laying patio slabs on grass?

aine · Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2011 1:32 pm Post subject: laying patio slabs on grass?

would anyone here be able to guide me on how to do the following

i want to put a sort of a stepping stone effect in an area of my garden leading to the kids playhouse. i was thinking of using some patio slabs perhaps a half a foot apart...how would i lay these...would i need concrete...the area is also on a bit of a slope too

thanks

Geranimojess · Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2011 10:08 pm Post subject:

Lay the Slabs roughly in whatever position you want them,when your satisfied with their position {viewing from various Angles } get a Spade or a Grass Edger and mark around each Slab digging into the Ground the Thickness of the Slab,after removing the Slab insert the Spade under the Grass and gently remove it.
Take a few handfuls of Sand and spread it in the Square until it is about a 1/2" in thickness then lay the Slab back in place,dont worry if the Slab is marginally above the Grass level eventually it will settle down to Grass level allowing you to Mow the Lawn unhindered,Repeat with the remainder of the Slabs,
If at anytime a Slab sinks lower {which does often happen with constant walking on them} just prise up the offending Slab and add more Sand.
Good Luck, Dave.

aine · Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2011 11:26 am Post subject:

hi dave
thanks for your post
is it really that simple?
i thought i would need concrete/cement?
aine

Geranimojess · Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2011 12:48 pm Post subject:

Hi Aine,If you were to use Cement the Slab would be prone to wobbling after a while,using the Sand it allows the Slab to take it's own level and allows movement,
It's that simple.
Dave.

aine · Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2011 2:43 pm Post subject:

thanks dave

thats definitely 'do-able', am delighted

Geranimojess · Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2011 8:22 pm Post subject:

Your very welcome,glad to be of help.
Dave.

Margaritaville · Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 4:32 pm Post subject:

Hi, could a larger area be laid this way as well?What I'm thinking of is cutting out an area of my lawn and laying slabs the way you have described.The area would be for garden furniture,that is table and four chairs, so not huge but would I encounter problems by not using concrete for this, just sand?
Thanks

Geranimojess · Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 6:12 pm Post subject:

Hi Marge,The same approache can be applied.The only difference is because your Area is larger you would have to enclose it by way of Kerbing or Sleepers,if you want it level with the existing Lawn you'd need to dig the depth of your edging then fill it with Sand which will need to be compacted and very level then just lay your Slabs.
When measuring the Area make it the size to suit full Slabs thus saving you having to cut any and dont forget to keep the Sand level lower than the Edging to suit the thickness of the Slab.
Sorry for the delay in replying,I'm away from Home and am on a borrowed Compurer,dont hesitate if you need any more Info'.
Cheers. Dave.

Margaritaville · Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 8:44 pm Post subject:

Thanks Dave,much appreciated.

aine · Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 10:03 pm Post subject:

just to feeback here, i got the job dne. thanks for evrybody esp dave, it was so much easier than i had anticipated!!

Geranimojess · Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 7:01 pm Post subject:

Hi Aine,Thanks for the feedback its nice when People take the time to let others know how the Job turned out,
If I can be of any further help in any way shape or form dont hesitate to holler.
Cheers, Dave.