mo wrote:
Hi
Wondering if anyone can help with a multitude of questions I have on a
paving project. I am going to pave over an old area using a
combination of the existing base and some new base. The area will
only be a patio and not subject to heavy traffic like a driveway.

Here goes:

This is the area to be done. Most of it already has a concrete base
which I will be leaving alone. There are 2 other areas which I will
have to fill in. http://img181.imageshack.us/i/img0374.jpg/

The 2 areas to be filled in are the ones with mud in the above
picture.
I have cleared away an old paved area as it was unlevel
http://img30.imageshack.us/i/img0379ijn.jpg/
http://img30.imageshack.us/i/img0390n.jpg/

First question:
For the 2 areas with mud, obviously I will bring them level with type
1 hardcore, then sand over both areas at once. Question is how deep
should I go? 10CM seems to be recommended for driveways but will less
be ok here? May main problem is getting rid of the mud I dig up, I've
already spent time and money on getting rid of lots of other crap
from the garden elsewhere.
This is what it looks like from an edge:
http://img199.imageshack.us/i/img0391n.jpg/


Another issue is that the paving will increase the height of the
floor. I will only be paving up to my gate:
http://img150.imageshack.us/i/img0387u.jpg/

Obviously this will create a small step when you open the gate and go
past it. What are the best ways around this? Maybe a sloped edge so
there is no step? I would prefer to avoid a step as I can see people
stumbling over it not remembering its there!
http://img199.imageshack.us/i/img0380g.jpg/
http://img200.imageshack.us/i/img0381a.jpg/




http://img36.imageshack.us/i/img0377u.jpg/

The fence will be one of the edges. it was put in by the neighbor and
it seems I will have to bash away some of the concrete on my side to
make it look nicer. What is the best way to do this? A chisel and
hammer and just chip away at it until its back at ground level?

Finally - edging. I know with driveways you need an edge - but will I
need one with a patio? my main issue is where I will put the edging.
Obviously I can use the edge of the house and the shed but what about
where the neighbors fence is and my gate is?

http://img8.imageshack.us/i/img0384lvr.jpg/

If you look at this picture you can see where the patio will stop -
where there is a slight drop in the mud. The bit after will be turf -
how do i edge it? I was going to buy some of the 'log wood' edging
from B and Q to separate the patio and turf'

how would you edge the neighbors' fence?

i was hoping to not have a separate ending - just pave close as
possible to all the edges and then fill with cement/sand.

i am unsure if i will be using slabs or the smaller driveway blocks
yet.
thanks for any help!

Can';t open any of those pictures due to blocked content, try tinypic
instead

--
Phil L
RSRL Tipster Of The Year 2008