Introduction

Let’s start with the beginning.

I joined the industry in 2021 doing small labor jobs for self employed roofers and landscaping company’s. I learned the basics for example measurement cuts , shoveling , stoning up . Hand mix and using cement mixers . Getting use to basic hand tools and common safety of what is expected on domestic and commercial jobs. I was never given a good enough opportunity to learn the craft I was interested in which is landscape design. I was used for cheap labor and basic laboring duties that no one else wanted to do . I put my effort into the wrong company’s and didn’t get the respect I deserved. Earning minimum wage and pushed to my limit point . I then decided it was time for a change.

Joining the right company

I joined the Cambridge landscaper in August 2022.

The company it’s self focuses on hard and soft landscaping. From small planting sleeper jobs . To patios , fencing , turfing , groundwork and brick jobs. The company has seemed to progress in the last few years from what I know to high quality jobs with wealthy customers who are which prepared to pay the high price for the finest quality.

What I have learnt

So far I have learnt how to do a small range of tasks including laying small blocks , relay of slabs , post settings . Levelling out in the right way to preform the nice finish. Screeding of material for a correct finish for final topping setting . How to use various power tools from grinder , skill saw , multi tool . I have learnt how to operate a digger from loading up other vehicles , digging to the right depth and the general knowledge of health and safety . I know I have a lot more to learn but that’s the whole part of the plan . To get me to where I need to be!

Levels and depth

on most small and big jobs I have been on so far patio wise I have learnt that the regular depth dig out is 150mm. Normally two bricks below the damp course. This allows you to have enough space to stone up hardcore which can be used as a drainage layer , bonding surface and compact surface to lay the patio itself which is normally 100mm . You then whack it by hand or a machine which compacts the material so you have a nice flat surface which allows everything to go down smoothly . I have learnt that you should then check levels mostly using a string line which you set out to the right hight using pins . You can then check with a tape measure the whole way across to make sure you are at the right depth so you know how much mortar to place down . it varies from 20mm to 30mm depending on the size of the slab you are going to lay.

Laying the slab

though I have not layed a fresh patio slab on a job yet . I have relayed a few different sized slabs on one job . Which I have learnt to put the muck down in the space between the slabs i wish to relay the old one. Smooth it gently from side to side matching the level of the existing mortar from the previously layed slabs . You can then with a trowl do a S pattern throughout your bed which allows the slab and slurry to bite onto when laying which will help solidify the slab to your mortar bed . You then tap it from certain areas and then with a spirit level can check from side to side , corner to corner of the slab is level with the existing ones around you . When the bubble is in the middle from all angles you then know you have a flush surface and your good to go. If the bubble is touching either of the lines from right to left you know you have an issue with the hight. You can then proceed to tap it down to get it right or lift up the slab and add more or less mortar . the gaps between the slabs are often used with spacers ranging from different sizes depending on what material the slabs are . Have mostly seen them used on porcelain. When slabs are layed to correct hight and width checked by string line you can then grout the insides . Me personally I have only used this by hand .

Shuttering

I was new to shuttering when I first started .
What I have gained knowledge wise from it that shuttering is used to help keep concrete in the correct place and worked to the right level . This could be at a slope or flat surface . If it’s at a slope then that allows water to run off the surface correctly to avoid sitting water puddles on final piece. Rebar is a type of metal material which are fitted with plastic egg like cups . Cut to size on small pieces or full sheets . This allows the concrete to bind to it forming a solid layer which helps it set and stay firm . obviously all shuttering is checked with a range of spirit levels depending on the angle you wish to work with. for example , if you are having a pathway which is sloped to the left then I have seen that the spirit bubble must be just touching the line so you know you have the correct fall.

Pipe work and groundwork’s .

My basic knowledge on pipes and groundwork is that a lot of the time the ground surface cracks due to there being no drainage for water underneath . This is solved by soakaway crates which allows the water to soak away with the help of shingle stones which doesn’t allow the water to clog up and flow nicely between. There are also drainage pipes which again has shingle surrounding to help water flow . Pipes are normally connected to down pipes or drains . Set at a down angle flow to help water run smoothly into the soakaway . There are also pipe fittings . These range from external corners , elbows , sockets , tee junction , double socket bend and branch . You can tell which is which as it’s pretty simple . To help it fit in nicely you can use a certain paste to help slot in and also tamper the ends down using a grinder to minimise the size down to help it fit.

What is to come

I am hoping to learn how to lay edgings by myself . Small patios eventually leading to big ones . Blocks and bricks and even some soft landscaping including orchards , sleeper beds that I’m currently working on with colleuges and potentially brand new planting areas. It will take time to progress and learn a lot more about the craft but I am passionate and supported by my team and seniors. It is my duty right now to keep the site clean , assist tradesmen with tasks and take on my knowledge and also do research on how to do certain aspects of the trade. To work my way up the ranks and see the benefits Is a must as this is the best opportunity I feel like I’ll have in this industry.