The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Sun Jul 24, 2016 5:04 pm**

I am laying a small patio area (approximately 2.8 by 3.2 metres) for my daughter which will have a shed covering quite a large area. I have dug out to a depth of 200mm below finished level and a little deeper in places to get rid of some large roots which I found buried underneath. The ground in the garden can get quite waterlogged but I am confident that this is deep enough for a firm base.
Keeping in mind that I may be paving a larger area next year and the information above, I am considering buying a mixer and am wondering whether it makes sense to lay a concrete sub-base (rather than MOT) and avoid hiring a vibration plate. Does this make sense or is MOT the better and Cheaper option?
If my concrete idea could fly how do I go about it? Is there an ideal depth to lay the concrete to and do I then let it go off (and how long for) and set the flags on top with a mortar mix?
My daughter has not yet decided on the paving choice but it won't be anything to fancy.
Any advise on this gratefully accepted.
Apologies for over using the word 'please' in the topic title as I can't figure out how to edit it. ???

Posted: **Sun Jul 24, 2016 9:25 pm**

Whilst it seems rational you wont save any money doing what you plan and construction wise its very much overkill. The money you'll save not hiring a plate will go on cement and ballast most likely.

Your best bet is to put down a 100mm compacted sub base then lay your flags on 50mm of mortar. That would be a quality shed base and patio for many years to come.

Alternatively if the shed covers the whole area simple bare concrete would be a suitable base and would typically be 100mm thick for a shed base and you would need around 0.9 cubic metres.

To mix this yourself you would need

12 bags of cement @ 50 quid
2 800kg bulk bags of ballast plus delivery @ 50-80 quid

This will be a fair amount of mixing and probably take you a long hard morning.

Compare this to 2 bags of MOT sub base plus delivery @ 50-80 quid and vibrating plate hire @ 35 quid and that option will be marginally cheaper and a lot less work.

Posted: **Tue Jul 26, 2016 1:14 pm**

There's a FAQ which may help - What type of sub-base?

Posted: **Mon Aug 01, 2016 12:52 pm**

Cheers fellas. 100-120 mm of well compacted MOT 1 it is.

Posted: **Mon Aug 01, 2016 10:25 pm**

Your getting your bulk bags cheap round my way it's Â£40 a bag plus Â£20 delivery. If you have any aggregate yards nearby they may have a 7.5t truck and drop you lose aggregate you will save a bit that way and get more aggregate for your mobey

The Brew Cabin

Advise please for a novice diyer please. - Sub-base material.