How to Build the Perfect Patio!

Installing a paved patio is the ideal way to completely transform your garden. As well as creating an attractive aesthetic feature, a well-built patio will provide you and your family with an infinitely-versatile area that extends and enhances your outdoor living space. Now that spring has officially begun and summer is but a few short months away, it's the perfect time to get started on this rewarding project. 

Greengates Builders Merchants is your one-stop shop for everything you will need to install a beautiful patio in your garden. In this edition of our blog, we'll show you just how easy the process is from start to finish.

• The process begins by measuring the area where your new patio will go. To make things easier, use Everbuild Marking Paint to define the area.
• Using your measurements, you can work out how many paving slabs you will need. Choose from the huge, exciting collection of decorative paving we have here at Greengates Builders Merchant Accrington, which offers 48 different options to suit any aesthetic taste.
• While you're waiting for your slabs to arrive, you can get to work preparing the area. After making sure it is completely free of any debris and obstructions, dig out the area to a depth of 15cm. Compact the soil evenly.
• Into the area you have dug out, pour in sub-base aggregate to a consistent depth of around 10cm and rake flat. 
• The next step in preparation is to add a layer of weed control fabric such as WeedCheck Ultra. This will ensure that no weeds can grow up through your new patio.
• Make a concrete mixture using a sand/cement ratio of 3:1. Slowly add water until the mixture achieves a dough-like consistency. 
• Pour the concrete mixture on top of the weed control fabric, forming a smooth and even layer with a depth of approximately 4cm. 
• Dampen the first slab and lay into position. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the slab into place. 
• Repeat the above step for each additional slab, leaving a gap of 1.5cm between each. 
• When the patio is complete, spray the area with water and leave for at least 24 hours.
• Use a trowel to apply Sika FastFix All-Weather Jointing Compound in the gaps between slabs. Be sure to quickly remove any residue that remains on slab surfaces. 
• When the jointing compound has dried, use Sika Patio Seal to protect the new patio. 
• Dig a trench around the new patio's perimeter and fill with your choice of decorative aggregates for the perfect finishing touch. 

Find all of these products on our website and look forward to a fabulous summer outdoors using your brand new patio!