How to lay pavers above ground level?

[Lboyd]

Hi i want to complete a small project, I have a small area i would like to pave that gets the sun and out of the wind its approximately 7m Long by 5m Wide, currently its hard clay ground after a new build house.  

The paver i was looking to purchase are 600mm x 600mm and 30mm thick. I have researched how to build the patio and everything i have seen requires a dig out of 100mm for GAP20 and 30mm of sand, is there an alternative method where the dig out is less without building a retaining wall? ideally with a timber frame/border around it and what would the recommendations be to dig out the patio ideally it wouldn't sit flush with the ground as i have a gently slope and it can be wetter in winter?

Thank you in advance.

Louise

[EricL]

Hello @Lboyd 

To pave your 7m x 5m area with 600mm x 600mm pavers over hard clay without extensive digging or retaining walls, you can use a method with a timber frame border and reduced excavation. Start by marking the area and constructing a border using treated pine sleepers, which can be secured with stakes or cutting extra sleepers to serve as posts to create a stable edge and guide for levelling. 

Excavation depth can be minimized to 50mm instead of the standard 100mm. Spread a 50mm layer of compactable gravel, like blue metal or crusher dust, available at the store. Please speak to your stores special orders team if you wish to order in bulk. Compact this base layer with a hired plate compactor to ensure stability and drainage. Then, add a 20-30mm layer of washed paving sand, levelling it with a screed resting on the timber frame.

Lay the pavers starting at one corner, ensuring they are level and leaving small gaps at 3mm for joint filling. Adjust the sand as needed for proper alignment. Finally, fill the gaps with Easy Mix 20kg Paver Bond Polymeric Sand to lock the pavers in place. This method ensures proper drainage for the slope and wet conditions while reducing the amount of digging required. 

I also suggest having a look at this featured project - small yard makeover with pavers and planter boxes by @marliemakesit 

Here is a handy step by step guide: How to prepare and lay a base for pavers.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric