The Brew Cabin

We're now ready to order our paving slabs. We keen to go for all slabs being the same size (c.855x570) as we feel this would give a more elegant and less busy design. Of course, such a size of slab poses some design issues, namely how do you interface from the patio to a path which runs at 45 degree to the patio area?

Any aethestic tips would be appreciated.... would a simple boundary marker, say a line or bricks on edge work? Or can we change orientation without a marker.

I know this is a difficult one to answer without a visual, but the main patio is c.35sqm and the path is c.1m wide by 35m long and goes off at 45 degree from the bottom corner of the patio (which is rectangular)

Thanks for your answer!


Ed

If you use flags of only one size, you have two design options - coursed or herringbone. You also have a massive problem with wastage.

Further, your belief that using just one size will offer a more elegant design is, I feel, mistaken. You will end up with a plain, boring looking pavement, with a monotonous size regime that does nothing to emphasise the fact that these are natural stone flags, with each and every one of them being unique. By regimenting the sizes on display, the finished pavement will suggest that the work is intended to look repetitive, ordered, inorganic, which is not a good effect with natural stone, in my not so humble opinion.

But, as I alway say, it's you that has to spend umpteen years looking at these flags, not me, so you must do what you feel is best for you. A break band of brick or setts or even 210mm strips of stone (855 ÷ 4) will help define the boundary you mention.

Still, laying 855mm flags to a 1000mm wide path is going to be bloody boring - the only design option is 855-130 followed by 130-855, and then back to 855-130, 130-855....and that 130 strip (I've allowed 15mm for jointing) is a prime candidate for snapping!

Sorry, but this is not a design I would feel comfortable with. :(

Thanks Tony - much appreciate input

back to the graph paper methinks!!


;-)

I have to agree with Tony that a patio using one size of flag only, (i am assuming you are using re-dressed indian stone) will be a big mistake, you will end up with long joints (we class these as anyything over 7 ft on average) and a very boring look. Most suppliers will offer these flags in 8 sizes i would recommend that you use at least 4 of these. if you are worried about a laying plan dont be, as a guide avoid straight joints longer than 7 ft and avoid crossing joints for a more proffessional look and just mix the flags up as you go its a lot easier than you would think. Alan.

I agree with Tony & Alan, using the same size flag would not yield the most eye pleasing results.

Have a look at Tony's great page on Random Layouts which includes handy rules of thumb such as avoiding long joint lines etc.

I would definitely plan it all out first though rather than making it up as you go along. That way you can minimise cutting and wastage, ensure you order the correct amount and generally make the job easier.

(Edited by InfAddict at 10:04 am on June 10, 2004)