Paths & Steps in Stony Stratford

Some of the gardens behind Stony Stratford's older houses run a long way back from the street, and many have had paths added, patched and rerouted for generations. It is common to find a narrow brick walk that has heaved over roots, a flight of stone steps worn hollow in the middle, or a concrete strip laid over something older. Part of our job is deciding what is worth keeping and what simply has to be rebuilt.

Worn steps are the clearest example. A dished tread collects water and turns slippery, and an uneven flight, where one riser is noticeably taller than the rest, is a common cause of a stumble. Where the stone is sound we can sometimes lift, turn and reset it on a new bed; where it has cracked through, we match the replacement as closely as we can so the flight still reads as one.

Long, narrow plots need a path that carries you comfortably from the back door to the far end, often past outbuildings or old walls. We build the route on a compacted base so it stays level, and where it passes along a boundary wall we keep it a little away from the footing and leave a gap for water to drain rather than trapping damp against old brickwork.

If your home is in the conservation area or listed, changes at the back of the house are less likely to raise questions than work at the front, but it is still sensible to check with Milton Keynes City Council before altering anything visible or historic. We are happy to talk through what is being proposed so you can ask the right questions.

On any flight, the aim is consistent risers, treads deep enough for a full foot and a nosing you can pick out in fading light, so the steps feel natural rather than something to concentrate on.

Access to the rear of older properties can be through a narrow carriage arch or shared entry. We check widths and turning space when we visit, so we can plan smaller loads or hand carrying where a barrow will not fit.