Do I need a membrane under block paving?

In the vast majority of light-use constructions (patios, driveways, footpaths, etc) there is absolutely no need for a membrane to be placed between sub-base and the bedding layer: it achieves almost nothing, as a well-selected sub-base material will have what we call a 'tight' or 'close' finish, that is, there will be

Similarly, you may ask, should I put membrane under slabs?

I would advise taking at least another 2” of soil out, a minimum of 4-5” of MOT is standard for a patio, you don't need weed membrane as weeds won't grow under the patio only in the joints if they are not grouted properly.

Beside above, how do I block a sloping drive? Always begin laying block paving from the bottom of a slope, preferably starting from a right angle or a straight edge. Place the blocks on top of the laying course ensuring blocks are around 45mm above the desired finished level. Continue up the slope, checking your pattern with the design as you go.

Similarly one may ask, do you need landscape fabric under pavers?

Some patio builders favor deterring weeds with a layer of landscape fabric, positioned at the bottom of the bed, under the gravel or between the gravel and sand layers. Further, nonporous and even porous plastic fabric can interfere severely with water drainage, making pavers slippery and washing away supporting sand.

How deep should sub base be for block paving?

100mm

39 Related Question Answers Found

Can you lay slabs straight onto soil?

Stick a bag of cement (or 2) in with the sand and lay a dry mix. I'd just dig out to the depth of the slabs plus a bit and level it out, compact the soil, level with sand and lay the slabs over the top butted up really tight.

Should I leave a gap between paving slabs?

I'd recommend a 10mm gap between slabs. As for leaving a gap - it all depends on the edge style of the slabs. If they have an edge designed to mimic a natural stone product (uneven) then you'll need to go with the pointed gap.

Do I need a membrane under gravel?

Using a membrane underneath you gravel driveway or path will prevent weeds whilst allowing natural elements to permeate through to the soil beneath. It also helps to keep your gravel clean by creating a barrier. When laying membranes it is important to first prepare the ground properly.

Should patio go right up to house?

You can install pavers against your house foundation as long as it is the foundation itself. This means that you can lay the pavers against the concrete of your foundation as it rises from the earth. If you find your plans require laying pavers against vents, siding or other materials, choose another patio plan.

Can a patio be laid in the rain?

Laying a patio in heavy rain can cause real problems. The cement can become saturated causing level paving slabs to move and sink. Heavy rain is likely to wash the cement content out of mortar significantly reducing its strength.

Do I need a sub base for patio?

Do I really need a Sub-base? The short answer is: if the pavement will be trafficked by vehicles, then yes, but if it will be foot-traffic only, then not necessarily. The type of paving or surfacing that will be used is one of the key factors in determining whether a sub-base will be required.

What gap do you leave between patio slabs?

Lay each slab to level along the house and leave a gap of about 12 – 15mm between each slab. This is the optimum gap for making absolutely sure you can point the joints well. Any larger and they may crack, any smaller and it will be hard to get the mortar into the gap.

Can I use gravel as a sub base?

Gravel is fine as a sub-base providing its compacted well. If you do use gravel it needs to be restrained on all sides to stop it spreading. You would also need to lay the slabs on mortar as sand would simply drain away.

Should I put plastic under pavers?

Do not place plastic under any paving application

The best way to prevent weeds is to use a good polymeric sand and ensure that it has filled joints to within 3 mm (? inch) of the surface.

Should landscape fabric go under gravel?

For all that, weed cloth does have a use: under hardscape. It may be bad under bark dust, mulch, soil, or compost but it works very well under river rock, gravel, decomposed granite, or flagstone. It certainly does help with weeds, but it also keep mud and aggregate separate during our wet winters!

How do you stop weeds from growing between pavers?

White Vinegar

Pour the vinegar into an empty spray bottle and spray the cracks between the pavers, leaving it to sit and work its way into the sand. When a few hours have passed, rinse away the vinegar with a garden hose. This simple remedy will kill the weeds without damaging the pavers or damaging nearby plants.

What do you put under pavers?

Roughly crushed stone makes a good base for pavers that will be used more regularly. A base of 4 to 6 inches of well-compacted stone pieces provides a sturdy and stable foundation for nearly any type of paver installation, notes Concrete Construction, an industry website.

What kills weeds permanently?

But salt can do the job. Bring a solution of about 1 cup salt in 2 cups water to a boil. Pour directly on the weeds to kill them. Another equally effective method of how to kill weeds is to spread salt directly onto the weeds or unwanted grass that come up between patio bricks or blocks.

Is paver edging necessary?

While not the most obvious or exciting feature in your outdoor space, landscape edging is still important. Whatever type of patio or path you build—concrete, brick, pavers, or loose materials—some type of edging is necessary. These borders serve three main purposes: Contain the patio or path.

What to put under stones to stop weeds?

Black plastic sheets form a barrier between the soil and the gravel cutting out light so kills existing weeds and stops weeds seeding and growing up through the gravel. Plastic sheeting is cheap and easy to cut to shape with a knife or scissors.

How do you install landscape fabric under pavers?

Add Landscape Fabric

Remove large or sharp rocks. Use your manual tamper or rented plate compactor to tamp down the soil in the patio area. Then roll out two layers of landscape fabric, with the top layer positioned 90 degrees to the bottom layer. Overlap the patio perimeter by about 4 inches.

How do you install landscape fabric?

Steps to Make It

Remove All Vegetation. Dig out all weeds, grass, and other vegetation, using a garden hoe, shovel, or other tool.
Clear and Level the Soil.
Lay the Landscape Fabric.
Secure the Fabric With Staples.
Plant Through the Landscape Fabric (optional)
Add Mulch (optional)