
2. If we can leave the concrete slab in place, should we dig out the surrounding areas and lay down compacted hardcore? Or can we just level the area then lay the flags on a sand/cement mix?
3. We have been looking at the Bradstone 'old riven' slabs. Are these any good? If not can you recommend something with a similar appearance in a similar price range. We were quoted Â£6.60 per 600x600 slab

Apologies in advance for my lack of knowledge. Any other advice would be much appreciated. thanks

Mon Mar 31, 2014 5:58 pm

1 as a pro yes it does need to come out

2 if you do this the chances are your new patio will fail

3 for Â£19.20 a metre you can get riven real stone(indian sandstone)
there is a list of suppliers on here

its all very doable but you need to cost everything before you start
cheers LLL

Post: # 96924Post **Tony McC** Sun Apr 06, 2014 10:33 am

Q1 - see Lay Over Existing FAQ

Q2 - depends on levels and condition of the existing ground. I'd prefer to install a sub-base

Q3 - 6.60 quid per 600x600 flag = 18.35 quid/mÂ² which is not a bad price for that particular flagstone. If you like them, go with them. Yes, you can get some Indian stone for less, but is that what you really want? The Old Riven are concrete copies but Bradstone is a very good brand, so no worries there, as long as you like them.