Patio / Laying Paving Slabs

In this video I lay a subbase foundation for my patio using MOT Type 1 hardcore, compact it all, and then mix up some mortar using sharp sand, cement and water for laying some 450mm square riven concrete paving slabs, and then I can do the pointing between the slabs.
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#garden #patio #pavingslabs
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[@bryanderouen8527]

The first half of the kzbin.infoUgkx3ICSK6nSknaL_45CU2NmFSoXjarGMDiJ book is everything about wood: types, tools, finishes, setting up shop etc. The second half is all about doing projects for inside and outside of the home. The color pictures are helpful. After reading a dozen of these types of books, this is probably the best overall (layout, color photos, plans). Only detraction is that many of the projects use a table saw/router/planer, which are usually expensive and take up space, so the plans are less friendly to newcomers and the budget conscious. But I know I can use a drill, circular saw or a jigsaw to make the projects.

[@DiHandley]

Let’s face facts. You on your worst day is me on my best day! I love the honesty of your videos Keith.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you

[@robertbamford8266]

No lips. No puddles. Regular spacing and straight joints. Drains away from the house. What more could you want? Fascinated by the remote control delivery arm on the truck. Turns unloading into a precise one-person process. Thanks for the video (and the mention of glazing packers).

[@nickh2519]

I got my 16yo daughter & 18yo son to lay the last patio we did in our garden. Much less effort that way! Well done Keith, great video as always. All the best

[@JovemEverton]

That is one of the situations in which I would like to be a father.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

A good choice sir!

[@eglwysfawr4076]

When you're working off old existing levels just pick one and run with it... thinking about them all will do your head in ...good job mate ...

[@Unlovable]

Good to see the old electric powerfile is still around!

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Yeah it's one of the tools that comes out once in a blue moon but so handy when you need it

[@martabaker8366]

I’m watching your videos over and over. Laying our patio this half term. Fingers crossed

[@garywilliams2226]

I am currently doing my patio and it's a real challenge and I appreciate your full honesty in this video. Well done on your patio it looks like a professional finish.

[@welshkid12]

I think for a first time patio layer you’ve done a great job! Tying in with slabs that were laid years ago or even slabs that have been laid not very well can be a nightmare but I think you’ve done brilliantly!

[@32dras]

You said you picked cheapest pavers but that slate finish on them look really good, I would never say they are cheeper option! It look good, and idea to differentiate patio from rest of paved backyard is also good one!

[@pteddie6965]

I really enjoyed watching you build this sub base for your patio. I like the look of the finished product and I'm looking forward to watching you finish up the remaining steps. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@HerbyDigitalTV]

Another great video, I love how you leave your mistakes in and show us how the end product can be different from what you originally planned.

[@gryffindork9563]

Looks great 👌🏻 don’t worry we live and learn. I think your fur-baby approved and loved your pointing joke 🤣

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you!

[@waynejones2722]

I'm doing this tomorrow, I have had to hump all the slabs from Homebase and I have no feeling in my arms so lets hope I am full strength for tomorrow, great video and really useful

[@Wes12940]

the yellow shorts always steal the show though

[@thewoodworkguy1189]

Love the way Dillon inspects your work as you move along!

[@RagnBoneBrown]

He's a dreamboat

[@thewoodworkguy1189]

@@RagnBoneBrown bet he gives a good "cat scan"

[@mandyleeson1]

Looks really professional to my untrained eye, Keith and the foreman seemed pleased. I would’ve liked a longer shot at the end to take it all in, much like when I complete one of my own DIY jobs, I like to keep going back to ‘savour’ the moment. Cheers, Mandy

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks Mandy, haha me too

[@ramadanahmed8925]

Very honest to show and tell the mistakes so we can avoid it 👌👍👍

[@darrengreen2265]

Plasticiser isn't necessary for laying slabs, just create some waves with your trowel when laying the bed & the slab will just need a few light taps into place. Also a string line is more beneficial than a level for riven style slabs.

[@whatyousaidbud]

Plasticiser is better because you can have the mix a bit wetter so it gets a stick to the slabs, if you use water alone to get the mix to that consistency then when you pat down the slab next to it, you run the risk of it all jiggling around.

[@darrengreen2265]

@@whatyousaidbud A semi dry mix is perfect for any patio. 9 out of 10 slabs will bond but they can be lifted, cleaned & re used. If a more permanent bond is desired, a slurry mix made up of cement & sbr is brushed on to the back of the slab but you will never re use the slabs again!!🤣

[@robertbamford8266]

Glazing packers! Never heard of them until now. But I’ve needed them for months. Great info.

[@MrSmid888]

11:02 if you sit a plastering trowel on its edge exactly on the edge of the slab on its side you can feed the gear down it straight onto the void. It’s a beautiful thing 👍🏻

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

“Pointing… 👉 “ 😂😂 Classic! Great stuff Keith. 👍

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Almost on par with the "stud finder" jokes 👍

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

@@RagnBoneBrown Almost... 😆

[@andyf-d4222]

Well done, bud. Never been a big slabbing fan. Heavy, hard work for people to just walk all over without a second glance. Great video 👍🏻

[@leighreed5464]

It’s been said before, but I think it’s worth re-iterating it. Your honesty and “Everyman” approach is brilliant and I think it resonates well with DIYers and non trade specific people. With regards to paving and landscaping I have found that the Brockstone Landscaping channel is great.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you

[@darrenpaulgreen]

Respect for tackling a job that you’re not experienced in. I know from my own experience that these aren’t necessarily the most enjoyable of jobs, but you do learn a lot and it’s funny how these things can come in handy in the future. Top skills 👍

[@chriswearn4000]

It's always enjoyable to see people learn new skills on their journey. I must admit your videos no matter what your doing are brilliant. I thinks it's because your so honest and will show the bad as well as the good. Just wish you could do more vids weekly but I understand you have a busy life. Good luck and keep up the amazing work keith. Oh and belated congrats on your wedding.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you

[@kelseyleadbetter9735]

If you put washing up liquid inside your mix it makes your cement go fluffy and easier to spread and lay 👍

[@kelseyleadbetter9735]

May need a bit longer to set but works the same

[@negotiableaffections]

Congratulations Keith, that was a win in my book. If the job has sand and cement [or ready-mixed] in it, then I run screaming. A tabletop maker/crafter, everything I mix is always runny, so i just can't seem to get bricklaying/slabbing etc right. And I've not found the instructions on the bags to make any sense when it comes to water amounts.

[@trishblakely3476]

Love the way this project is coming along! That sad sunroom had long outlived its’ usefulness. You’ve already made the garden so much more livable and I can’t wait for the pergola. 😀 #dylankisses

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks Trish! I remember seeing your comment on the video when I talked about potentially knocking it down, I'm glad you helped convince me! 👍

[@skeery2605]

Dillon's face is fantastic when your holding him on camera. I would love to know what he was thinking.. I always think the same about my pets too. Love your videos.

[@lovemussb1940]

Good to see slabs being solidly bedded. To many people just put down wackaplated sand and lay on this,bad idea 👍🏼

[@chrisperry7963]

Well done, Keith. I have done similar one off tasks like this in the past, enough to know how much of a pain it can be, which prompted my wince when you broke that first slab, lol.

[@paulrowley71]

That’s a great job Keith. Looks really good to me. These one off jobs are often tough and my wife wants me to do a patio with pergola in the corner of our garden, but so far I’ve avoided it. Levels and run off drainage all seem quite difficult to tackle if you’re uninitiated like I am. I just don’t do enough of this sort of thing to become adept. Anyway, yours looks pretty good so I might have a go next summer. Btw, when I did a concrete base for my garden shed, I used a fence post with a 300mm square of 18mm plywood screwed to it, to tamp down the hard core which worked pretty well. Glad to see you left a gravel strip and 150mm from the dpc. I survey many houses where this has not been done and the resultant problems are a real issue. Good work mate!👍🏻

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks Paul. Yeah the other side of the wall is basically our bedroom wardrobe so it already seems to be prone to damp as it doesn't have much air flow (even after adding an air brick) ! That's a clever idea about your makeshift tamper! I may use that in future 👍

[@bobcharlie7982]

You can lay flags on sand if you want, set up two boards with the required fall, screed off the sand in between with another timber. Then good to go If youv done a shed base you can lay slabs imo

[@RFC3514]

If you start from the middle, the "incomplete" slabs on the edges will all be the same size and it'll look deliberate. 😉

[@erictheviking672]

Good job, looks very professional. Also thanks for the gravel tip. Obvious if you think of it, not if you don't.

[@ayaanhussain5416]

Lovely job

[@ratchriat1716]

for the first attempt I think you did well looking good and you finish the job by painting the wall nicely happy Sunday.

[@Shitflicker]

I have my own business in landscaping and building, that job you’ve done is fantastic, you should be proud!

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you

[@EltonMcManus]

Excellent work sir, inspired me to tackle my own patio. Keep up the good work.

[@Brian18741]

Turned out great 👍

[@videotheclips]

It looks really good. If i had that in my garden, made by you, I would be very happy. Thumbs up.

[@neilgraves5069]

Brilliant , well done . Fair play to you mate . As longs as your happy . 👊👌👍👍

[@thomasbarber4905]

Best video out there covered off some topics I’m encountering as we speak funny enough ordered them same pointing tool before watching and you just cemented my purchase hahah you really are a god !

[@esmarimostert7668]

I love how much confidence you have gained over the years in front of the camera. Great to see you making jokes in the video en explaining what your doing with the mic attached to your shirt

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you

[@cakepanda]

you really are a perfectionist! beautiful work keith.

[@ianvicedomini2648]

A pretty good job Keith. You’ve taught me a thing or two as well. Great video mate 👍🏼👍🏼

[@kevin-the-carrot]

A very nice tidy job Keith if thats your first time laying slabs.I would use building sand instead of sharp sand but no major issue there.The area is coming together and bet you cant wait to build the pergola next.Looking forward to seing that video.👍👍

[@watcherofwatchers]

I think it looks great!

[@lawrencegatt4515]

❤ still love your video’s in Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺.

[@elfontheshelf93]

I enjoyed that. Thank you

[@PhillWyattProjects]

It looks really good. Can't wait to see the pergola go up too. 👍 I also don't like laying slabs i spend too much time tinkering with them to get them just rite.

[@podman63]

Looks great to me I think you nailed it mate

[@eyuptony]

Enjoyed this video Keith it was wacca. Unluckily breaking the slab. Made a nice refreshing change. Tony

[@chardonian1]

Good job mate once again. Love the honestly aswell. Look forward to the next video.

[@williamcrawford4900]

Great job Keith, better than i could have done

[@paulprescott7913]

Keith you did fabulous job.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you

[@markwatters6875]

Looking good there mate. Won’t be long before you can set up the bbq, sit down with the family and enjoy your work. All the best.

[@user-gi9hy3cj9b]

Would recommend using the resin type jointing compound. I've used it several times and so much cleaner.

[@reverendsonhouse]

Great vid. Gotta love up the kitties!

[@ravkhabra]

Don't be so hard on yourself! You did a great job.

[@joroyle8108]

I think you have done a spot on job considering you have,ent done it before 👍

[@waynehood3712]

Spot on that m8 I laid the same in my garden you will never get them flags perfect don’t worry good job

[@TheWardagh]

Super job. Laughed at the pointing a bit too much. 👍🏼😁

[@bosse641]

Nicely done. Good job.

[@KellyEUTAH]

That kitty break was adorable 😍

[@TheLindsay720]

Neat job man!

[@Andy-te6jj]

looks good to me, important is you saved quite a bit money by doing it by yourself and that's all what it counts

[@sbiecoproductions6062]

Good Lad, Dillon!

[@brassroot166]

Looks really smart. If you don't have plasticiser, washing up liquid does a similar job.

[@pitsnipe5559]

Kieth, nice job. More cat!😸

[@FrankSidney]

Looks good, well done. It's not usual to put a full bed under the whole slab because it increases costs a lot, more time consuming as well. A professional will even baulk at a dab under the four corners and the centre.They have a sand fetish. A full bed of mortar is also bad for drainage, rain can run through the joints and through to the ground if sand is used. Therefore, the flags can be laid level. This method is good for beginners though because it's easier to level them. They will never move either! I'd recommend a the five dabs approach with firm mortar.

Great job !!

[@MrSmid888]

I did chuckle at 8:23 when you stood on the wet cement 🤭 check the level lol. 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@MohdNizar-t2z]

Perfect

[@TheMrjoehughes]

Lovely job, nothing wrong with a dry mix in England

[@stuartwass6672]

Good effort buddy

[@cameronbarker4201]

Nice job if you are pointing building sand is better with a little plasticiser in it makes a nice smooth finish 👍

[@smallspacecreation5768]

Looks good Keith probably a lot cheaper than decking to with current prices👍

[@adriandeb2710]

Nice to see the cat doing the inspection, nice video

[@surgeinc1]

Great project!! Liked the cat as well.

[@kindamagicdotcodotuk]

Your cat will love that gravel! 😄

[@johnrumm4786]

Nice job! I found a handy way to shift mortar stains from concrete and engineering bricks is with a knotted wire wheel in the angle grinder. Set it to a very low speed, and you can gently polish most of the stains away.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Does that not damage the surface of the slab ?

[@johnrumm4786]

@@RagnBoneBrown Hi Keith, I have done it on concrete slabs, and found if used gently and on a low speed, it does not mark the slab. Obviously not all slabs (or wire wheels) are equal though, so worth trying on a bit of scrap slab first just to make sure. (If you look on the UK DIY Wiki, and search for "patio rebuild", there is a project I documented there where I had to do a moderate amount of cleaning up on slabs and blue engineering bricks).

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Cheers I will check it out 👍

[@gourdarchibald6588]

level enough + fit for purpose + drains away from house + no trip hazards = top job. Well done! Observation from a non expert - maybe drill holes through the bottom of the post holders and concrete below so they don't fill with water and rot the posts?

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Cheers. I have a plan for the holders👍

[@johnroddy8756]

Good job might be a good idea to seal the slabs,over time the aggregate in the cement appear at the surface.

[@LandscapinGuys]

That fisrt slab ... 😄😄 Job looks good 👌👍👍

[@GrumpysWorkshop4]

Looks like a great job to me. I have a patio to lay under my recent lean-to build. Not sure if I'm looking forward to that or not.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Urgh I wouldn't want to do it again out it that way. Would love to see you tackle it though I'm sure you'd do a great job

[@billysb3178]

For the stain on the slabs due to pointing, put brick acid on it- it will remove the pug

[@essentialhandyman]

Well done for remembering the DPC regs. The pea shingle is a perfectly acceptable so;ution. I quite often specify those 'French drains' when Client's budgets don't allow for an Aco drain solution. I wouldn't pressure wash the slabs for quite some time as it'll take a while to cure properly. The best way to get cement stains off is to use spirits of salt. It's hydrochloric acid based, so is strong but is the ideal thing to use. You can also use spirits of salt to descale your toilets in hard water areas. I recently did a video on how to do just that. Feel free to watch it, it shows about using it to get cement off of bricks on the video, so might be useful to you.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you, I have some spirits of salt so may try that 👍

[@One-EyedMisfit]

Fuckit, theres a lot of satisfaction in doing this type of project yourself. It looks good… doesn’t need to be 100% perfect

[@PabloBD]

Good enough is good enough !!!

[@RagnBoneBrown]

That's a good motto

[@awantamta]

Still a good job

[@kanedNunable]

he's got them bloody shorts on again 😂

[@TigerCarpenter]

nice job! I can't wait for the colder months and for your decision to add walls and start calling it a CONSERVATORIUM

[@gowithbazza]

Plasticizer better still and cheaper wasging up liquid just as good 👍

[@JohnColgan.]

Nice work, I remember doing jobs like this in my younger days when my spine was intact. Another way of finishing off the pointing is a completely dry mix. Soak between slabs with watering can, let surface evaporate & dry off completely. Mix your pointing mortar dry & press into gaps, brush off any loose material. Moisture in the lower level will wick up through the dry mix & it will cure in place. I never had any break away or weeds grow through. Btw. I thought 4:1 is too strong a mix for bedding slabs, need more sand to help drainage, let rain run through it

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thanks John good to get feedback like this, although not sure I'll ever attemot or again 😂

[@johnparker2636]

Thats a great tip - need to repoint my patio (probably next spring now) Started with too wet a mix and saw it was staining the stones so stopped -now I understand why. Might try both ways Thank you both

[@steenfraosterbro3268]

I only have one advice for you on this job. Wear a mask when cutting and mixing concrete. That dust is no joke. Patio looks good.

[@josvandiepen3425]

One little tip. Never start with a full slab but measure the width of your patio and divide this by the width of 1 slab. Now you have a certain rest and add this to the width of one slab and divide this by two. Tis is your starting slab-width and your ending width. Both sides are the same by this method! Do this in both directions.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

But then I would have had a really thin slab on each end which would look silly

[@lindsayruddock9141]

@@RagnBoneBrown the width of the end slabs can never be less than half a slab because you add one slab width before dividing by two

[@mikeuk1954]

Down my way you can't get cement for love nor money. Been wanting to do my patio for ages.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

We had a shortage a few months back but seems fine now

[@jenniferlawrence8533]

NICE😍🇺🇸

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you

[@terristroh3965]

You did an excellent job. That type of slab is prettier than cement and so much nicer to bare feet too. I can’t wait to see the rest of the build. Also I’m in love with Dillon.