Preparing the Ground for Paving
This is an area that people often neglect, so well worth chatting about here.
Before starting, you absolutely must make sure that you are not working over the top of pipes or other utilities.
It is also a good idea to start the work on a day when the ground is ‘damp’ - not wet, just not too dry.
Next make sure that the area has a slope for drainage (around 6mm per 300mm), sloping away from any other structures.
Now mark out the area with wooden stakes and string, so you can clearly see the area to be prepared.
Next you need to get rid of enough dirt/topsoil to allow you to lay the gravel base. This is where you really need to buy or hire something to really get the soil flat and stable enough for the stone to be laid in it. A good plate compactor will save you a lot of time and energy here, other wise it will take you for ever.
Once you have levelled and compacted the soil, you can dump your gravel/stone in place and spread it evenly. Again, the plate compactor will help enormously here. This task is crucial - do not rush it.
Once you have a good level surface, you can then start to lay your paving.
If demand is high, I will do a more detailed advice on the actual paving itself.