How to fill gap between uneven slab and new lawn?

[joelharrisonau]

Hi everyone… long-time reader, first-time poster!

We’re nearing the end of a lawn renovation and have been left with a bit of a head-scratcher: an awkward angled slab and a gap next to the new turf.

This space previously had garden beds and planter box steps, but they were rotted and had to go. Now we’re looking for ideas to make it more usable and help the area transition nicely from the slab to the lawn. As you’ll see in the photos, the concrete slab above slopes down, which adds to the challenge. Images are from various stages of the lawn reno to show the area.

We’ve had a few landscapers out...quotes were $15k+ for ecodecking or they were stumped by the unusual shape. We’re leaning towards lower-maintenance options (ideally not timber decking or timber that needs ongoing painting or sealing) and hopefully something we can complete ourselves under that budget.

Any ideas, suggestions, or examples would be hugely appreciated. Thanks so much in advance!

[EricL]

Hello @joelharrisonau 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your uneven slab.

I propose two possible solutions, first is to concrete the remaining open section to the same level. It is possible to cover the top section with pebblecrete but you'll need a concrete specialist who is familiar with the process or leave it as plain concrete. The timber garden edgings height will need to be increased to match the current slab. 

Option number two is to straighten the edge of the slab so that it is in line with the timber edging. I then suggest paving the surface - How To Pave A Pathway to make it a feature and let it stand out. Again, the timber edging will need to increase its height to the same level as the slab.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @joelharrisonau 

My solution to consider is similar to @EricL. I would get a few quotes from concreter in cutting and removing the sloping section. Then replace this and extend the concrete out to the voids. This would give a nice solid edge running along the lawned backyard section.

Nailbag 

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @joelharrisonau 

I am thinking a little different to @EricL and @Nailbag. I am thinking of a Gabion styled bench seat along the edge of the pebblecrete concrete slab.

Gabion wall for front pathway  For the first part of just a narrow wall.

Gabion wall bench seats  Then adding in the timber tops to teh cage.

I know you said you didnt want to have to oil the timbers, I used recyled hardwood piece and they do need some oiling, so far Ive down 2 lots on install and then another 2 lots a year later. The timber is standing up well.

You only need a compacted soil base for the cage to stand on, no extra concrete pouring. 

You can make steps, steps with a timber top even. Gabion retaing wall and gabion steps They come up pretty nice.

Free drainage through teh gabion baskets.

You can fill the cages with whatever stone work you like, even just face the outside edges with nice rock and rubbish rock in the middle.

You can purchase premade baskets at Bunnings and stitch them together or make them from scratch to suit the sizing you want. They are incredibly easy to make.Jack 80 x 40 x 40cm Rectangle Landscaper's Plant Support Garden Gabion For your edge I would go custom build as I think it would look a cleaner style.

Dave

[joelharrisonau]

Thanks @EricL appreciate your input mate. 

[joelharrisonau]

Thanks @Nailbag, probably not too keen on cutting the slab at this stage. Appreciate your input! 

[joelharrisonau]

@Dave-1 I hadn't even considered a Gabion wall with ekodeck on top and steps etc.
I've just gone down a bit of a rabbit hole and think there'll be several potential options. Really appreciate it! 

[Dave-1]

Evening @joelharrisonau 

hahahahah now that is a rabbit hole and a half!

They do look good dont they

Dave