The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Tue Jul 24, 2012 10:40 am**

Hello all,

Iâ€™m new to the forum and still on the learning curve so apologies for my lack of knowledge and silly questions, if any (Iâ€™m sure there will be a few).

Planning on getting my garden slabbed so I called around, arranged for a visit and got a few quotes. Was quite surprised with how expensive some of the quotes were!

So thinking about tackling the task myself with a friend who is experienced with building and DIY.

Looking for advice on preparation and especially the bedding we will put down for the slabs to go on top of. What is the best method and materials for the bedding itself? The base we will be working from is the usual earth/soil. Should I apply any sand/cement mix on the base of the slab itself?

I'll be getting a thick, heavy duty membrane to ensure (well try to ensure) nothing like weeds, plants, etc grow through. Also, whats the best way to pipe or fill the gaps in between the slabs?

Any other advice would be really appreciated. Was hoping for some good weather and its arrived

Many thanks!

Posted: **Tue Jul 24, 2012 10:59 am**

Sorry, forgot to add that I'm based in Coventry.

My garden measurements are approximately 15m x 4m. Any idea how much sand and cement I will need for the base?

Posted: **Tue Jul 24, 2012 12:32 pm**

Calculators for sand and type 1 requirements

Everyone will tell you something different for bedding mixes, roughly 5 or 6 sharp sand to 1 cement is most common.

For the sub base, 75-100mm of type 1.

Membrane won't stop weed growth, the type 1 sub base, the sand and cement bedding layer, the 25-50mm thick slab and the pointing will stop weeds. The membrane is there to prevent your type 1 sinking in to the ground, particularly useful clay.

For your pointing either mix building sand cement (3 or 4:1) or buy a product like easypoint if you're wanting it coloured.

Be prepared for some hard manual labour. Read the main site thoroughly before going ahead with the work.

Posted: **Tue Jul 24, 2012 12:33 pm**

wrlcome suf'. First, '' the usual soil/earth'' doesn't tell us much. Althougj it is possible to lay flags straight onto a good solid sub grade, we on here would always recommend a sub base of not less than 75ml. Maybe a few photo's would help to establish what your sub grade is made up of. Maybe you and your m8 should read the main index flag laying pages.

Posted: **Tue Jul 24, 2012 12:34 pm**

once again, apologies for spelling mistakes .

Posted: **Tue Jul 24, 2012 2:45 pm**

Thanks for all the advice guys. Will keep all of those things in mind and try getting some pictures up.

Iâ€™m thinking about fitting an aco drain. Is it worth the hassle or should I stick with two small individual drains for the bathroom and kitchen? If I did opt for the aco drain, do you guys know of anyone in Coventry/West Midlands who can fit one for me?

Thanks again.

Posted: **Tue Jul 24, 2012 8:11 pm**

Sufyaan wrote:Thanks for all the advice guys. Will keep all of those things in mind and try getting some pictures up.

Iâ€™m thinking about fitting an aco drain. Is it worth the hassle or should I stick with two small individual drains for the bathroom and kitchen? If I did opt for the aco drain, do you guys know of anyone in Coventry/West Midlands who can fit one for me?

Thanks again.

What do you mean when you say Aco? that's actually a brand name.
Would need to see pictures or diagram of the area to know what kind of drainage you need.

The Brew Cabin

Help - advice on laying slabs