When smashing up the old patio, we kept a fair bit of it to use in the structure of base. This was piled up, with a trench dug around the perimeter. The trench was dug to 6 inches below the height of the soil in preparation for the concrete footing to be added.
The mud was pretty difficult to work in, especially moving wheelbarrows through it and heavy materials, but we worked hard on the tasks at hand.
Sam cut off the tops of the timber posts whilst we were working on the trench for the retaining wall footing.
Flo made the mixes at the far end of the garden, which were then brought over and poured into place. The level of this was checked whilst Jerry worked on the footing, and was smoothed down with a trowel.
Using some pieces of broken patio slabs, Jerry used them to create different levels to the footing, as the garden slopes slightly down to one side.
Whilst the footing was being created, we brought in concrete blocks from the front driveway.
Thankfully, we had some sunny weather which started drying out the muddy garden, and helped with the construction of the concrete block, retaining wall.
This wall now holds in the smashed up slabs and rubble. More aggregates will be brought in and wacked down to create the top of the patio base next week. The garden is large, so having an even bigger patio than before will definitely make a more functional space for the family who live here. It will also balance out the garden’s proportions better.
Check back in with us next week to see how this project is coming along.
