The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Thu Nov 11, 2004 9:55 am**

Hi

About to move to a new property with a garden the size of a postage stamp (1st class disaster!)

It's far too small to consider anything but a complete paving exercise, which isn't a bad thing as I've always wanted to undertake something like it.

As for designing a layout to overcome a feeling of entrapment with 6 foot of imposing fence either side, I can only try my best, but when it comes to laying a paving / block work design, that's where I think somebody might like to help.

The area is approximately 30 feet long and 20 feet wide and is currently something of a muddy disaster - can I start my 'job' now or do I have to wait until the spring arrives and the ground is firmer ?

When I visit the likes of B & Q and the boss chooses a centre piece sun dial or similar, is there anything I should be wary about ?

I will want to use all sorts of paving / blocks or whatever, to achieve an attractive finish, do all the stones require a similar 'underlay' ?

I will want to do the best so to speak, I'll want it to last for a long time (no weeds appearing) so what's the best foundation and filling to use ?

There will be more to ask, but I'm off to the DIY store to take a look - not buy !

thnks
rogcox

Posted: **Fri Nov 12, 2004 10:41 am**

There's no reason why you can't start the paving project now. How do you think all us paving contractors get through the less sunny months? Do you think we all bugger off to our holiday homes on the Costa del Tegula? If only!!! :p

In truth, only torrential rain and hard frost will stop us working, and so you should be fine, even if we get a touch of air/ground frost over the next few weeks. Leaving the job until Spring is fine, but all the material prices go up in early February each year, and you've no guarantee the weather will be any better.

Flags use a different sub-base and construction technique to block paving, so you need to decide which is more appropriate. If your final plan involves mostly flags with some block detailing, then I'd use the flag laying techniques expounded on the main site, but, if it's most block paving with just a handful of flag inserts, best to install a full sub-base and lay on that.

The most important job at this stage is to finalise the plan, then refer to the main site to see how each is laid and take it from there. You can alwayys post here for more detailed info, if you feel you need it.

Edited By Tony McC on 1100256102

The Brew Cabin

Time of year - Garden - paving