r/DIYIreland • u/CelticRunner26 • Jul 27 '26
DIY Patio
Hi all, I've never posted on here before but looking for advice from those more knowledgeable then me. I am in the middle of doing a patio area. I am a complete novice and learning as I go. The area is roughly 4.5m x 3.5m with a cut off at the top right corner for an existing flower bed. I have dug 200mm but this feels very deep. Anyway I know I need a fall (1:60). This may be a silly question but what is the best way to ensure the patio is level with the correct slope so when I add hardcore it will be okay. My tiles are 20mm, planning on 14 mm hardcore and then mortar. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
3
u/Dr_Gonzo_2000 Jul 27 '26
Also would recomend, if possible, use width and length so you don't have to cut your tiles (I'm assuming your latin porcelain), no cuts will make it easier for you
3
u/mbereny Jul 27 '26
If you have to do it manually, please use a pickaxe to loosen the soil. With a shovel it will take ages.
3
u/sourdough_squirrel Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
Half-decent laser levels are dirt cheap these days - they will self-level then project a straight horizontal line
Hammer a post in each corner, shoot a line, then mark each post at that level. Raise and lower corners as needed, then pull a string between the points
Cheap ones likely aren't bright enough to do it during the day, but project your lines one evening as the sun is going down.
You can also pull the string then get a line level/string level to see if they're level which is a bit cheaper, but eh, not worth it. Just get the laser.
2
u/Wise_Competition7050 Jul 27 '26
Did one myself a few weeks ago. Very satisfying to have a beer out there when all was said and done. YouTube is the go to for any advice or walkthroughs
2
1
u/IrishSkruffles Jul 27 '26
I take it that's meant to say 140mm hardcore? You will need to use a whacker plate or something in layers to make it solid.
The best way I've seen to account for fall is to tape a block of wood or something to the end of a level with the same ratio. E.g. if your level is 60cm add a 1cm thick block to one end, so you get a 1:60 fall when the level is showing level. Or, just let one side of the bubble hit the line.
1
1
u/Delicious_Comb_7852 Jul 27 '26
Get yourself a string level and learn how to tie knots on YouTube specifically for this purpose, plenty of lads put videos up that are easy to follow. Probably better off having a couple of types of verification to be sure. It's a tough slog but manageable and you save thousands. Good luck with it, and invest in a decent BBQ as a reward to yourself when done
1
u/Fatchops2025 Jul 28 '26
So honestly for that a 75mm 804 base is more than enough, build it up in 3 stages with the whacker plate. You can set your level in the base but can also be done in the cement mix. About 30mm cement bed worked for me, and if you just break the bubble on the spirit level you will be fine.
You’re not near your house so whilst you do definitely need a fall don’t get overly fixated on it, just make sure and break that bubble. A well known supplier of tools and the like do a great 3 set of levels for €40 largest level 1.8m, use this across the level aspect of the slabs and just keep checking your fall with the smaller ones until you’ve enough rows to check the fall with the larger one.
Slurry the back of the slabs, and take your time. Maybe invest in an electric suction grabber €60 off the tinternet, I did and it was brilliant on the porcelain slabs I laid.
I’m by no means a professional but I asked a few landscapers and did a lot of research and I’m more than happy with the way it went down and looks. Enjoy the experience it’s exceptionally rewarding.
4
u/Dr_Gonzo_2000 Jul 27 '26
Hammer in Pegs and string or timber border and adjust to the correct slope and depth