How to lay a paved path

[ldsau93]

This is one method that I've found effective.
I appreciate that there are sturdier ways of laying a path, but bearing mind the very light/ occasional use the allotment paths get, I was reluctant to spend the c.£100 required on traditional methods (i.e shuttering, ballast, sand, pavers etc).

Instead, the following was done:
1. Path route dug out and levelled
2. 'Former' constructed from treated roof batten (25mm x 50mm) - with additional coat of Creocote.
3. Structure positioned and levelled (with slight intentional slope to aid drainage)
4. Cavities filled with surplus hardcore, earth
5. Pavers laid (450mm x 450mm x 32mm)

On later paths, I've replaced the lateral brace with 2 longitudinal braces to ensure better support of the slabs.

Also, as the battens come in lenghts of 4.8m, i've slightly reduced the length to ease construction (plot is c. 6 metres wide).

Battens cost c.£8, hardcore (leftover from dug-up driveway at home) and pavers (Gumtree) were free.

In summary:
- quick to construct
- few tools required (saw, brush)
- no specialist skills
- materials very economic and easy to transport (Travis Perkins is next door so battens hand carried) - pavers would only have cost c£2-3 each
- path is perfectly flat with no trip hazards

I recognise that the wood will rot but suspect it will give 10 years life.

As shown in the pictures.

[Cadalot]

Bright idea, like it.

On my first plot I laid membrane and woodchip and it was all trod down and the slabs just went onto the woodchip. 2nd plot dug weeded re compacted scaffold boards and walking over for a while then the slabs laid straight on the weed membrane.