Patio and Paving Designs

How to lay a patio with paving slabs

Step 1: Preparation

• Draw a scale plan of your patio. If you're putting it adjacent to the house, mark the position of drain pipes and manhole covers
• Decide which type of paving slabs you would like. Adjust the size of the patio if you can so that you do not need to cut any slabs - draw them on the plan to see how they fit
• Mark out the ground with string, using marker pegs at each corner

Tip: Use slabs in plain, light colours to make the space look larger.

Step 2: Levelling

• Use a spirit level to ensure the pegs are level with the desired level of the finished patio, which must be at least 150mm (6in) lower than the damp proof course
• Do not cover any air bricks - leave an edged 'hole' to ensure adequate ventilation
• To allow for a gentle slope away from the house to remove rain water, knock in the pegs 25mm (1in) lower for every 1.5m (1.5yds) width of patio as you move away from the house

Tip: Use a builder's square and check the corners are at right angles