I used to have chipstone here as well as pebbles and stepping stones but I hated moving the lawn mower over it whenever I have to bring it to the backyard.
I have decided to rip it all out and create a paving platform to compliment what I already have. If you look at my previous post. Because this is split into two levels. As you can see on the photos the concrete slab gets to about the first drain pipe then lifts up to the second drain pipe.
I am also going to change the drain covers to a rectangle one so it covers horizontally. The slope is definitely steep from fence gate to patio. The neighbours border 'curves' down and I want to make a slight fall instead of something like that.
So from patio, I was thinking of putting a concrete block (110mm high) as a step (landing) and run it until the next step up (following the concrete slab).
Then from the gate onwards it will be paved and following existing slope using the existing timber sleeper there as a step, I will just attach a rock facade.
Hello @toffeeapple
Thank you for sharing those photos of your walkway. I agree with your paving plan, the only thing that I would suggest adding is a drain channel on the side of the Colorbond fence so that should a storm come your way there is a provision for heavy rain to drain away properly. Please note that you'll need the services of a plumber to link the channels drainpipe to your stormwater drain.
Adding a concrete step landing is definitely possible and keeping the sleeper divider is also an option. I would also suggest adding a timber ramp using decking pine panels to save your back when pushing the lawn mower up and down the walkway. Please note that changing any of the drain fittings on your plumbing is considered regulated plumbing work and must be caried out by a licensed plumber.
I've placed a rendered sample image below using AI to give you an idea of what it could look like once paved. My best advice is to install a fall in your paving layout away from the house and into the drain channel.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag, @Noyade, @DIY4Knuckleheds, @Austin10 and @Myk for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Good Morning @toffeeapple
It would frustrate me pushing a mover over the pebbles as well :) There are two options, one that you probably wont go with as you have excavated a chunk of the area but just in case.
Option 1 - Keep the pebbles, and install two runs of pavers pretty much the width of your lawnmower tyres.
Option 2 - Replace the stones with pavers, instead of a large ramp to accommodate the height, I am thinking of several smaller steps. Something around a pavers height in step height. I would stay at least half a brick below the air vents on the wall and definitely go with @EricL's suggestion of a grill drain to take care of surface water.
Dave
Just a little bit of an update with this. I've dugged out quite a bit by hand. Mattock and Shovel feel like they are a part of my arms now. 10 mm of 20mm bluemetal into clay soil, compacted. then added Nonwoven Geotech Fabric on top. 100mm of 20mm bluemetal, compacted every 30mm. 30mm of 5mm bluemetal as bedding. 60mm pavers, wanted to match this with my previous project so it was another herringbone design. Now off to do the next 18m past these gates.
Thank you very much for the update, we look forward to seeing the paving project finished and ready for use.
Sorry here it is!!
Thank you so much for sharing that photo of your paved area. It looks fantastic, you should not have any more trouble rolling the lawnmower over that spot.
Good Evening @toffeeapple
:o wooooo that has come up so nicely! Way nicer then the stepping stones and some very nice paving work :)
