How To Install A Concrete Patio

by | May 11, 2020 | Concrete Services

Getting the area ready to pour

Before starting your project, you need to prepare your area where you will be laying the patio. Make sure to dig the area up if you’re laying paving slabs that are already in place. Dig a depth of around 150mm across the whole area, and ensure your soil is even and flat. Then tip in the sub-base, raking it into a consistent depth of 100mm, ensuring the cement is flat.

Creating a cement mix ready to pour

Prepare a concrete mix of one part cement, 3 parts water, adding water to create a a thicker consistency. You can use a cement mixer, or a large tub or bucket. Pick some up and mould into a ball to check the mix is thick enough. When you let go, it should keep its shape without leaking water or crumbling. You’ll need to create enough cement to make an even 40mm layer in the patio base.

concrete slab

Laying Slabs for Your Patio Base

You need to dampen them so they don’t dry out your concrete too quickly before laying the slab. Then, lower your first paving slab into the correct position. Making sure it’s in place, lay it into the concrete mix and gently tap it with a rubber mallet. Ideally it wants to sit 15mm in the mortar. Repeat this process, leaving a 10-15mm gap between each paver until the whole area is covered in cement. Once you’ve laid the area, spray the whole area with water until it’s completely saturated, then give it 24 hours to set into place.

Finishing touches

Then it’s time to give it finishing touches. This is when you choose which finish you want for your concrete. Use a trowel to fill the gaps between your paving slabs ensuring there’s no residue on the surface. You then might want to give the area a decorative border, or include some exposed aggregate finishes to the area depending on your preference.

If you are in need of a Darwin concreter, then you can reach out to Pro Concreter Darwin for help on your upcoming project!