New paved patio - advice please

Dear all,

I havent been online in a few months, due to the arrival of a new baby (adorable - just like her father haha!), but as summer approaches we are looking to have a patio installed to help make the most of our garden.

The patio will be installed against the wall of house and extending from there.

We need some advice, as follows:

1) Is it better for us to purchase the paving separately, rather than getting the tradespeople to supply it, to avoid any additional mark-up? Or might they be better value if they can acess trades prices?

2) What kind of foundation will this need, so I can check the quotes are adequate?

I read this:

You need to allow 150mm for foundation mix and paving, and if you are laying directly next to a house then the finished patio should be at least 150mm below the damp proof course. This means you will need to dig out the area to a minimum depth of 300mm below the damp proof course.

https://www.bradstone.com/garden-guides-advice/laying-guides/how-to-lay-a-patio/

That seems awfully deep for just a garden patio?

Also I thought a hardcore foundation would be adequate, but that link advocates concerete?

But then, what do I know?

3) There are existing access points to drains at ground level etc (removable blanks to allow rodding) which the new paving will encompass. Is it worthwhile turning these into actual drains, to assist with clearing rain- and wash water from the patio?

Many thanks for any advice!

 

Hi Gabriel

No advice on your patio ... but couldn't read and run without saying:



Wonderful news

 

You can't put run off rain water into a mains sewer iirc.

 

If there is particular type of paving you like? If there is then find which one you like and then you can mention the type of paving you want to trades people before they come over so at least the have an idea of what you want.

P.S Congratulations on the baby:-)