Ideas for patio area on sloping clay soil with huge trees in the area.

[The Dude]

Hi,

 

We have just completed an extension which due to the nature of the clay soil and trees in close proximity is built on 8m piles.

 

The area outside the extension is a bit of a bomb site. The ground moves a lot and my charming neighbours have a 20m Eucalyptus tree that they refuse to maintain on the border.

 

The existing concrete patio has heaved and collapsed over the years. I am looking for patio ideas that do not involve a concrete base because I am pretty sure clay heave and next doors tree roots would have it falling to pieces within a year or two. Decking is not really an option because the area is shaded/North facing and would be prone to moss and mould.

 

Any suggestions? 

[joe90]

The only way I can see is to pile again and use beam and block above the ground level.

[Conor]

Pedestal system e.g. Wallbarn. You can install them on well compacted stone + membrane and adjust as things move. 

[Russell griffiths]

Do a base layer of crushed concrete, then type 1

fit 20mm porcelain slabs on pedestal bases with an open joint, you can then re align them every couple of years by lifting the slabs and re adjusting the pedestals. 

[The Dude]

I never even knew pedestal systems existed and they look quite cheap. I will definitely consider this. Thanks.

 

[Russell griffiths]

40 minutes ago, The Dude said:

I never even knew pedestal systems existed and they look quite cheap. I will definitely consider this. Thanks.

 

If you want to go high end you can get a system that has an edge strip that clips onto the rails, so it provides an upstand, so no retaining walls or edging curbs. 
 

you can also get a system that looks like decking, but uses porcelain tiles the long 1200 x300 strips. 
 

Edited September 18 by Russell griffiths

[The Dude]

Do you have a link to the system with edging strips?