My next project after reasonably successfully laying the path is a 5msq circular dining area.
I've marked out the area.She wants the edge in those wooden rolls of stakes.Do you know the ones I mean they are about 200mm high and about 30 mm wide joined together with wire and come in rolls.
Now I am not sure that these will work.The centre is going to be marshalls red multi cobbles with a circular bit in the centre for a sunshade.
Will these stakes give enough support to the pavars and sand/crusher layer?Should I set them in concrete?
My gut feeling is that these may be more trouble than it is worth and I would be better off doing the edges with the cobbles set in mortar?
Also any hints on screeding a circular area.
Do I set out the screed rails from the centre radiating out to the edge.So I divide the circle into say quarters then screed along the top?
For drainage I guess I can't just lay the circle flat but is it better for it to slope from one edge to the other or to be higher in the middle and lower at the sides in which case how do I set the levels?
I'm aware that there are a few questions there and I know you are busy so don't worry if you can't get round to them all.
I am really grateful for the help you have given me so far and don't want to abuse your good nature by asking to many questions
Will these stakes give enough support to the pavars and sand/crusher layer?Should I set them in concrete?
They're ok as long as they are properly treated or tanalised, guranteed for at least 10 years, and they really do need to be set into concrete.
My gut feeling is that these may be more trouble than it is worth and I would be better off doing the edges with the cobbles set in mortar?
Oh! Too right! I'm never happy using timber as a retaining edge, unless there's no other option. The log-roll yokes can be addd as an afterthought, if your beloved has her heart set on them, but I'd rather not see them as part of the essential structure.
Do I set out the screed rails from the centre radiating out to the edge.So I divide the circle into say quarters then screed along the top?
This is another of those questions that keeps coming up and I keep meaning to devote a page to showing how it's done. The best method is to establish your centre stone first, preferably on a bed of concrete or cement-bound material. Next, establish the outer perimeter course, but use the Floating Edge method to set up this outermost edge so that it's actually at a greater radius than will actually be required, and at a level that creates fall out from the centre. Again, a cement-bound material or concrete is best for this.
Now, using a notched screeder board, you can screed around the circle, sweeping around in the same what that the hands of a clock would do, creating a slight conical profile, ie, the centre is slightly higher (1:50 or thereabouts) than the edges.
Lay the paving from the centre outwards and then, when you get to the penultimate course (the one before the edge course) the edge course itself, which was left 'floating' can be shifted inwerads, creating a tight edge against the rest of the circle. Once everything has been checked for level and alignment, the outer edge can be haunched.
Does that make it clear? If I get time, I'll try to do some drawings, but life is pretty hectic just now so don't hold your breath. If anyone is laying a circle at some time, let me know and I'll see if I can come and give a bit of guidance while photographing the procedure for future paving layers.
I think i will try and persuade her to have the edges in cobbles.Then if its not to her liking she can always put the timber round later.Your answer has backed my corner so it may have more weight now!!!
Its easy when you know how
Now I just need the rain to keep off for the rest of the week...fingers crossed.
