When laying a patio, you need to remember that it will get constant use from footfall, furniture and occasional errors in judgement (from adults and children alike). Then there are the British winters to contend with too.
Choose C25 Strength as a Minimum
We would recommend C25 strength as a minimum for domestic patios. This will allow for sufficient compressive strength to support furniture and occasional accidental drive overruns. It’s worth checking with the manufacturers of your chosen domestic slabs for recommended mix specifications.
Lay It at Least 100mm Deep
The thickness of the slab also needs to be considered as this will help to prevent it from flexing and cracking. A minimum thickness of 100mm is recommended, however on clay-heavy soils found around Gloucester a slab of 125mm thick would be more suitable.
Account for Drainage If you want Concrete Gloucester, https://www.monstermixconcrete.co.uk is a good place to start.
Ensure the patio does not hold puddles of water, ensure the slab is laid with a slight fall of approximately 1 in 60 away from the house.
Consider a Brushed Finish
A smooth finish trowelled surface is very slippery when wet. Brushing a stiff brush through the surface when the concrete is ‘green’ creates a textured finish that is far less slippery when wet, but not ‘rough’.
Order Ready Mix for Frost Resistance
A good quality patio slab will last for decades with very little maintenance.