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Paving suggestion

Hi folks,

I'm planning to pave my backyard with bluestone. As you can see from the picture below, it doesn't look good at the moment. The ground is not level (I think because my house a bit higher that neighbours house) Just wondering what is the best way to tackle this? just topping up the sand and compact it and make it level is enough? or should I use mortar (1+5) for each paver? planning to put a BBQ there

Cheers

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Decking and Paving

Landscaping

Comments

Sporky

Hey @ehsantl

I've done stone, concrete, pebble and brick paving in the past. The two things you need to worry about is the base and the draining.

As you are planning on having it as an entertainment area, remember to slope AWAY from your house with a 3cm drop from one side to the other.

Rather than repeating folks on the net, check out https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/outdoor/paths-and-landscaping/how-to-prepare-and-lay for information on preparing your base. Check out http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a685/how-to- for information on drainage and base types (you might decide sand is best, perhaps gravel is better in your area!)

Check out the gents at http://www.premierpavers.com.au/about-us/faq.aspx

They have a huge amount of information about bases and how to lay pavers

I hope I've been helpful... I'd still check with someone else though. .

MartyH

What's the dimensions of this space @ehsantl? And what size pavers are you planning to use?

ehsantl

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/3119#Comment_3119

Thanks for the replies.

The area is around 6m x 2m and I'm planning to use 400mm x 400mm blocks.

The problem with current blocks is that first weeds growing all the time from between the pavers and also sand is coming out of the joints, even with the simple hosing down the blocks I can see sands everywhere. Not sure if that is how it meant to be with using sand or it is the installation fault.

Thought adding mortar under each block would fix these problems.

Cheers

Sporky

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/63833#Comment_63833

The problem with sand is that it can shift if not compacted enough or if the ground naturally moves, which sounds like what's happening to me... if weeds are growing you may not have the correct type of ground covering....

If in doubt, you could always ask a trade to come give you a quote for it. He should be able to explain the problem and what he'd do to fix it. But maybe offer him a beer if your not planning on actually hiring him. He'll appreciate it, as he has used his time 🙂

MartyH

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/63833#Comment_63833

For the best result you'd want to have a concrete base at least 75mm thick, then lay the pavers using mortar and finally add grout between them. Although it's a small area you'd also want to consider drainage.

Jason

@darylhewston might also be able to assist here as he completed a significant backyard makeover.

Jason

Isobel

Bluestone is a great choice. It will look fantastic and work well with your timber deck and fence colour.

darylhewston

Thanks for the vote of confidence @Jason. Sorry have been away.

@ehsantl Unfortunately, the photo doesn't really show much. You say that your ground level is higher than your neighbour. Does this mean that this area is retained in any way? If not, this could affect ground movement.

A good sand base is required with plenty of compaction. If you are worried about weeds and sand, then you could use a cement based grout once the stone has been laid.

As @Sporky has suggested, ensure the fall is away from the house. Rule of thumb is about 30-35mm of fall per metre, not per total width.

Cheers

Daryl

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/3143#Comment_3143

Welcome back @darylhewston. Been anywhere good? Are you back on the tools now?

Thanks for your input in this discussion. I'm sure @ehsantl appreciates it.

Jason

ehsantl

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/63843#Comment_63843

Appreciate all the replies.

Thanks @MartyH seems like concrete is too much hassle and needs extra cost. I think I would go with compacted sand and have cement based grout and sealer to stop the weeds.

@Isobel thanks for your reply. I've got a sample paver and I think it would look nice too 🙂

@darylhewston As you can see in the photo, fence "kickboard" is not visible, because my side is about 20cm higher than neighbour's
and currently sands from paved area drips a bit to the other side. My plan is to put couple of sleepers next to the fence and retain that area and then add the base + sand and compact and level 🙂

Branchy249

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/63843#Comment_63843

Good paving all starts from good base preparation.

Regardless whether you use a crushed rock (road base) and sand base or a mortar base, you need to ensure that your base is level and is sloping away from the house, as per the previous comments.

I have laid pavers on both types of bases and they both have there pros and cons. I would slightly lean to a road base/sand base, because if you do happen to make any mistakes or need to pull the pavers up in the future for any reason, it is a lot easier on a sand base than mortar! In any instance, I would rip up your existing pavers and start from scratch to ensure that you get a good solid base. Good luck with it!

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/94448#Comment_94448

Some great advice here! Many thanks to all for their input.

@ehsantl please let us know how you go with the project. It would be great to get an update when you make some progress. And I'm sure community members will be happy to provide more advice if you need a hand.

Jason

ehsantl

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/113622#Comment_113622

For whoever carious about what happened to my backyard, this is a end result after couple of years

Fence paint and screen + Paving + Deck + Screen for water tank + lots of bamboos

Thanks for your feedbacks

Walter

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/125012#Comment_125012

@ehsantl

Really nice. #jealous. Lovely place to chill out of an evening

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/125012#Comment_125012

Wow, brilliant result @ehsantl. Thank you so much for coming back and sharing some photos. Looking forward to seeing what you tackle next!

Feel free to post anytime you need a hand with anything.

Jason

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