Take some time to plan the area which you want to pave. This will save you time in the long run and it may help you decide what type of paving slabs will be most suitable.

Take a fresh sheet of graph paper and mark the outline of the area to be paved. Try and create shapes which do not entail cutting slabs as this can be difficult and lead to wastage if the slabs are incorrectly cut or if they become damaged in the process.

This plan will act as a useful guide both when ordering and laying the slabs.

Also remember at this early stage that when building a patio or a path close to a house it is vital that the finished paving level is at least 15cm below the damp course and always provide a 'fall' or slope away from the house to allow the rainwater to run off (more will be said about this later) .

All paved areas will require falls in level to drain off surface rainwater and if possible should always be laid on well drained ground. ( If your garden is not well drained - see our Garden SOS section for help)

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