Considering a New Patio or Garden Wall?
Creating a new patio and garden wall can transform your outdoor space, making it more functional and just plain looking good. To ensure your project goes smoothly, it’s important to understand the process and key steps involved. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when embarking on your new outside space project.
1. Finalise Your Design and Layout
The first step is to come up with the design and layout of your patio or garden wall. Consider how you want to use the space—whether it’s for entertaining, dining or simply relaxing. The layout should complement your garden’s existing features and align with your overall landscaping plan. If you need a full hard landscaping plan talk to us.
We can recommend different material options, such as natural stone, concrete slabs, or porcelain tiles for the patio, and bricks or stone for the garden wall. Each material has its benefits in terms of durability, maintenance, and appearance and you want to get the right one for your needs.
2. Planning Permission and Building Regs
In the UK, most patio and garden wall projects do not require planning permission, especially if they are under a certain height and size. However, if you’re building a wall over 1 metre next to a road or 2 metres elsewhere, or if your home is listed or in a conservation area, you may need to seek permission.
We can check with the local council that covers your area to confirm if any permissions or regulations apply to your specific project.
3. Ground Preparation and Excavation
Proper ground preparation is important for both your patio or walling project. This involves marking out the area, removing any existing turf or old materials, and excavating the ground to the necessary depth. For a patio, the excavation typically ranges between 150-200mm depending on your soil and the chosen materials.
We typically use MOT Type 1 aggregate, compacted firmly to prevent any future sinking or shifting, with weed membrane on top. For any garden walling, proper footings are dug out to the appropriate depth, typically at least 450mm, to provide a solid foundation.
4. Laying the Patio
With the ground prepared, the next step is laying the patio. A layer of sharp sand or mortar is spread over the sub-base, and your paving is then laid according to your chosen pattern. This stage requires precision to ensure the slabs are level and have the correct slope for water drainage.
We can help you select a pattern that enhances your garden’s overall style. We factor in laying the patio with a slight gradient (about 1:60) to allow water to run off rather than pool on the surface.
5. Building Garden Walling
Often while the patio is being laid, we can also begin building any brick or stone walling or complementary timber sleepers or post and rail fencing. The walling process involves laying the bricks or stones in a sturdy and visually appealing pattern, with mortar to secure each layer. The wall may include features like piers or decorative coping stones, depending on your design.
Consider the height and thickness of the wall relative to its intended purpose. If it’s a retaining wall, it may need additional reinforcement. Ensure the materials chosen for the wall complement those of the patio for a cohesive look.
6. Finishing Touches and Cleanup
Once the patio and wall are constructed, attention turns to the finishing touches. This includes pointing the joints between patio slabs with mortar or jointing compound, adding any decorative elements to the wall, and cleaning up the site of any construction debris.
7. Maintenance and Aftercare
After your new patio and garden wall are completed, maintaining them is relatively straightforward. Regular sweeping, occasional washing, and re-pointing of mortar joints as needed will keep your patio looking fresh. The garden wall may require periodic inspections to check for any signs of wear or damage, especially after harsh weather, but in general we build for the long-term.
By following these steps and carefully considering each aspect of your project, you can achieve a beautifully crafted patio or garden walling project that enhances your garden’s style and appeal.
A well-planned and executed garden landscaping project not only boosts your enjoyment of your outdoor space but also adds value to your property.