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Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 4:09 pm
by Callumlj
Hi I am looking to pave my front garden which is approx 10m2 and I just need some help with a few bits. I have read the section of here on how to lay slabs.

I am laying the slabs because I am fed up with cutting the grass so they will not be subject to a lot of traffic but they will start from the house wall and end at the pavement. My first is question is how deep do need to dig is it 150mm and then do I need to lay the type 1 mot?

My biggest headache is where do I run the drainage water I do have a house down pipe that I suppose I could run it to. If not there is a drain in the middle of my drive way.

I am looking to lay new black slate tiles.

Any help would be great.

Thanks

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 4:17 pm
by Callumlj
Image

Image

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 4:18 pm
by Callumlj
Hopefully the pictures will help

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 6:04 pm
by Dave_L
I wouldn't worry about the drainage, the area is so small.

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 7:14 pm
by seanandruby
Callum you need to finish 150 below DPC, allow 100ml dtp1 40ml screed plus whatever thickness slab/block you will use. So about 400 below DPC.

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 7:38 pm
by local patios and driveway
Callum if you got that lovely new build an audi and a bimmer why not pay someone local £650 to do it and go to work for a few days instead?

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 9:38 pm
by Callumlj
Audi is next doors and might is a company car lol.

I like to learn to do things.

So let me get this right I need to get the slabs to end 150mm below dpc and I take it my current grass is about 100mm above dpc.

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:09 pm
by rimexboy
Callum NO your grass should not be over the height of your dpc, if it was then the walls on your house would be soaking wet, your dpc is higher than you grass....

Oh and save the water that drains off and clean the Beamer :D

Ps your front door is open

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:47 pm
by Callumlj
seanandruby wrote:Callum you need to finish 150 below DPC, allow 100ml dtp1 40ml screed plus whatever thickness slab/block you will use. So about 400 below DPC.
Why 400 wouldn't it be more 300?

150 below allow 100 dto1 40ml screed and the slate

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:51 pm
by Callumlj

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 8:01 am
by lutonlagerlout
be wary of buying stone off ebay
you have such a small area to pave better to go local and then you can actually see and feel the stone that you want to buy
LLL

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 9:28 am
by bodgeitandscarper
And is slate the right choice, from a design perspective?

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 10:06 am
by Callumlj
What would you recommend I want something that will stay the same colour and look nice all year round.

I love indian sandstone and I had it put down in my back garden but they did not seal it. Now it looks terrible and I can't get it clean for love all money. I tried using a home jet wash and cleaner but it hardly did anything. Any ideas how to clean it?

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 10:17 am
by lutonlagerlout
Calcium Hypochlorite is your friend here
wear goggles cloves and full PPE
mix 1 part Calcium Hypochlorite with 4 parts water and a dash of baby shampoo
use a sprayer or watering can to spread over the area
leave 20 minutes
carefully wash off
Calcium Hypochlorite can be bought in swimming pool supply shops but is nasty stuff ,keep animals and kids well away and be aware it may hev a negative effect on your grass
courtesy of R and A pressure washing
LLL

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 11:58 am
by Callumlj
Thanks lutonlagerlout when I wash it off do I hose it off or jet wash it off do I need to be carefull where it sprays. Will it be pet and child safe after?

Can you recommend a good sealant to use afterwards