New Patio in Eynesbury

For many households in Eynesbury the priority is a patio that is safe and comfortable to use every day: grippy when wet, even underfoot and easy to keep tidy. That shapes how we build it as much as which slab you choose.

Evenness comes from the base. We excavate to a firm layer, compact the sub-base in stages and lay each slab on a full bed of mortar so there are no hollow spots. Small lips between slabs are a trip hazard, so we check each slab against its neighbours with a straight edge as we go.

The surface falls gently away from the house, below the damp proof course. Steps from the back door are built with consistent rises and a slab or tread that overhangs slightly so the edge is easy to see. Where a step is not wanted, a slot drain at the threshold can allow a very small step or a near level entry.

Ground conditions vary across the area, with some gardens on heavier soils and others closer to the river where the water table is higher. We check what we find on the day and adjust the depth of dig and sub-base accordingly, rather than using one fixed specification for every home.

Access is usually through a side passage on semi detached homes, or through the house on terraces. A typical patio here takes several working days, plus a short period afterwards before heavy furniture goes on.

Shape is worth a moment's thought as well. A patio that runs the full width of the house gives a wide, uncluttered space, while a deeper patio set to one side can catch more afternoon sun. We mark the outline on the ground first so you can stand on it and judge the size before anything is dug.

We also check for drains, inspection chambers and service pipes before digging. Covers can be raised or fitted with recessed trays so the paving runs over them neatly, keeping access available without leaving an obvious metal lid in the middle of the patio. The slabs in the tray are cut to match the pattern around them.