Step 1 Hammer stake into centre of proposed outdoor living area and attach string. Use tape measure to achieve desired length, then mark out circle with set-out paint, using string as a guide.
Step 2 Extend a path leading away from circular area and mark out garden beds along fences, about 50-75cm wide. To ensure your lines are straight, use garden hose as a guide, then spray lines with set-out paint.
Step 3 Use crowbar to break up concrete footings on any utilities, such as clothes lines. Dig out with shovel, remove and relocate.
Step 4 Remove turf from all marked out areas using cutter or shovel.
Step 5 Excavate soil from areas to be hard-scaped to a depth of 100mm. Install Link Edge around perimeter of circular area and along borders of path, using lump hammer to secure with edge spikes.
Step 6 Add road base to excavated areas and level with rake. Aim to have a depth of about 60mm.
Step 7 Use plate compactor to compact road base, reducing its height by about 10mm.
Step 8 Spread Re-Agg or gravel over road base and level with rake.
Step 9 Fork over soil in garden bed areas to loosen, then spread fresh soil mix over top. Rake to level, leaving it just shy of top of edging.
