Paving Stone Question.

[rsvp]

I have a small three sided area within my raised bed garden attached to the tortoise run that I want to convert into a solarium type house for them. All it needs is a solid floor, a short fourth wall and a polycarbonate roof. Must I put down some sort of foundation for the paving stones or can I put them straight on the ground? They are almost perfect fit for the space and very, very thick and heavy. I have lots of gravel I could use if suitable.Many thanks

[Peaspeculiars]

Hi rsvp, There is conflicting advice on the internet of whether to go to the hassle or not. Such as this link to a forum where the OP was asking if they could lay slabs direct on soil for a playhouse:
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/laying-paving-slabs-on-soilearth-what-would-you-do

If it were me, I'd put down a layer of sand, then the slabs, then brush a dry mix mortar between the cracks and water with a watering can to set. but it really depends how heavy your final wall and roof will be and if it will be standing on the slabs direct.
I found quite a nice tortoise-lovers site whilst web-hunting, take a peek:
http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/site/construction_56.asp

[rsvp]

Aren't you wonderful!! - terrific reply thank you so much - I was hoping I wouldn't have use cement and as the walls are already in situ and the roof is polycarbonate I 'm sure your suggestion will work a treat. Am off to check out the links you gave me.
Stay well and I really appreciate the reply.

[The Builder]

I would certainly remove any topsoil, rsvp. Being largely organic and aerated, it is very likely to rot and compress, resulting in settlement. Of course the heavier the slabs, the more likely this is, due to their self-weight alone.

Add to this the chance of rain washing the bearing away, you can see the problem.

Get down to sub-soil......... the stoney/clay/sandy ground below the topsoil.

Lay a couple of inches of coarse sand, thump it down well, bring it up to the desired level, and rule it off straight with a "straight-edge" (any piece of timber about the right length.)

Lay all your slabs, and brush kiln-dried sand into the joints ........ or small, 6mm chippings.

[The Builder]

^^ missed a bit out ................. before the sand, bring the level up with simple hardcore. "40mm to dust" is ideal. Merchants will deliver this in 850kg dumpy bags, and crane it off.

[rsvp]

You've ridden to my rescue again The Builder - sounds like I can manage it myself although I'm 'a lady of a (very) certain age. Thank you for the very clear instructions and stay well.

[The Builder]

You're very welcome rsvp.

Yes, you can manage it, I promise you. Just take your time.
You may need someone to help with the heavy slabs, that's all.

Good luck. Come back if you get stuck :o)

[rsvp]

thank you

[Peaspeculiars]

No problem, The Builder is much wiser than I :-)
Good Luck with your project and I know moving the slabs will be hard graft, but it'll be worth it in the end...
http://oi59.tinypic.com/24zlm3m.jpg

All the very best xx

[rsvp]

Peaspeculiars I'm really grateful to both my Knights in Shining Armour! - without the help and advice I've got I'd never make even half a decent job of it. Looks as though next week is going to be busy.