DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Good afternoon,

I'm building a small raised patio area in the back garden. It'll be raised above the ground level using 200x100 sleepers in a picture-frame arrangement. The void will then be filled and eventually flagged on top.

I have removed the turf from the area which has taken the whole area down by approx 50mm. I will be laying the sleepers on their 100mm side and fastening each one to a series of 100mm timber fence posts concreted into the ground.

My question is: As I am aiming for a minimum of 100mm sub-base, can this just be poured and compacted on-top of the soil level I am at now, or will I need to dig down further? I'm just conscious of that fact that as it stands now I'll have a void of 200mm to fill to bring the finished patio flags level with the top of the sleepers.

Thanks in advance!

Hi evorg88,
If the surface you have exposed is difficult to get a fork into then just fill. If however it is soft (easy to get a fork into) then you will need to dig down further.
Regards S

Hi stoneyboy,

Thanks for your reply, that's a great tip, I'll have a look today.

Thanks again