New Patio in Marston Moretaine

Marston Moretaine sits in the Marston Vale, an area known for its clay, which is why brickmaking was once so important locally. Clay holds water and swells and shrinks with the seasons, so a new patio here needs a well prepared base and careful thought about where rain will go.

We dig out the area to a depth that suits the ground and the paving, taking away the clay and any soft spots. A compacted crushed stone sub-base is built up in layers to spread the load evenly, then the slabs go down on a full mortar bed. Patios laid on dabs leave voids underneath, and on clay those voids can fill with water, freeze and push slabs out of line.

The fall is especially important on heavy ground. The patio is laid to shed water away from the house, and if the garden naturally holds water we may recommend a channel drain or a soakaway, after checking the ground can take it. The finished level is set below the damp course and the back door so water does not sit against the wall.

• Clay dug out and soft spots removed
• Compacted crushed stone sub-base
• Full mortar bed rather than dabs
• Fall planned to move water off the patio
• Channel drain or soakaway where the garden holds water

Some gardens in the village slope, and a raised patio can create a level seating area near the house. A sunken patio is less likely to suit heavy, wet ground unless the drainage is very well planned. We will advise at the visit.

Spoil from a clay dig is heavy and sticky, so removing it takes planning. We bring suitable bags or a skip, keep paths and lawns protected with boards where barrows run, and clear the site as we go. Clay can also stain block paving or tarmac at the front of the house, so we keep an eye on where boots and wheels travel and clean up at the end of each day.

Most patio installations take a few days to a week, though wet weather can slow the dig on clay. We will keep you informed if the ground needs time to dry before work continues.