PATIO PAVING KITS

Set the area out with a slight slope running away from the house, so rain drains off rather than towards the wall. Dig out about 150mm, put down and firm up 100mm of MOT Type 1 hardcore, then lay each slab on a full bed of mortar and tap it down level. Leave a small gap between slabs, let it set for a day, then fill the gaps with mortar or a brush-in jointing compound.

Yes, lay your slabs on a full bed of mortar rather than five dabs, so the whole slab's supported andwon'trock or crack later. Tap each one down level, check as you go, and butter the edges where slabs meet. It uses a bit more sand and cement, butit'sthe difference between a patio that lasts and one that lifts.

A 450mm slab works out atroughly 5per square metre, and a 600mm slab at just under 3. Measure your area in square metres, divide by that number, and add about 10% for cuts around the edges. Buy full packs where you can, as colours can vary slightly between batches.

The order to remember is dig out, hardcore, mortar, slabs, then fill the joints, and getting the slope right early saves you the most hassle. Work off one straight edge, like the house wall, and lay a few slabs to checkthey'relevel before you carry on. Mix your mortar in small batches so itdoesn'tgo off before you use it.

Yes, you can bed slabs straight onto firmed-up hardcore with a layer of sharp sand on top, which is fine for a light-use spot or an informal path.It'squicker and cheaper, but the slabs are more likely to shift over time. If thepatio'sgoing to take a table, chairs and regular use, a proper mortar bed's the better bet.

Give it a sweep, then scrub it with warm soapy water or a patio cleaner and a stiff brush, doing a section at a time. For green algae or black spots, use a proper patio cleaner rather than bleach, which can lighten natural stone. If you use a pressure washer, keep it on a gentle setting and top the joints back up afterwards.

Itmainly comesdown to the slabs you pick, the size of the area, and whether you lay it yourself or pay a landscaper. Porcelain and natural stone cost more than standard concrete slabs, and a bigger or awkward shape needs more materials and cutting. Check the slab prices on our paving pages, then add hardcore, sand and cement to work out your total.