DIY Patios UK

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Do It Yourself Patio Tips

DIY patios are paved areas outside where you can sit outside during the summer months. Many people prefer to eat outside during mild summer evenings and it is often pleasant to sit in the garden with drinks and snacks. Patio furniture and accessories are available in various styles: wooden tables and chairs look more natural, while aluminium furniture gives a more modern look. The cheapest furniture is plastic - this doesn't look as smart but is light and easy to carry.

The first step is to select the location of the DIY patio. You may prefer to create an area in a sunny part of the garden, or go for somewhere with a bit of shade. Patio umbrellas are available to give a mix of sun and shade. Choosing somewhere near the house means less distance for carrying drinks and food.

There are many types of matarials available for DIY paving. When selecting what materials to use, carefully plan how the one area will blend into the next. For instance you may want the patio to continue into the paths, or you may wish to use different materials to distinguish between the patio and paths. While using contrasting colours, shapes, styles and textures can look very striking, take care not to overdo it and create a look that is too hectic.

One possibility is to use concrete. You can buy ready-made concrete paving slabs which come is variety of textures and dyes to mimic real stone slabs, or you can make your own. When making your own slabs, bear in mind that if the slab is large or of a complicated shape, control joints need to be incorporated to allow the material to expand and contract. With colouring concrete slabs, it is hard to replicate the same colour between batches. Stone slabs look beautiful and are hard-wearing, but cost much more. Bricks can also be used for paving. Slabs are sold at DIY stores , garden centres and builders' merchants.

Paving slabs must be laid on a firm, level base. Measure out the area to be paved, ideally to fit the size of slabs so no cutting to size is required. Dig out the top layer of grass and earth to a depth that allows for the thickness of the slabs, 25mm (1 inch) for a layer of sharp sand and an extra 18mm (3/4 inch) so the paving will be below the level of the turf. Set up string lines as a guide. The slabs need to be laid using mortar which needs to be allowed to set for a few days. Fill in the gaps between the slabs using dry mortar and spray with water.

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