Tarmac

[suzie1]

Is this a good option for having done in my back garden?

Also would this be cheaper than a new patio? And who could do this for me?

Its just to cover the patio area and make it safer for the kids to ride their bikes and not get too hurt when they fall off.

Thanks lovelies (no doubt buildersmate will have an answer. clever man)

[suzie1]

Does anyone have any advice please

[boxtops]

Weeds still grow through tarmac, and if it gets really hot in the sun you get those little tarry bubbles which can easily get into the house on the kids' shoes. I don't think tarmac is any less hard than paving slabs if you fall off your bike!

[suzie1]

thanks for that advice, i didn't know that, i may have to look at other options.

[landscaper2]

No, no, no, not for a patio please! There are low cost slabs, using 600 x 600 'council type' slabs would be preferable and being 50mm thick they will sit reasonably well, butt jointed, on a 50mm bed of weak sand/cement.

[suzie1]

ok thanks, i want my garden to look nice, but dont want to spend too much on the patio. Wont be living her much longer

[suzie1]

maybe, but the patio area needs levelling up, its sloping and cracked everywhere

[Whoever]

Tarmac is not a good option for a patio/play area. Quite apart from the fact that it looks unsightly, it's easy to crack up and allow weeds to grow through if it's not laid with proper deep foundations. Also in very hot weather it can start melting, get very sticky and once on kids' clothes, can't be removed.
If you're planning to move house soon and don't want to spend a lot of money, perhaps a layer of bark chippings would be one answer as a subsequent purchaser could easiy remove them and use them on flower borders.

[craft1948]

tarmac is ghastly.............and would devalue your property....

[ummmm]

Oi...don't dis tarmac....lol

It's £100 a tonne (according to Ginger who works with it) if you collect it yourself. Unless you know someone who has an account.

He reckons slabs will be easier. The soft spongy tarmac is very expensive.

[suzie1]

landscaper, you mentioned 600x600 council type slabs, where do i buy these from at a good price and how many will i need for 110sqm patio? thanks

[landscaper2]

Thats a big patio, will need 305 slabs and any builders merchants will have them. Think you need a pro to lay that amount, they are around 40kg each

[AlBags]

It's all concrete and plastic around here.

Get someone to build a slightly raised frame ... if you like rustic .. with some old worn sleepers .. and fill with chipped bark. Lay on black polythene or fabric to suppress weeds. Perfect for kids, easy and cheap to do .. and you can change again when you feel like it!