Slate patio and cedar fencing questions..

[Mr Lee]

We're having a change back end of spring this year to our patio and have a few questions if anybody can help?

 

Patio - Existing patio is coming up approx 5m x 3m. Base isn't bad but will require a sturdy base as I'm fitting a glass terrazza roof also once the slate is down. I would like to have a flat as possible slate laid rather than a traditional uneven one if possible. I've been told numerous types of slate from around the world are best for outside, Brazilian, Italian etc. What depth slates best? :confused1:What do you guys recommend? I'd like a geofix all weather compound for the joints in grey.

 

Is slate best laid on a screed of some sorts or just cemented down? As said, there will be areas where the patio will have to support a glass roof so needs to be solid. I can always put some concrete pads where the legs will land under the patio slabs. Where's the best/cheapest/most reliable place to buy some slates?

 

Once we get the patio done we want to clad the walls surrounding the patio with a cedar strip to get away from the cold hard render that's on there currently. Found a few images on google to give you an idea of what I would like...I don't want to be able to see the wall behind the fencing so would it be okay to either paint the wall black, put some black fabric or screen behind the fencing?

 

I've also been told for cedar you need to use different fixings rather than a standard wood/decking screw etc?

 

Thanks in advance for all advice.