New Patio in Stony Stratford

Stony Stratford is an old coaching town on Watling Street, and behind its High Street sit period cottages, Georgian and Victorian houses and, further out, newer estates. Gardens range from walled town plots to open family lawns. A new patio here often needs to look settled and in keeping, as well as being properly built.

Ground and drainage. The town lies close to the Great Ouse, and some low lying gardens can be slow to drain after heavy rain. We dig to firm ground, lay a compacted sub-base and set each slab on a continuous mortar bed. Where water is likely to linger, we shape a firm fall towards a channel, gully or suitable soakaway area so the patio does not become a puddle in winter.

Older walls and damp. Period houses often have little room between ground level and the damp course, or no modern damp course at all. We keep new paving low against the wall where possible and leave a small gap or gravel strip where it helps the wall breathe. Back door thresholds are checked before the levels are fixed.

Parts of the town are within a conservation area, and some houses are listed. A back garden patio is usually straightforward, but if your home is listed it is wise to check with Milton Keynes City Council before work starts. We are happy to talk through the plans with you first.

Access. Town centre homes may have narrow side passages or none at all, so materials and spoil can need to come through carefully. Newer homes on the edges of town usually have easier side access. Most patios take a few days to a week, depending on size and the route in.

Old gardens behind the High Street sometimes turn up buried cobbles, brick edging or worn flagstones when the turf comes up. Where any of it is sound, we can set it aside so you can decide whether to reuse it as a border or a step, which helps a brand new patio feel rooted in the plot from the first day.