How to Build Garden Blockwork using 'Cement Stabilised Soil'

Using my new 'Cement Stabilised Soil' method of constructing a solid base for garden structures, watch as I show you how to lay blockwork while removing as little soil as possible to make your life easier.
🧰 The tools and equipment I use: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/properdiy
Cement Soil Stabilisation Video: • How to Save Time & Mon...
Proper DIY Patreon Page: / properdiy
Get The Life Of Riley (Remix) by Lightning Seeds and over 1M + mainstream tracks here go.lickd.co/Music
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[@ninjainabowlerhat]

That seamless transition between voice-over and on screen is superb. These videos are excellent, not only in subject, but the production values are also top notch.

[@ProperDIY]

Well thank you very much - Much appreciated!

[@AndyAdsAndyAds]

Completely second this view, what was a humble diy channel has blossomed into something really really special. Keep up the superb work 👍

[@tinaforbes1059]

Beautiful flowers 👍. Just came across your channel . Thank you for sharing .

[@Clockwork_Planet]

This channel is great -- this is the stuff that I'm too embarrassed to ask somebody to tell me how to do. Thank you, Stuart.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you very much!

[@TonyAFC85]

It would be really helpful if you put links to the tools you are using in each video. As we can trust they're of a good quality if you're using them

[@andyc972]

Brilliant Stuart, this is classic Proper DIY content, entertaining, great tips, humour, practical pragmatism, humour and the Lighting Seeds, what's not to like, one of the best channels on KZbin ! Oh, and a great project outcome too, it looks excellent, Cheers Stuart ! 🍺

[@stephenmcgeown]

Cool to hear the Lightning Seeds, Stuart! Nice video and a well-explained process.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Quaker521]

Great video Stuart. That raised bed compliments your green wall fantastically well. The wall itself has come on nicely and looks great too. And to top it off some great music to carry us through. Thanks for the video.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@davesanderson707]

Brilliant the life of Riley 😂. Great job 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks 😆

[@brannanbenjamin]

I built a (wonderful and cheap) planter based on your earlier video, and now that I have some pavers to put down, I’m definitely going to copy your technique here!

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one - go for it!

[@McShmooopy]

This is a brilliant video Stuart, I was hoping you would make a follow up to your previous soil stabilisation video but now I know how tot tackle my new build garden and get some slabbing in!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@MrChristiangraham]

Excellent work, Stuart.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bluecurlygirl]

Great video, great music (love that song) and the raised bed looks fabulous. Well the whole green wall and raised bed looks fabulous. Great to see a follow up from the previous video. Cheers Stuart.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks so much!

[@catesby4788]

Love your channel. Newby and no diy er, but will be putting up a Billy shelf soon, so hopefully, it will all go to plan.

[@geraldfitzgibbon7428]

You really sre outstanding in your own field

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@garulusglandarius6126]

Excellent as always Stuart and really cool music track too. The green wall and bed look stunning 👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you!

[@garythespark6295]

I love this channel. You’re living the dream Stuart!

[@michaelruiters6746]

Thank you so much for reintroducing the Lightning Seeds to me again. My better half and I absolutely love your channel. Keep up the fantastic work, and please do keep sharing your great taste in music. Much love from Cape Town.

[@scott2308]

I just want to say this channel has been a brilliant find. I myself have a new build and have found these videos very helpful for work in the garden etc. Next job is the loft lights in time for Christmas hopefully. Thanks from dargavel village Scotland 👍

[@richardphillips3303]

Great tips, technique,advice and humour. Thanks Stuart for sharing 😊

[@ccrjason]

Great video Stuart. I never knew about the cement in the earth trick before. Will definitely be giving that a go.

[@fenners1290]

That’s superb Stuart. Loving your lawn tractor!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@DjGiluk]

Great video Stuart 👍🏻 music choice spot on! 👌🏻

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nickh2519]

Top choice of music; Lightning Seeds are a great blast from the past, hope the royalty payments are reasonable! Really inspirational project too, the outcome looked fantastic. Thanks for putting out another cracker, all the best

[@hb5777]

Recently subscribed to your channel and been loving the videos. I actually just Googled you assuming you are an ex-TV presenter or the like, but it seems you are a regular DIY’er with a natural gift for presenting and explaining. Absolutely superb quality and a great project

[@markhannan5167]

Looks great and so easy to do thanks Stuart

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks Mark

[@mrspudly1]

That looks brilliant Stuart, I'm going to have to dig up half the back yard and re route a foul drain now.

[@ProperDIY]

Have fun

[@singhivan]

Awesome job, Stuart. It turned out wonderful 👍.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@terrytopliss9506]

Nice job Stuart.👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@martinhunt6004]

A great job well done Stuart, most splendid correct.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@simonmiddleton4977]

Great job, the end result looks fantastic! 👍😃

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@johnlilley9499]

Another excellent video Stuart

[@ProperDIY]

Many thanks!

[@gerrylangford6485]

I used DPM to line raised beds about 10 years ago, sadly that's when I discovered that DPM isn't UV resistant and the part above the soil broke down. However I covered the ragged edge with wide damp course and it's all sorted. The next one I built I lined it out using 200mm wide damp course which is UV resistant and much tougher.

[@shakeelmohideen7172]

Enjoy watching ur videos.. very very helpful...

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like them!

[@David.R.H]

That looks absolutely fab and so easy to do👍

[@ProperDIY]

It was!

[@krisgair5863]

End result looks absolutely lovely Stuart ❤, 😍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@anwolfs9804]

It's turned out quite nice Stuart, absolutely stunning. Lovely music you've got playing there ;)

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@teresabell1014]

Great job...I love how you always completely finish a job.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@OorOaksey]

Absolutely brilliant Stuart. Well made video and content how to build this. You make everything look so easy and cost effective.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@richzulewski7185]

A man after my own heart! Heineken in a GLASS! Well done mate!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@Istarelle112]

Thanks Stuart! I think I'll give this a go for my outside faucet area, looks clean and professional. Thank you for the clear and entertaining walkthrough, cheers from Texas. I look forward to the next video!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you - and hello to Texas!

[@Marktb363]

Amaze-balls! Incredible work ❤😊

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dannybaker2763]

Nicely done, as per. I have to say, though, when Tje Life of Riley started playing I had flashbacks...I half expected to see the goals of the week😂

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@across8339]

Excellent video Stuart, it was worth waiting for the music; good choice. We have a much smaller garden and a couple of years ago decided to turn it all into raised beds, some of which have a routed top edge and it makes all the difference. I like your DPM method and will be put this to work on some of our beds in the autumn.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@awantamta]

The end result is so beautiful

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@jackleg693]

What an exceptionally beautiful video - well produced and really inspirational content. Thank you so much for sharing this with us

[@ProperDIY]

Well thank you very much

[@geoffreycoan]

Nice job Stuart, you really show how a DIYer can do these jobs themselves and don’t need to pay a landscape gardener to do it. One question though, how to prevent weeds growing between the block paviers? You just put soft sand down which I find is a perfect bedding material for weeds. Weeds growing in our patio paviers is driving me mad at the moment!

[@magill4046]

Brilliant

[@pb871]

Looks great!

[@markirish7599]

Love this channel 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@stephencave187]

Ya gotta love an engineer's perspective. 👌🏻

[@ProperDIY]

It's the only way!

[@harestonestudio]

Glad you go the music sorted!

[@stananderson8146]

What was the issue,?

[@ProperDIY]

Yes finally after a bit of back and forth with the company - not straight forward though!

[@markmcgrath4853]

good work again !

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@michaelplays2449]

Great video !!! thank you

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you liked it!

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

That looks great

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@williamrose7434]

Legendary ❤

[@gashead2]

Great video thanks

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@somewhereelse3813]

Brilliant as usual. The music did work, shame you had to wait for it (patreon insights) Did like the drone shots, a great addition

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks David - glad you enjoyed it

[@joroyle8108]

Very nice

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@nickhelm2420]

Stuart that is excellent .It's made me think about next year all ready. .The drone shots were interesting too of the paddock how about a pond ?

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johncollins8304]

Impressive!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@Christopher_T_Paul]

Life Of Riley - classic song....

[@craigpage2638]

Really impressed with the production quality of this video!

[@ProperDIY]

Much appreciated!

[@johnknock54]

Great video Stuart, your channel is quickly becoming my favourite on KZbin! I'm planning to use stabilized soil under a shed base instead of MOT Type 1, would you still use a layer of sand and some DPM?

[@philiponsolent7232]

I'm going to try your method under my water butt, which is currently sitting at a drunken angle having sunk into the ground.

[@ProperDIY]

Perfect for that

[@zero.697]

Hello Stuart you kept the John Deere tractor a secret or have I just not been paying attention. Keep up the good work.

[@ProperDIY]

A recent investment!

[@AndyAdsAndyAds]

Not sure we have had drone footage before either!

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Nice tractor! That’s new, did I miss that?! What’s next? Pond project please!

[@misterdubity3073]

Would be interesting to see strength, stress/strain, water permeability on cement stabilized soils of various percentages. It's probably published somewhere.

[@bartoncessna1]

Nice!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@geomonabe]

❤❤❤when Ancellotti speaks we listen 😂

[@CatherineChester-Incoming]

Amazing video and knowledge as always, thankyou! Loved this and the soil stabilisation video. One question: do you think this method would support a raised bed with brick walls? About waist high.

[@andreash.9615]

Cool channel, been learning a lot since discovering you a few days ago. Might want to edit out the closeup of some of the things in your garden however 😂

[@nowirehangers2815]

Time stamp?

[@markgarland9657]

Always look forward to a Proper DIY video. 🙂 5:12 - Just wondered what had happened to the paint on your lovely garage door?

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. The boards have shrunk a touch so I have filled them but not painted it yet.

[@thegoodraj]

Love your channel. Do you have a video about sleepers and installating them?

[@ProperDIY]

Not yet! But soon!

[@MrHotchocolatemuffin]

Very nice Stuart, looks very colourful, I'm going to be using your idea with the block paving base as I watched your previous video, amazing, it would have saved me loads of cash if I'd hsve used that method 2 months ago when doing a cement base under my corner pergola, however I do have another area I will use your method, thsnk you ❤

[@ProperDIY]

No problem

[@MarcusT86]

Amazing video buddy. And brought back memories that Lightning Seeds track! Think I'll give them a listen on the way home from work on my Apple Music sub. You may have already answered, or put it as a resource elsewhere, but what equipment and editing software do you use?

[@imtinyem]

Hi Stuart, have you got a video that covers the sleeper-specific parts of this video in more detail? I'm probably going to be building a sleeper raised bed at some point, and it looks like you were going through some extra steps there with the dipping and the supports and maybe even painting?

[@rutgerterhorst]

Looks beautiful, what kind of plants did you put in?

[@user-gp4fc7bq3s]

Nice! Could I lay slabs straight on the cement soil? I just need a simple perimeter for a wooden greenhouse

[@SuperNour84]

Great video, just a quick question, 'Cement Stabilised Soil' method of constructing a solid base for a garden wall, I want to build a raised bed made of bricks . the high of the raised bed will be around 1 M. thanks

[@dingdong7777777]

Great work pal, as always! Can you use the soil/cement technique for the front of a house to walk over block paving? Thanks

[@ProperDIY]

Yes, absolutely - perfect for it.

[@dingdong7777777]

@@ProperDIY Appreciate you always taking the time out and replying. Fame ain't got to you....just yet🤣

[@johnriordan288]

Great work looking well. Love your videos. What type of drone do you have.?

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Mini 3 pro

[@fjrkev]

Great video Stuart. Well done. Did I spot a pump on your IBC? I'd love to know how that was done!!

[@ProperDIY]

Yes, for my pop up sprinklers

[@theocoumans7644]

Awesome. Any links on that mean tractor?? 😂

[@toria-j]

Stuart, have you ever mucked around with 'exposed aggregate' please? I can't find any UK DIYers who've done it, though it seems a good solution between functionality and form.

[@jupeterborough]

Nice video Stuart, gardens looking good. What finish did you put on them sleepers? They went front standard to proper smart in one clip

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Yes I did zip over the sleeper installation a bit - I just used the same stain as the fence - Ronseal One Coat Fence Life - it needs 2 coats!

[@1A9lis]

Hi Stuart very impressive , do you ever have a problem with the alkaline affecting the plants . Which could leach out over time . Best wishes as always 😀👍👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

If you mean in the cement - once the cement has gone though it's reaction it is completely inert so no threat to anyone or anything.

[@htcom1]

You did another video on laying block paving for an area where you put your bins (very good video by the way) using conventional mot1 etc. Why didnt you use this soil stablalised method for that ?

[@markh7756]

I like the new sit on mower/tractor. When did that arrive and can we have a review please?

[@ProperDIY]

A recent purchase - a review may be coming

[@johngilbert5302]

Hi Stuart. Thinking of using soil stabilisation under a gravel garden path. Can I ask what I need to do about drainage - camber?

[@thornbottle]

would your base mix work for a simple patio and a block paved walkway instead of type 2?

[@ewanp1396]

Does the cement technique work with heavy clay soils?

[@TheWeekenderVlogger]

There is up to 10 mm of loose soil beneath the turf, but it is all clay below that. Can I use this cement method, and to what depth do I need to dig? - cheers

[@richardstevenson2727]

👍

[@colingoode3702]

Hang on Stuart, drone footage & ride on lawn mower😍Have you won the lottery or something?

[@ProperDIY]

It's called 'Channel Investment'!

[@colingoode3702]

@@ProperDIY And no doubt tax deductible😉Keep up the good work.👏

[@Lcashmore19]

Would this method allow water through it better than compacted MOT 1?

[@TonyAFC85]

Can you tell me what brand staple gun you are using?

[@mickeyfilmer5551]

Some really useful tips there- what I was wondering though is why don't you use a mix of cement and sand between the blocks instead of jusrt sand?

[@martinmorgan9]

I love blockwork, because of its flexibility, but confess I'm still struggling to come up with a permanent solution to weeds growing in the blockwork joints. My latest experiment (ongoing) is to clean the blocks of their algae patina by jet washing (which also blasts out the mixture of sand and silt) then re-sand the blockwork joints and seal the sand AND blocks with an acrylic sealant.

[@ProperDIY]

It's called 'Channel Investment'

[@philipford3921]

Excellent video mate. Did this not qualify for the garden series??

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks - yes should have done but I had a slight IT problem so well with the standard intro

[@alexwood5026]

Hi. I work at a major bulk earthworks company in Derbyshire who work with the wirtgen a and cement/lime stabilisation so can relate to this video a lot. I’m considering doing this for a base for a fire pit area to then cover over with rubber square flooring tiles - question. Do you think weeds would still grow up through the soil - needing to lay down terram etc - Or would the cement base mix hinder any growth?

[@ProperDIY]

I think if you put a reasonable amount of cement in it I don't think weeks could get through. More chance they will come from above and take root.

[@paulslaughter8982]

Could this method be used for a large paving area (60m2), and would you use mortar for the slabs on top of the stabilised soil? Cheers

[@ProperDIY]

Yes and yes - exactly!

[@retiree1033]

That banana's gonna take over that bed.