Dirt Fill to Raise Patio

[iMCaan]

Hi

For a new build, I need to raise the patio area to be level with the internal FFL. The current difference is about 1.5 feet.
What kind of fill dirt would be the most appropriate (and cheap) to fill the patio area?

The patio and the step down garden area are splitting the 5 meters garden space? It doesn't seem like 2 meters is sufficient for step down garden area. What are you're thoughts on this?

 

Facebook seller is only charging delivery £60 for 15 tonnes of recycled screened top soil. What do I need to consider in regards to the soil quality? After all I don't want someone dumping unusable soil that I then have to pay to get it removed (had enough fly-tipping on site over the years)
 

Thanks

[ProDave]

You don't want top soil as infill for something like that, it will take ages to settle anc compact even if you compact it as much as you can.

 

I would seriously look at making that at a suspended construction.  What do you want as the finished surface?  Timber decking is the easy option here.

 

with solid infill material, beware of building up the outside level above any damp proof course, it should remain 150mm lower than any DPC

[iMCaan]

Thanks @ProDave

 

The finished surface would be outdoor tiles.

 

I don't think anyone in the family prefers timber decking so that's a no. Is there an alternative to timber suspended construction?

 

Thanks

 

 

[ProDave]

I can see no reason why you could not do some form of suspended construction based on block and beam with outdoor tiles on top but it is not something I have experience with.

[Mr Punter]

If you want tiles or paving you need to get rid of the vegetation and soil, build a wall around the proposed perimeter, fill with hardcore compacted in layers, top with 100mm MOT then lay your slabs.  Have a look at https://www.pavingexpert.com/.

[saveasteading]

45 minutes ago, ProDave said:

will take ages to settle 

Topsoil contains organic matter which will rot, and your patio would settle irregularly.

Hardcore can be cheap but coarse so break up any big lumps.

You'll see brick demo material in skips. Maybe the builder will bring some to you.

Then cover with very good commercial stone. Type 1 or type 2.

[iMCaan]

Thank you all.

 

I did consider beam and block but went against it because of the cost and probably most importantly I'll have to get the builder back on site. 

 

I think hardcore and  then type 1 or type 2 would be a better option and cheaper.

 

How deep does the trench needs to be for the patio perimeter retaining wall? Dig until we reach clay?