Material options
Natural stone (Indian sandstone is the most popular, though we can source others) gives a traditional, textured finish that weathers well. Block paving suits patios that need to tie in visually with an existing block-paved driveway. Porcelain is increasingly popular for a contemporary, low-maintenance finish — it doesn’t stain or fade the way natural stone can, though it needs a slightly different laying method.
Getting the base and falls right
Same principle as driveways: a patio that’s laid on a poorly prepared base will shift, and one without the correct drainage fall (typically laid to fall away from the house) will pool water against your walls, which causes damp problems over time. We build the fall and drainage in as standard on every patio we lay.
Design considerations
Level changes, steps, raised borders, and how a patio connects to an existing lawn or driveway all affect the final layout — we cover this on the site visit rather than just quoting a square metre price for a flat slab area.
Patios in Andover, Newbury and Basingstoke
We design and install patios throughout all three towns and the surrounding villages. See our Andover, Newbury and Basingstoke pages for local detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which patio material needs the least maintenance?
Porcelain, generally — it resists staining and fading better than natural stone, though natural stone can be resealed periodically if it starts to look tired.
Do patios need planning permission?
Rarely, for a standard domestic patio, though it’s worth checking if your property has specific restrictions or you’re close to a boundary.
How do you stop water pooling on a patio?
Correct fall (a slight gradient away from the house) built into the base during installation — this is standard on every patio we lay.
Can you build steps or raised areas into the design?
Yes, we can incorporate steps, raised beds and different levels into a patio design where the garden calls for it.
Call 01264 771177 for a free, no-obligation patio quote in Andover, Hampshire
Covering Newbury, Andover, Basingstoke and the surrounding areas.