Patio installation in Wallington using porcelain, sandstone and concrete slabs. Laid on a full mortar bed over a compacted base, with a slight fall away from the house and pointed joints that stay put.
A patio is laid with a slight slope away from the building so rainwater runs off instead of pooling. It also has to sit at least 150mm below the damp proof course, which is the line of brickwork you can usually see near the bottom of the wall. Both of these stop damp problems later.
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Porcelain is dense, colour stable and stays clean with little effort. Indian sandstone is cheaper and has more natural variation, but it is more porous and takes on algae in shade. Concrete slabs cover the middle ground. We bring samples and wet them, since most slabs look different in the rain.
The joints between slabs are filled with mortar or a brush in jointing compound once the beds have set. Good pointing keeps water out of the bedding underneath, which is what causes slabs to lift and rock in frost. Cut edges are finished neatly against walls, steps and borders.
Patios and driveways have been the core of this business for more than 40 years, and patio work has changed the most. Porcelain barely existed when we started and now it is what most people in Wallington ask about. The groundwork underneath has stayed exactly the same. Most of the patios we lay now are porcelain.
Over 40 years laying driveways and patios
Block paving, resin and tarmac driveways
Fencing, decking and garden landscaping
Covering Wallington and south London
Prices agreed in writing before work starts
STILL NOT SURE?
A standard patio takes two to three days. Day one is lifting the old surface and digging out, day two is the base and laying the slabs, and pointing follows once the beds have set. Bigger patios with steps or walls take longer. We give you the timescale at the quote.
It is rarely a good idea. The new patio would sit higher, which can bring it too close to the damp proof course, and you inherit whatever is wrong with the old base. Lifting the old slabs is not a big part of the job and gives a much better result.
Porcelain is the practical choice in shade. It absorbs very little water, so algae and green film have less to grip onto and wash off easily. Natural sandstone in a damp, shaded spot tends to go green and needs cleaning more often. A textured finish helps with grip either way.


t: 07445 156553
Mon: 7am - 7pm
Tue: 7am - 7pm
Wed: 7am - 7pm
Thu: 7am - 7pm
Fri: 7am - 7pm
Sat: 7am - 7pm
Sun: Closed
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Address: 139a Stanford Rd, London, UK