Adding a decking or patio area to your garden can not only improve the look of the garden, but also add some extra value to your home when it comes to selling it. Most would be buyers look for tidy gardens with extra features, and the good news is that these sort of features are inexpensive to make, and not too difficult to do yourself. For a patio you need to clear out the intended area and mark the size and shape you want. Most patios are situated next to the house so it is easier to get into the kitchen if you are eating meals on it, likewise with a decking feature.

The most important thing to remember when creating a patio is to make it slope away from the house. This is because rain water needs to drain away from your house, not towards it. Look to create a gradient of around 1 in 50, so for every 50 cms of patio, make it drop 1 cm. Of course you will need a spirit level to guide you, and they are available from all good home stores such as argos extra. The longer the level the easier it will be to keep on track as you go.

The base or foundation first needs to be dug out, and aim for a depth of at least 10cms. Fill this area with hardcore, which is a mixture of gravel, small stones and sand. It comes in big bags from builder’s merchants and home improvement stores. Flatten out the hardcore, with either a piece of timber, or you hire a flattening machine which will speed things up, and also place less stress on your back! Try to get things as level as possible.

After this has been done you can then go off and look for the paving stones or slabs. You will be spoiled for choice as there is such a wide variety on sale. It is up to you to decide on the style and layout of the slabs, so take your time and be a little creative. Go online to the additions online catalogue for a broad range and some ideas if you are a little overwhelmed. Once you have bought the slabs it is time to fit them, but before this you need to lay the concrete base on the hardcore. The mix needs to be one part concrete to 4 or 5 parts of sand. There are ready mixed bags if you are not so sure.

Spread the mix evenly, and use the spirit level to create the slope I told you about. Level off with a long piece of timber until the surface is smooth and even. Take hold of the slabs and begin placing them on the surface in the pattern you want. Leave a gap of around one cm between each slab. Once done leave to dry overnight. The final part is to add cement in between the slabs in the gap you left. A small trowel is best for this. Clear off ant cement that gets on to the top of the slabs before it dries. Leave to dry overnight and you will have just created your own patio feature.