Preparing your area

■ Once you know the dimensions of the patio slabs you’ve chosen to use, make a detailed plan, so you minimise the need to cut tiles.

■ Having planned your patio, it’s a good idea to lay the slabs out into position, so you can do one final check of measurements, and ensure you’re laying a pattern you’re happy with. Take a photo of your preferred layout.

■ If your patio is directly next to your house, you’ll need to make sure you lay it so that it’s 150mm below the damp-proof course.

■ To encourage rainwater run-off, your patio should have a fall that runs away from buildings. A 1:60 (16mm per metre) fall is generally recommended.

■ If your patio will adjoin your lawn, for ease of mowing, it should sit 10mm below ground level.

■ Ask someone to help when you come to lifting the slabs, for both safety and speed of completion.