Laying a 66m2 porcelain patio

brightspark · Mar 7, 2023

clear a bit of sand off and see what the subsoil is like below or if its clay. give you an idea of how far down you need to go before solid ground for the ballast

slim_boy_fat · Mar 7, 2023

@RaceDiagnostics Could you hire a mini-digger for a day and make a "made from girders" foundation?

Be a LOT easier on the back.

RaceDiagnostics · Mar 7, 2023

Was just looking up mini digger hire prices!

brightspark · Mar 7, 2023

its about 90 quid a day round our way plus delivery depending on who you go to

RaceDiagnostics · Mar 8, 2023

Slabs were very popular on Gumtree, more than 22 requests and virtually all gone.

RaceDiagnostics · Mar 8, 2023

brightspark said:
clear a bit of sand off and see what the subsoil is like below or if its clay. give you an idea of how far down you need to go before solid ground for the ballast

It's sand no matter how deep I go. We found that when Kim was digging the trench for the new drain pipe.

RaceDiagnostics · Mar 17, 2023

Still not got any decent quotes, had a few people round, half didn't bother to send a quote and the other half saying £10k for the labour, mot1, sand and cement, and we can't do it till 4 months from now.

I'm now thinking I'll do it myself. Did a bit of digging today, probably the trickiest bit to dig of the entire job and enjoyed it.

First lifted this rope edging which was in weak cement and came out easily.

Then lifted some more that was in some strong concrete.

Kim lifted all the old gravel path.

And then I found this hole in the old WC pipe, it was covered over loosely with a bit of broken pipe, but there was a hell of a lot of roots in it I pulled out. I'm surprised it wasn't blocked completely.

From today's work I think I could easily dig out by hand both foundations (two paved areas) in 2 to 3 days. Then at a minimum, prepare the hardcore, but more than likely do the lot myself and save £10k.

DanZac · Mar 17, 2023

RaceDiagnostics said:
From today's work I think I could easily dig out by hand both foundations (two paved areas) in 2 to 3 days. Then at a minimum, prepare the hardcore, but more than likely do the lot myself and save £10k.

Probably better off doing it yourself if you can. At least that way it'll be done when you want it and to the standard you want it doing too.

RaceDiagnostics · Mar 17, 2023

Changed my mind on the slaps too, now waiting for a sample of this limestone.

brightspark · Mar 17, 2023

when you lay it out make sure you get some fall away from the house and adequate drainage

roofman · Mar 17, 2023

better weather and more daylight coming..take your time and remember it does not need to be done in 1 week if self build, enjoy it and save a pack of money too :thumbup:

Richiew · Mar 17, 2023

His back will let him know if he's rushing it.

addjunkie · Mar 17, 2023

Find a man who will come and use a shovel under your instruction. Money well spent!

Morrisman · Mar 17, 2023

Richiew said:
His back will let him know if he's rushing it.

One trick I learned when digging footings for my old workshop was when my back started throbbing like mad, and felt like it was going to lock up, was to sit in a comfy chair so you can totally relax and take all strain off your back. It seemed to give the muscles chance to have a breather, and after just a few minutes I'd be good to go for another couple of hours.

Blobber · Mar 17, 2023

One thing that kills me is shoveling but when we had the plasterer/screeders in they were using a long pole handle pointy spade/shovel thing, it made moving the loose stuff a doddle as you weren't bending down, I keep meaning to get one!

roofman · Mar 17, 2023

addjunkie said:
Find a man who will come and use a shovel under your instruction. Money well spent!

Definitely this...young,old,male or female, if it can push a shovel hire it. You have plenty of dollar in the kitty

Agrismith · Mar 17, 2023

RaceDiagnostics said:
Changed my mind on the slaps too, now waiting for a sample of this limestone.

View attachment 389780

Limestone like that is slightly more forgiving than porcelain. Porcelain being so well cut makes you notice everything.
Only one bloke where I work does porcelain. Noone else is patient enough

Pigeon_Droppings2 · Mar 17, 2023

Make sure you've got a good shovel....i borrowed my mates (builder) shovel and it was way easier. Long handle with a bend in it.....down here in London we are digging mostly clay

I'm liking the stone a lot better....I also like a bit if slate too.