The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Fri Aug 13, 2010 4:19 pm**

Hi
I've probably spent about half a day reading pages on this site - truly amazing and very useful. However, before I start to order materials I wanted some advice if possible?

I'm about to lay a patio having removed some old decking and dug out about 50cm of earth/clay in an attempt to bring it below the DPC. Now I have a large swimming pool (we've had 3 days of rain) My questions:

1. Am I ok to pour the hardcore onto this water area, or do I need to drain it somehow before hand?
2. What hardcore should I use (its a very clay area)
3. What can I use to frame the area that I want to place the patio on, can I construct a timber frame to hold the sides of the hardcore, sand etc.. or should I use some concrete sides?

Much appreciated
cheers

Posted: **Fri Aug 13, 2010 5:45 pm**

1. drain the area if you can. It will just make a mess and the hardcore will not consolidate
2. crushed concrete or type one.

3. you shouldn't need to use and retainer if it is under ground as the ground around it will hold it.

4. is this a raised patio? ???

Edited By dig dug dan on 1281717976

Posted: **Fri Aug 13, 2010 7:31 pm**

Many thanks. Yes, its a raised patio, which is why I was asking about retaining structures. thanks again.

Posted: **Sat Aug 14, 2010 8:20 am**

greenmug wrote:Hi
I've probably spent about half a day reading pages on this site - truly amazing and very useful. However, before I start to order materials I wanted some advice if possible?

I'm about to lay a patio having removed some old decking and dug out about 50cm of earth/clay in an attempt to bring it below the DPC. Now I have a large swimming pool (we've had 3 days of rain) My questions:

1. Am I ok to pour the hardcore onto this water area, or do I need to drain it somehow before hand?
2. What hardcore should I use (its a very clay area)
3. What can I use to frame the area that I want to place the patio on, can I construct a timber frame to hold the sides of the hardcore, sand etc.. or should I use some concrete sides?

Much appreciated
cheers

Drain out what you can and remove any soft spots.
How much make up have you got to lay to bring it up to sub base level? You will need edge restraints but not timber.

The Brew Cabin

New patio - same height as dpc