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Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 12:18 am
by n0chex
Hi and thankyou for having me here and i must say a very informative and very helpfull forum indeed.
My name is Andrew and i live in St Helens an about to embark on laying my own block paving in the rear yard.
I am hoping for some of you guys to give me some advise really regards preparation and laying of the bricks.
I have just purchased a Belle plx 320 second hand wacker and a MAKITA 6400 STIHL Saw as hiring them for a few weeks or a month could get expensive and i will be selling these on after i have used them for my project , i need to know where to buy some weed sheeting and what should i buy and where is best to get it.
The Back yard is currently flagged with 2x2 flags and the ground underneath after i have taken them up is pretty solid to be honest , would it be ok to put a few inch of grit sand down and wack it then another layer and screen it as it will only ever be used to walk on no heavy foot traffic or cars.
Also do i need a rubber pad to do the final wacking to stop any damage to the blocks or will it be ok.
I feel it is a fairly forward straight job ( Famous Last Words ) and it already has a good run off away from the house so not much work involved in this side ,but i do have a kitchen grid and a manhole to tackle but im fairly confident i can handle these as it is just a matter of making sure all is lined up is that right ?...oh and taking my time.
Below is a picture of the top part where i will be starting and any comments will be welcome and appreciated.
PS: What colour Block Paving should look right any idea's.
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 4:10 am
by Suggers
Welcome noChex - I'd never dream of putting block paving down, in a narrow space, between 2 lovely brick walls.
Love the bright white contrast to the natural brick - (and from over the road) - you could have some fun here - personally I'd stick to natural materials. You're facing whichway?
All your big questions are on the main site - the subjective stuff is down to you....
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:36 am
by Dave_L
Agreed - blocks would go green/mossy in no time.
Council grey slabs 
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 9:06 am
by n0chex
Ok thanks for the comments but i suppose it is personel preference and i could always do it like my front has been done what do you think ?
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 10:18 am
by bodgeitandscarper
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DONT DO THE BACK LIKE THE FRONT!!
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 12:24 pm
by n0chex
bodgeitandscarper wrote:PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DONT DO THE BACK LIKE THE FRONT!!
Please could you tell me why not as i can see by your SHOUTING .....you do not like it ?
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:07 pm
by bodgeitandscarper
I go with gbgroundworks! and butted joints prone to weeds as per your photos
This looks tidy
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:14 pm
by GB_Groundworks
it all down to personal opinion one mans rubbish is another mans treasure.
i personally don't like the yellow blocks, looks like double yellow lines on a main road but that only my personal opinion i'm sure your very happy with it.
technically the edging on the left is a bit rough, the cutting in around the bay is rough and the levels are all over but for a diyer first attempt its ok.
at the end of the day its your garden so what you like is most important as you have to live with it, read up on the main site about laying the blocks, follow it to the word and pick the blocks you like and you wont go wrong.
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:34 pm
by Pablo
Bodgeit I know you're not working but you should probably lay of the drugs till the weekend and stop insulting people looking for genuine help and advise.
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:54 pm
by GB_Groundworks
bodge even on my 17 inch mac book pro that pic is huge. 800x600 max is best for forum, and how did you edit your post without it saying you editted it erm chin scratching haha
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 11:19 pm
by bodgeitandscarper
I apologise for the large picture its linked to a website (not mine)
Ive got no idea regarding editing
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 11:45 pm
by lutonlagerlout
I'm with pablo, the OP asked a genuine question lets keep it on topic for the first 4-5 posts at least :;):
the pave and block mixtures look neat enough and appeal to some people's sense of aesthetics,although i wonder what it would look like after 6 months of cars back and forth
In answer to the OP i wouldn't block pave the rear garden ,something similar to the front would look more effective
regards LLL
Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 12:00 am
by bodgeitandscarper
Whats with you moaners!!!!! The only reason i posted the pic is for an idea for the back garden and it shows all the joints pointed, not whether it makes a good driveway or not.
I do criticise, I aint going to lie to the bloke.
Stop Bitching I get enough from the wife.
Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 4:00 am
by n0chex
Hey guys appreciate the comments and Stephen that drive looks real nice and it has given me a few idea's.
This might sound a silly question here but i really like the effect of the small diamond border and my question is do you buy the diamond block and 1/2 diamond blocks or do you have to cut them yourself ? also where is the best place to buy the blocks and have them delivered , also any blocks i should avoid like B&Q or alike or are they ok.......God i am sounding like a detective here !! .
Stephen ( bodgeitandscarper ) thanks for my reply and appreciated and could i ask a question regards to the flags was they laid on sand the same as the blocks or Dab & Dot method.
What's that famous saying i have Champagne taste but only beer money .....yes i am on a tight budget here guys and can not afford to be spending thousands i do not have and that's why i need to have a go myself.
I do believe everyman to his own job and all that but i am a quick learner and need to be in this situation.
Also just to note i did NOT do the front part as it was already done when we moved into the house 2 years ago.
Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 9:58 am
by Rich H
"Diamond" blocks: They're just regular blocks, cut in half
Source: Any builders' merchant, not a DIY place
Laying method: All the info is on the main site. Don't mention 'dab and dot' again though or the gaffer might come round to flame you!