New patios across Doncaster, built to stay level
Almost every patio looks good on the day it is finished. The difference shows a couple of winters later, when a poorly built one starts to rock, sink at the corners or hold puddles by the back door. We build patios so they still look right years on, and that starts well below the slabs.
We dig out to firm ground, lay and compact a crushed stone sub-base in layers, then bed each slab on a full mortar bed rather than a few dabs. Porcelain gets a slurry primer on the back so it bonds properly, because it does not soak up mortar the way natural stone does. The whole patio is laid to a gentle fall away from the house so rain runs off instead of sitting against the walls.
Choosing a patio material
| Material | Good for | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | A clean, modern look; very low maintenance; colours stay consistent | Needs a primer and careful cutting. Choose a textured grade outside for grip in the wet. |
| Indian sandstone | Natural colour variation; suits older houses and cottage gardens | Benefits from a seal and occasional cleaning to keep the colour. |
| Slate and limestone | Dark, smart finishes and contemporary schemes | Colour can change when wet. We will show you samples in both states. |
| Concrete paving | Lower cost, practical areas such as side returns and bin stores | Plainer looking, but hard wearing on a good base. |
We can bring samples to the visit. It is worth seeing them in your own garden light, because the same slab can look very different on a north-facing patio than in a showroom.
Getting the size and position right
The most common regret we hear about old patios is that they are too small. A table and six chairs needs more room than most people think once chairs are pushed back. We mark out the area at the visit so you can see it on the ground. We also check where the sun sits in the evening; sometimes the best spot for a seating area is not right outside the back door.
Drainage and damp courses
A patio must sit at least 150mm below the damp-proof course of the house, or water can bridge it and cause damp inside. If ground levels are tight we can step the patio down, or fit a channel drain along the house so water is carried away safely. On heavy clay, which is common nearer the river in Doncaster, we often add a soakaway or link the drainage into an existing outlet.
Jointing and finishing
Joints are filled with a brush-in jointing compound or a pointed mortar, depending on the stone and the look you want. Brush-in compounds are tidy and quick; pointed mortar joints are very hard wearing. Either way, we finish with a full clean-down so you get a patio that is ready to use.
Patios as part of a bigger job
A new patio is often the first step in a garden makeover. If you are also thinking about steps, a pergola, lighting or a new lawn, it is worth planning them together. Lighting cables, for example, are easy to run before the paving goes down and awkward afterwards.
Patios and paving across the Doncaster area
We cover Doncaster town and the villages around it, including Cantley, Armthorpe, Sprotbrough, Rossington, Tickhill, Bawtry, Thorne, Hatfield and more. If you are not sure whether you are in our area, ring 01422 774538 with your postcode.
Questions about patios and paving
How much does a new patio cost in Doncaster?
It depends on the size, the material, how much needs digging out and how easy the access is. We visit, measure and give you a free written quote, rather than guess a figure over the phone.
How long does it take to lay a patio?
Many average-sized patios take a few days to a week, including the groundwork. Larger areas, lots of cutting, or steps and walls add time.
Can you lay a new patio over the old one?
Usually not. Laying over old slabs raises the level, often too close to the damp-proof course, and the old base may not be sound. We normally lift the old patio and build a fresh base.
Is porcelain slippery?
Outdoor porcelain is made with a textured surface for grip. Like any hard surface it is best kept free of algae, which is why we lay it to a fall so it drains and dries quickly.
