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Multi-Purpose
External Extra ‘Rooms’
man-made products provide a more consistent water runoff flows into a soakaway or rain garden.
colour and are made with finer tolerances on size When laying small areas, buy project packs of
and thickness. Both can feature fine detail and flagstones that feature mixed sizes. These are
character. Common natural stone products economical and provide a balanced mix of sizes
include slate, granite, travertine, sandstone or for a traditional look. You will need the following
limestone, each of which deliver their own basic materials to install a flag paving patio to
particular characteristics and aesthetic. ensure it looks good and performs well for many
The biggest difficulty is choosing how you would years to come; your choice of paving, building
like your patio to look! sand, washed sharp sand, cement, DTp Type 1
There are four basic steps to planning and Sub-Base. You will also need a range of tools
irst impressions are all important. installing a patio. First, you need to get inspired. including; a disc cutter, mechanical compacter
F
The outside of your home is the first Visiting garden shows, friends and neighbours and cement mixer.
thing people see, and a well and reading magazines will provide you with lots Depending on the size of the project,
designed, well kempt exterior is as of ideas and inspiration. Secondly, you need to installation of a patio can usually be done by
important as the interior, especially if set a budget for the project. You should one person, however, remember to take care
you are intending to sell. A beautifully remember to set aside an extra 5-10% to allow when lifting heavy flagstones. If you need to cut
landscaped and maintained garden, and a well for unexpected costs. Next you will need to plan flagstones to fit, use adequate protection and
laid drive, paving and patio areas, could add up your patio carefully and choose your materials. measure carefully to avoid wastage.
to 7% to the value of your home and make it Talking to your local builders’ merchant or Once you have marked out the area using
more attractive to potential buyers. Of course, if contractor is a good idea, as they can advise on pegs and string, clear all vegetation and topsoil
you are not intending to sell your home, the the benefits for most product types and how to and level the ground to a suitable depth.
creation of pleasant exterior areas that add an get the best from them. You then need to plan To ensure the paving remains solid and stable it
‘extra room’ to your home, and which can be your installation. needs to be laid on a firm and level sub-base, laid
used for relaxation, recreation, dining and It is important to remember that there are new to approximately 100mm and compacted well to
entertaining, will make your home feel a great regulations governing the installation of driveways, 75mm. Prepare a mortar of one part cement to
deal more spacious. patios and other hard surfacing if it is at the front six parts building sand. For man-made
Domestic landscaping does not always enjoy of the house and if the area being installed is over flagstones lay a perimeter bedding of mortar at
the same high profile media coverage which 5sqm. These new regulations are intended to least 25mm deep with a dab in the middle.
interior design enjoys. Makeover programmes combat the increased threat of flooding. If your For natural stone lay a full bed to allow for
on TV generally focus on interiors, often with project is in the front garden, you will need to variations in thickness. Lay each flag in turn,
the result that some people may feel daunted carefully consider how water runoff is handled. tapping down with a rubber mallet and using a
about exterior landscaping. The reality is; that If you cannot control water run-off within the spirit level.
planning and installing hard landscaping such boundaries of your property, an application for Once the paving is laid, leave to set for 24
as patios, is a lot easier than many people planning permission may be required. hours and point the joints using an almost dry
realise and a beautiful, long lasting patio can be However, there are allowable options which do mortar mix of one part cement to four parts
installed by the competent DIYer. not require planning permission. These come washed sharp sand. Trowel into the joints and
There is a wide choice of materials and finishes under the category of Sustainable Drainage point with a pointing tool or round piece of wool.
available for patios created from both natural stone Systems (SuDS), which provide surface water
215
and man-made materials. Natural stone products management that replicates natural drainage
feature variations in colour and textures, while patterns. The easiest option is to ensure that any
Zack Barrett, Brett Landscaping
See inside back cover for Reader Enquiry Card or go online: www.sbhonline.eu
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