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How-To > Building your Patio
When constructing a patio, you need to determine where you would like to build your patio. Remember to make sure that you are careful with this, and do not build a patio up against a house, it is a better idea to leave a gap between the patio and the house and put a gravel drain in-between then for drainage purposes.
The structure of your patio will vary depending on the ground that it is built on, but the structure will be, as a general rule, a Capping Layer, a Sub-Base Layer and then the Finishing Layer. See our corresponding table for information.
| Depth Guidance for Patio Structures |  |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Condition (what's mine?) | Soft | Normal | Hard | |
 Finishing Layer (Blocks/Gravel) | Finishing Options | |||
 Sub-Base (Oversite) | 100mm | 100mm | 100mm | |
 Capping Layer | 100mm | 50mm | N/A | |
Answers to some common questions
Do I need a sub-base and capping layer?
The simple answer to this question is ‘it depends’! Whether you need a Sub-Base, will depend on what it is you are constructing, the weight that will be endured by you patio and the type of ground that you are constructing on… show me more
If your patio will be built on normal or hard ground and will only be subjected to the weight of foot passengers then there is no necessity to use a capping layer and a sub-base, you can simply start the construction with the sub-base layer. If the patio is on soft ground, a capping layer and a sub-base layer will be required to prevent the path from sinking under pressure.
If your patio is going to be carrying the weight of vehicles as well as foot passengers, then a capping layer and a sub-base layer will be required in the structure regardless of the type of ground that you are building on.*
*If you know that you patio will have a certain area only that will be subjected to the weight of vehicles, and it will not be the whole of the area, then it is satisfactory to input the capping layer in this place, and not necessarily under the whole construction, depending on the ground type.
If my ground is soft or not free draining (eg. clay), should I drain it?
Yes we recommend making french drains under the surface… show me more
These are 'trenches' filled with shingle, that allow the water to drain away that has soaked into the ground. Ensure that you direct the trenches to soak away to an appropriate place eg. a road, or drain and not towards the house. The trenches may need to be slightly un-level, being lower at the end of the soak away.
How can I prevent weeds growing through my pathway?
To prevent weeds growing through paving and gravel on patios, you can also add a layer of landscape fabric (geotextile)… show me more
A layer of landscape fabric (geotextile) between layers will prevent them growing up though the ground. This can be added either below the capping layer or in-between the Sub-Base Layer and the Finishing Layer.