Patios Deal

Set out the furniture before the paving

Measure the table or seating you plan to use and allow room to move around occupied chairs. Think about where doors open and how people will cross the patio to the lawn, shed or side gate.

A simple rectangle can use space efficiently, while borders and changes of direction can help connect a terrace with the surrounding planting. Mark the proposed outline before deciding that the whole available area needs paving.

Sandstone, porcelain or concrete?

Sandstone offers natural variation in colour and texture. View several slabs together so the mixed appearance is understood, including how it looks wet. Our genuine Deal garden project includes a sandstone seating area alongside sleeper planting beds.

Outdoor porcelain offers consistent formats and many stone-effect finishes. Select a product intended for external use and compare surface texture, slip information and manufacturer installation guidance.

Concrete paving provides another range of sizes and finishes. Compare the complete installed price and maintenance expectations, not only a headline slab price.

The base, bedding and joints matter

Removal of old surfaces and unsuitable ground makes room for the specified construction. The sub-base and its compaction need to suit the site; the bedding and bonding method need to suit the paving product.

Levels, slab alignment and joint widths should be checked during laying. Specify compatible jointing and finished edges so there is a clear scope from excavation to handover.

Rocking slabs, failed joints and repeated movement on an old patio should be investigated before deciding whether repairs or replacement are appropriate.

Keep water and thresholds in the design

Plan falls and the destination of rainwater rather than leave drainage until the surface is complete. Finished levels need to work with door thresholds, damp-proofing and adjoining paths.

Where a Deal garden is enclosed by walls or has restricted outlets, show any areas that already hold water. Raising the paving may move a problem rather than solve it.

For planning checks, read the Planning Portal patio and driveway guidance. Raised platforms, listed properties or other restrictions can require separate consideration.

How to budget for a 25m² patio

The chosen paving, excavation, access, drainage, cuts, steps and disposal determine the total. A 25m² terrace built on accessible prepared ground is not the same job as removing concrete through a narrow passage.

For illustration only, a complete £3,750 quotation for 25m² averages £150/m². This is arithmetic to help compare a quote, not our rate or an estimate for your garden.

Ask whether the price includes all groundwork, edging, jointing and VAT. Keep optional furniture or planting separate from the patio construction.

A smaller first stage can still be useful

If the full terrace is beyond the current budget, consider a smaller seating area or a simpler layout with fewer cuts. A more economical suitable paving product may also help.

Cheap clearance slabs need checking for quantities, damage, suitability and replacement availability. Reclaimed products can vary in dimensions and preparation requirements.

If extending later, agree the final levels and drainage now. Our Deal patio, deck and pergola gallery can help discuss how several materials might connect over time.

Plan the adjoining garden features

Discuss decking in Deal, turfing in Deal, garden walls in Deal. Agree levels, access and the order of work together where the project includes several improvements.

See our genuine Deal projects

Deal patio, decking and pergola shows the multi-material garden. Deal decking and railings shows a separate raised terrace. Use the labelled photographs to discuss the layout you have in mind.

Patio planning guidance

Planning Portal: patios and driveways covers ground-level surfacing and exceptions that may need further checks.

Questions about patios in Deal