Work out the slabs, Type 1, sand and cement for a slab garden path on a mortar or sharp sand bed.
75mm for foot traffic. Thinner layers are hard to compact
Semi-dry mortar bed, or a plain sharp sand bed
Area × Type 1 depth (75mm by default for foot traffic) × 2,100 kg/m³ compacted, plus waste, rounded up.
For a mortar bed, area × depth × 1.3 to allow for the mix shrinking, split by the mix ratio. For a sand-only bed, area × depth × 1,600 kg/m³ of sharp sand.
Each slab covers its own size plus a 10mm joint. We add pattern and general waste, and round up.
The dig covers Type 1 + bed + slab thickness. The skip is chosen by the volume of loosened soil and its weight.
These are estimates for ordering materials, not a structural design. Check site conditions, and anything unusual, with a qualified builder or engineer.
Yes, if you want it to stay level. 75mm of compacted Type 1 is usual for foot traffic. Much thinner than that and it won't compact properly.
For a lightly used path on firm ground, yes. A sharp sand bed is quicker and the slabs can be lifted later. A mortar bed holds them more firmly and is better on slopes or where slabs might rock.
900mm–1m lets one person walk comfortably or push a wheelbarrow. 1.2m or more lets two people walk side by side.
Paths have a lot of edge compared with their area, so cuts add up. 10% is fine for a straight path; allow 15% for curves.