Dig it out
Turf, topsoil and any old concrete or buried rubble removed until we reach firm ground. On Bradford clay that can mean going deeper than you would think.
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Patios & pavingPatios that stay flat and drain properly
Natural sandstone, porcelain, paths and split-level terraces across Bradford. We start with what is under the slabs, because that is what decides how long they last.
Underneath it all
What a proper patio base looks like
You never see this part once the job is finished, which is exactly why some firms skimp on it.
Hardcore base
Crushed stone spread and rolled in thin layers, each one compacted before the next goes on. Skip this and the slabs start to sink within a couple of winters.
A slight fall
The surface is set with a gentle slope so rainwater runs off towards a drain or the lawn, never back towards your walls or doorway.
Slabs and joints
A full mortar bed under every slab, a primer on porcelain, tidy cuts at the edges and a jointing compound that keeps weeds and water out.
Porcelain
Porcelain: tough, tidy, low effort
If you want a patio you can hose down and forget about, porcelain is hard to beat. It does not soak up spills, it keeps its colour and moss struggles to take hold. It does need laying with care, because it is unforgiving of a poor bed or a bad cut.
- Each slab primed underneath so it bonds to the mortar
- Bedded solid across the whole slab, never on spots
- Cut with a proper saw so edges stay crisp
- Warm and textured ranges that suit stone-built houses
- Stepping stones and gravel strips to break up large areas
Sandstone
Natural sandstone for a softer look
Sandstone has colour movement that porcelain cannot copy, and next to a gritstone house it looks as if it has always been there. It weathers and mellows over time. We lay it with a solid bed, a proper jointing compound and curves cut by hand where the design calls for them.
- Riven or sawn finishes in buff, grey and mixed tones
- Curves, circles and radius steps cut on site
- Brick or stone risers where the level changes
- Laid in a random pattern so no two runs repeat
- Pointed properly rather than brushed in with dry sand
Paths
Paths and side passages
The narrow run down the side of the house is often the ugliest part of a property and the one you use most. A properly laid path with a gravel margin either side sorts out the mud, keeps the bins out of the puddles and makes the whole place feel finished.
- Side passages paved to match the main patio
- Decorative gravel margins against walls and fences
- Gully covers and downpipes worked around neatly
- Thresholds and gates left level so nothing catches
- Paths laid to fall so water runs off, not along
Levels
Split levels and steps
A lot of Bradford gardens climb or drop away from the house. Rather than one sloping patio, we build level terraces held up by a proper wall, joined by steps you can comfortably carry a tray down. You end up with two or three usable spaces instead of one awkward one.
- Retaining walls in rendered block, brick or stone
- Steps with wide treads and even risers
- Drainage behind every wall so it stays put
- Planting beds built into the change of level
- Each terrace given a job: dining, lawn, seating
Mix and match
Paving and lawn work better as a pair.
A crisp paved edge against fresh turf is one of the simplest ways to make a garden look designed. We set the grass level to sit just below the slabs so the mower runs straight over and the edge stays sharp.
Reviews
From people who had paving done
“really happy with these had a full garden patio installtion and a sunmer hiuse built, astroturf in the middle looks so good i coukdnt he happier desfinetly worth going with”
Alfie H.Customer Review
“Really pleased with the work carried out on my garden. Professional, reliable, and completed everything to a high standard. Would definitely recommend”
Charlie C.Customer Review
“Really happy with the work completed, will definitely be using again.”
Spencer P.Customer Review
Every review is copied across exactly as the customer typed it, typos and all. Surnames are cut to an initial, and no overall star rating is shown.
Coverage
Across the Bradford district
From the terraces round the city centre out to the hill villages and up the Aire valley.
BradfordShipleySaltaireBaildonBingleyCottingleyHeatonFrizinghallIdleThackleyEccleshillGreengatesUndercliffeBolton WoodsAllertonThorntonClaytonQueensburyGreat HortonWibseyButtershawLow MoorWykeBierleyTongHolme WoodThornburyWilsdenHardenWrose
Somewhere not listed? Give us a ring on 01274 066175 and ask.
Quotes are free
Get your patio priced
Fill in the form or phone. We come round, look at the ground, the slope and the way in, talk through what you want, then put a written price in your hands with the preparation and the finish listed separately. There is no charge for the visit and no follow-up pestering.
- Based inBradford, West Yorkshire
- Working acrossBradford, Shipley, Bingley, Baildon and the villages between
Get a quote
We will be back in touch to arrange a visit.