LAYING FLAGS OR DECORATIVE PAVING

Screed levelling

Tools required :- Spade / shovel, spot board, trowel, 1000 / 600mm spirit level, tape measure, wood saw, rubber mallet and plate vibrator (whacker plate). There are two common ways DIYers lay flags, the first is the spot method where five dollops of mortar are put on the ground and the flag is positioned level on top. This method, which is used a great deal usually leads to problems with the paving / patios after a few months. The flags are not fully supported and may be prone to breaks if any load is placed on them, also water underneath the flags can cause them to start to rock and … [Read more...]

A NEW SHED BASE / PLINTH

Shed on stood on pretreated timbers and concrete flags

Tools required :- Spade / shovel, trowel, tape measure, spirit level and hammer. Safety tip :- Wear gloves when mixing mortar and concrete as cement can irritate and burn skin, (See post). To extend the working life of your new or existing shed have a good level base / plinth for it to rest on. Place the appropriate number of flags down {i.e. a 6ft x 4ft shed will require 6 x 2ft x 2ft flags) on level ground. you may have to place them on blobs of concrete or as I prefer a dry mix screed of 4 : 1 sand and cement which will set using the moisture from the ground, (See laying flags … [Read more...]