Quality patios, built for a coastal garden
Gardens along this stretch of coast get a harder time than most. Wind off the sea dries the surface one day and drives rain into the joints the next, winters bring plenty of freeze and thaw, and shady corners stay damp for weeks. A patio here has to be built with that in mind, or it starts rocking, puddling and going green within a couple of years.
The answer is mostly underground. The old turf or concrete comes out, a crushed-stone sub-base goes in and is compacted in layers, and every slab is bedded on a full bed of mortar with a gentle fall so water runs away from the house. The finished level stays safely below the damp-proof course, and the joints are filled properly so the wind and weeds have nothing to work at.
A typical job runs like this:
- Look at the garden and agree the plan. Size and shape, levels against the back door, where the water will go, and any steps, drains or manhole covers to work around.
- Dig out and build the base. The ground varies across the area, from sandier soil near the front to heavy clay inland, so the depth is set for your garden.
- Lay and point. Slabs bedded on mortar to the agreed fall, cut cleanly at the edges, then jointed.
- Finish neatly and hand over: joints clean, edges made good, the site left tidy, with advice on when it is safe to walk on and when the table and chairs can go back out.
Choosing a patio
- Porcelain patios: dense, modern slabs that shrug off stains and salty air and need very little looking after.
- Indian sandstone patios: natural stone with a riven face and warm colours, at home behind a Victorian terrace or a stone cottage.
- Patio slabs and paving: concrete and textured slabs that give a tidy, hard-wearing patio on a sensible budget.
- Resin patios and paths: a smooth, joint-free, porous finish that suits curves and narrow spaces.
If you are torn, think about how much sun the garden gets, how much cleaning you are prepared to do and what the house is built from. We'll talk it through with you at the visit.
Paths, steps and walls
Most gardens need more than a patio on its own:
- Garden paths and steps to join the back door, the patio, the shed and the gate, with proper steps where the garden climbs, which plenty do around Skelton, Brotton and Guisborough.
- Garden walls: low brick or stone walls, raised beds and retaining walls to level a sloping lawn.
Why people in Redcar get in touch
- Free quotes with no obligation. You get a quote and decide in your own time.
- Local cover. Redcar, Dormanstown, Marske, New Marske, Saltburn, Skelton, Brotton, Loftus and Guisborough. See areas we cover.
- Quality materials, proper preparation. The groundwork is done properly and the finish is tidy, because that is what makes a patio last.
- Honest about price. No made-up price list. We explain what drives the cost and you get a figure for your own garden.
- Patios and garden paving only. No driveways, fencing or decking, just patios, paths, steps and walls.
Questions people ask
Do I need planning permission for a patio in Redcar?
Usually not. A patio at or near ground level in a back garden is normally permitted development. A raised patio or platform more than 30cm above the ground needs planning permission, and listed buildings and conservation areas, such as parts of Saltburn and Guisborough, have extra rules. Redcar and Cleveland Council can advise if either applies.
Will salt air spoil a new patio?
Not if the materials are right and it is laid well. Porcelain is barely affected. Natural stone and concrete can pick up salt marks, algae and lichen faster near the sea, so an occasional rinse and a periodic clean keep them looking right.
How long does a patio take to lay?
It depends on the size, the material and how much digging out is needed. A small, simple patio can take a few days; a bigger job with steps or walls takes longer. You will get a timescale with the quote.
How do I get a quote?
Fill in the quote form or call 01642 130137 with a few details and your postcode. We'll get in touch and arrange a visit to measure up. The quote is free.