There are many benefits to installing a new patio in your garden. Not only are patios practical in that they provide a suitable hard standing to walk on and to put your garden furniture on, but they can also completely transform any garden, large or small into a beautiful outdoor room.
If you have recently considered having a new patio installed, before you make your final decision- you may find it useful to run through this list of things to think about!
So, let’s have a look at our list of 5 things to consider before installing a new patio.
What type of paving should you choose?
Probably the biggest consideration you’ll have to make when having a new patio laid is to decide what kind of paving you want to use.
You have a choice of either block paving or slabs to create a traditional patio or you could even use resin-bound gravel.
By far the most common form, and best suited in our opinion is to use paving slabs. Here, the choices really are endless!
There are many different types of paving to choose from including Indian Sandstone, Yorkstone, Granite, Limestone, Porcelain, Concrete, Slate or Marble. All of these come in various styles and colours, but there is something to suit every taste, budget and environment.
What pattern will your patio be laid in?
Depending on the type of paving that you choose, there may be a wide range of possible laying patterns that your paving can be laid in. Deciding which way is best for you is definitely a case of personal preference as there is no structural advantage to choosing one pattern over another.
For quite some time now, a popular laying pattern for most types of paving is a ‘random pattern’ which involves using different-sized slabs to create what appears as a random layout.
This design choice was popularised by the huge demand for Indian Sandstone, which is most commonly found in project packs.
However, in more recent times, there has been a bit of a comeback for single-size paving patterns, which is mainly due to the increasing popularity of Porcelain paving.
How should your patio be pointed?
When it comes to pointing you have a number of options. You should always point paving slabs and never lay them flush (butt-joined). The slabs need the cushioning of the joint for slight movements or weather changes. Pointing can be done the traditional way, using sand and cement. There are various styles that can be achieved using sand and cement including ridge or bird beak pointing, grooved pointing or weather struck, to name but a few.
A more modern alternative is to use a resin jointing compound. For the homeowner, these types of resin have several advantages. It doesn’t crack, it’s cheaper to install and comes in a wide variety of colours. For the patio fitter, it’s great because it can be applied even in the rain!
Will you need a retaining wall?
If you are looking to create a raised patio, then you’ll need some form of retaining wall. Retaining walls are crucial to prevent the sides of your patio from collapsing.
The most common form of retaining wall is constructed from brick. You have many choices when it comes to brickwork and you could go for the same brick as used on your property or something complimentary. You can even apply render to your wall and paint it any colour you can think of.
Will you need drainage?
In an ideal world, all new patios would fall away from your property and channel any water that hits it onto a lawn or flower bed.
However, the levels in your garden may mean that this is not possible. But you needn’t worry if your patio will fall towards any buildings as there will be alternative methods of handling the surface water runoff. For example, you may need to install a drain or hopper along the length of any building, that can then be connected to a storm water drain or soakaway.
Are you thinking of installing a new patio?
There are many different options to consider when installing a new patio. But it’s important to get right! A new patio is a big investment for any homeowner and if it’s correctly installed, it should last well over 20 years.
We hope our list of considerations will help you in planning your new patio and if you are in the Surrey area and you’re considering having a new patio installed, then why not get in touch? Our friendly team will arrange your consultation and we can discuss the various options available to you. Give us a call on 07393 821797 or email us on [email protected].
