Services · Patios
Patios in sandstone, porcelain and concrete slabs
In short We lay patios in Indian sandstone, porcelain and standard concrete slabs in Saltash, Plymouth and across Cornwall and Devon, including lifting an old patio first. This page compares the three and lists what a proper lay needs, from the base to the pointing and the fall for rainwater.
We lay patios across Saltash, Plymouth and the rest of Cornwall and Devon, from the dig-out to the last joint.
The lay
What a proper patio needs.
The stone is what you see. The rest is what keeps it flat, dry and fixed in ten winters' time.
What goes into the lay
- Ground dug out to depth and the old surface taken away
- A compacted sub-base, so nothing sinks
- Each slab bedded on a full mortar bed, not dabs
- A gentle fall away from the house for rainwater
- Kept below the damp-proof course of the house
- Joints pointed, edges finished, covers and drains set to the new level
Settle before work starts
- Sandstone, porcelain or concrete slabs, and the exact stone and colour
- Where the rainwater will go
- How the patio meets the lawn, beds and doors
- Steps, coping or bullnosed edges
- What happens to the old patio and any waste
- Access for barrows and deliveries
Decide
Sandstone, porcelain or concrete slabs?
All three make a good patio. The choice is about the look you want, the upkeep that suits you and the budget. No prices here: the quote depends on your garden.
| Indian sandstone | Porcelain | Concrete slabs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Natural riven stone. Every flag is slightly different in colour and texture. | Made to an even colour and finish. Crisp and modern, and can look like stone. | A wide range of colours, sizes and finishes, from plain and smooth to stone-effect. |
| Underfoot | The riven face gives natural grip. Shaded spots can turn green and slippery if left. | Outdoor porcelain has a textured finish. Check its slip rating for outdoor use. | Most have a textured or riven face for grip. Shaded spots can still go green if left. |
| Upkeep | Porous, so it can stain and weathers with time. Some people seal it. | Very low porosity, so it resists stains and cleans easily. | Can fade and weather over the years. A jet wash now and then keeps it fresh. |
| Budget | Mid-range, and the stone itself varies by type and origin. | Usually the most expensive slab, and dearer to lay. | Usually the most affordable of the three, so a good fit for a big space on a set budget. |
| Laying needs | Flags vary in thickness, so each is bedded on its own on a full mortar bed. | Thin and rigid. Needs a bonding primer on the back and very exact levels. Cut with a diamond blade. | More even in thickness, but still bedded on a full mortar bed on a compacted base, with the same fall and pointing. |
Recent patios
Sandstone, slate grey and porcelain, and more.
Installation of premium Indian sandstone paving for a sleek, durable finish.
Custom coping stones, bullnosed edges, and a sleek inset drain lid bring it all together.
A sandstone patio with a curved brick edge A porcelain patio with bullnosed coping
What is pointing?
It is the filling between the slabs, a mortar or jointing compound that keeps weeds and water out of the joints. Ask what will be used and how soon the patio can be walked on.
Which way should a patio fall?
Gently away from the house, so rainwater runs to a lawn, border or drain instead of sitting against the wall. The fall is set when the base goes down.
Do you lay standard concrete slab patios?
Yes. A concrete slab patio is laid to the same standard as the others, on a compacted base and a full mortar bed, with the fall set for rainwater. It is a good choice when you want a big space covered on a sensible budget.
Can you use a different paving from the ones on this page?
Often, yes. Send us a photo or the name of what you have seen and we will tell you whether we can lay it and what it needs underneath.
Can you lift my old patio first?
Yes. The old slabs and the base under them are lifted and taken away, and the ground is prepared before the new patio goes down.
Can a patio go on a sloping garden?
Yes, with the levels settled first. That might mean a step, a raised edge or a small retaining wall to hold the ground.
Thinking about a new patio?
Send us photos of the space and say sandstone, porcelain, concrete slabs or not sure yet.