The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Tue Apr 19, 2005 11:26 am**

I hope I'm not incurring the wrath of Tony - I have thoroughly researched the archive and the brew cabin titles but still not found an answer, probably because question is too barking to consider!
Anyway - here goes:
I read about thickness of patio slate and that anything less than 30mm is considered a tile. Is it actually possible to use tiles on a light use patio - Sheera multicoloured slate is what I have in mind. Will that work if embedded in a Class IV mortar as described in the natural stone section. What depth hardcore and concrete sub-base is also required? Am I actually saving money by doing this at approx Â£15 a square metre.
Thanks
Lou

???

Posted: **Wed May 04, 2005 2:26 pm**

No danger of any wrath - a few days back on the owld sod in Ireland does wonders for my disposition (not too mention the profits of Guinness!)

You can use tiles if you wish, but most "tiles" really do need to be supported by a concrete base rather than a flexible sub-base. There are some exceptions to this, but I don't want to confuse you unnecessarily.

So, a concrete base needs to be at least 75mm thick, preferably 100mm, and should be laid over a damp-proof membrane, as described on the Concrete Hard-standings page. A sub-base isn't always needed, but can be used if required.

Obviously, using 75-100mm of concrete and a DPM is more expensive than bedding onto 50mm of grit sand and cement, but, if this Sheera (wasn't she a Princess of Power in the 1980s??) Slate is what you want, it's a far better construction and worth the few quid extra.

The Brew Cabin

Thickness of slate for patio