Patio and gazebo area - a plan

Discussion in 'Garden Projects and DIY' started by Fat Controller, May 24, 2017.

  1. Scrungee

    Scrungee Well known for it

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    Looking at the image posted of the patio, does it slope towards the lawn? If some water currently drains through the gaps between slabs, could it cause a ponding problem if the whole patio was made impervious?

    Scrunch up some chicken wire mesh fencing to reinforce the concrete and brush cooking oil on the timber so it wont stick (unless you're intending to paint it). Or the shuttering 'box' could be lined (sides and top, the top being at the bottom when casting) with cut pieces of slab to match the existing, or some other material. An alternative to angle iron would be threaded rod bent into L shapes and cast in with sufficient projecting to bolt the gazebo down.
     
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    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      That is just an illusion of the photo @Scrungee, coupled with the way that it used to look (it doesn't show the variations in levels on that photo at all); we did have a ponding problem at the time that photo was taken, but over the intervening years we have levelled things up and the patio now runs off to gravel traps at either side, with the bulk going over to the left where there is a proper drain.

      We still have a ponding issue in one corner, but that is the corner that hasn't been levelled up yet - hopefully this week once I clear the pile of firewood from it.

      I did think about big pots with bricks etc in, but then wondered if it might damage the metal and cause corrosion? I don't really want to put concrete 'boots' on it, as I need to be able to move it should we have to move house, so anything I do has to be moveable. The frame around the bottom might be the answer, but would that not cause a trip hazard? (Just thinking that we often sit out there with a few jars!)

      I'll try and get a photo later today (it will be messy as I have everything at sixes and sevens at the moment, so please don't judge!)
       
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      • Ned

        Ned Evaporated

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        Would wooden planters be OK to fix to? I was thinking of half barrels :noidea:
         
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        • noisette47

          noisette47 Total Gardener

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          +1 for @Tetters idea. Our flimsy gazebos are weighted down with slabs (one on each corner) with pots on top of these so there's some greenery on the terrace. If your gazebos don't have enough surface area on the feet to put slabs on, and as you say, there's a risk of tripping, how about wrapping the legs in clingfilm and burying in heavy pots as Tetters suggests? Just one other point.....concrete takes a while to cure thoroughly. I wouldn't risk pressure-washing newly done joints!
           
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          • shiney

            shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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            Just have the frame on three sides - to include all four feet. The fourth side is the entrance and uncluttered so no tripping, unless it's over your own feet!
             
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            • Fat Controller

              Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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              Ah, that wouldn't work for us - it takes up most of the patio, so we have to walk through it on a regular basis.
               
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              • redstar

                redstar Total Gardener

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                we had one put in about 10 years ago. husband did the patio in front of it. 13308367_10209957545079071_1288418962305663306_o.jpg
                 
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                • Fat Controller

                  Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                  OK, apologies for the really bad image (and the mess) - the sun would burn the eyes off you here today.

                  Here is the patio and gazebo (covers currently off):

                  IMAG0081.jpg

                  Don't panic, the chimnea usually sits outside the gazebo.

                  I quite like the idea of half barrels - must admit, I hadn't thought along those lines....
                   
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                  • Fat Controller

                    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                    Ah, £30 each! Not this year... sleeper it is
                     
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                    • Sheal

                      Sheal Total Gardener

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                      You could cover the base of the legs in plastic and set them into concrete in buckets. The legs should just pull out when set and the buckets can be cut off.

                      Plastic half barrels perhaps?

                      Amazon.co.uk: barrel plant pot
                       
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                      • Fat Controller

                        Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                        They are a wee tad too big @Sheal, mostly due to the side curtains that have to be attached to the legs when retracted.

                        I had a look at a sleeper today, and immediately gave up on that idea too - by the time I cut it small enough to be useable without tripping over them, they would be way too light. So, I think I am going to go for one of these fellows on each leg, and then fill it will slate.## legbox.jpeg
                         
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                        • Fat Controller

                          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                          Gazebo frame had a minor repair today, and then I checked all the joints to make sure everything was tight; security lights were rewired, then the colour floodlights were fitted to the gazebo frame - just had time to test them as the rain was starting, so didn't manage to get the gazebo covers on.
                           
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                          • Sheal

                            Sheal Total Gardener

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                            A good idea with the planters and prettier than concrete. :) Of course we expect pictures on completion. :biggrin:
                             
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                            • Fat Controller

                              Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                              If I can wangle it, I might even do a video @Sheal - the slight problem is that my camera is my phone, and the controller for the lights is my phone....
                               
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                              • Sheal

                                Sheal Total Gardener

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                                I seem to remember Mrs FC having a camera......perhaps some bribery or arm twisting? :biggrin:
                                 
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