Patio & concrete - Help on flag patio and concrete area

[PatK]

Hi,

This is a great site but is also a bit overwhelming in its detail so I thought I'd try to get a specific(ish) answer to my questiion.

I currently have a back garden which slopes up and away from the house. It's also pretty soft during wet weather (probably due to compaction from diggers during the construction of the estate, and lack of topsoil preventing water from draining effectively.).

I want to concrete approx 30sqM, create a (flag)patio of approx 15sqM and have a gravel area of approx 50sqM.

I'm wondering whether drainage is necessary under a concrete area, or is it better to just install drains connecting to those already in place?

Also, what depth of concrete should I be looking at for a very light foot traffic (apart from a dog and 2 cats!) and what kind of base is required? I haven't found reference to this kind of thing on the site but apologies if it is here somewhere ! Also, I'm going to (obviously) order readymix, but how many tonnes relates to 30sqM of concrete to the recommended depth ? and what strength of cement do I order?

As for the patio, I'm putting down a 10:1 base of sharp sand & cement to a combined depth of 90mm with a kerbing around the sides which border the pea gravelled area.

As the graveled area is only again for light foot traffic, what depth should I be looking at ?

Sorry if this sounds like I'm a complete moron. I have helped out on heavier projects than these before on my dads farm but never knew the specifics. I reckon I know how to do it, if the materials were provided, but I want to ensure I have the correct amount of the correct materials !

Thanks in advance,
Pat K.

[Tony McC]

The answers to ALL of your questions can be found in the relevant sections of the main website.

Try not to be overwhelmed.