HAWKINGE · KENT
Plan a Hythe patio around seating, doorways and the route into the garden. We discuss new paving and replacement terraces, with porcelain, natural stone and other options considered alongside levels, support, drainage and finishing.
BELOW THE SURFACE
A lasting patio needs more than a paving choice. We assess the existing ground, plan the finished levels and prepare a suitable base. Falls and drainage need to direct water away from the house and prevent avoidable pooling.
The patio can also be planned alongside paths, steps, lawn, planting or fencing so it works as part of the whole garden.
Allow room to pull chairs out and pass behind them, rather than measuring the table alone. Show door swings and the route to the lawn or side entrance. The shape of the patio can make as much difference to use as its total area.
If you need a second sitting space, consider how it connects to the first. Include steps, borders and adjoining planting in the plan. A 25m² terrace should be described by its use and connections, not just its dimensions.
Porcelain, sandstone, other natural stone and concrete paving provide different textures and appearances. Compare samples beside the house and ask about suitability outdoors, wet-surface characteristics and care. Manufactured consistency and natural variation can each suit different designs.
The material needs compatible support, bedding and joints. Ask how the chosen system will be installed and how its edges will meet retained features. A catalogue colour does not establish the complete specification.
Replacing slabs may involve assessing and removing unsuitable construction beneath them. Photograph movement, cracked paving and areas where water collects. Agree what can remain and what needs rebuilding before choosing the new finish.
Check the intended height against thresholds and the surrounding garden. A raised terrace may introduce support, steps or permission requirements beyond those of ground-level paving. Water routes should be planned with the final levels.
An installed patio price can include access, excavation, disposal, supporting layers, paving, cuts and drainage. Make those items clear when comparing quotations for the same area. Optional borders or elaborate shapes can be priced separately.
Decking or contained gravel may suit some seating areas, but their construction, stability under furniture and maintenance differ. There is no alternative that makes suitable preparation unnecessary. At handover, follow the actual bedding and jointing guidance before using the terrace.
The format and pattern influence cuts, borders and the appearance of the finished terrace. Sketch the paving against doors and fixed features before ordering. Check where a narrow strip or awkward corner would occur and whether the proposed layout gives a sensible edge to planting or lawn.
A sample should be reviewed outdoors alongside retained materials. Discuss the surface texture, outdoor suitability, joint appearance and required care. Confirm the intended bedding and jointing system with the selected paving. A large format, natural variation or a curved border can change the installation work without changing the measured area.
Use the same agreed scope when comparing proposals. Confirm the materials and work below the visible finish, together with any retained construction. Ask how exclusions or provisional work will be handled and keep the written specification with the quotation.
Photographs, dimensions and access details help define the work. They can start the discussion, with a visit or further assessment where needed. A quoted total is useful when it is clear what the finished result includes.
Agree the programme after the scope and materials are confirmed. Include delivery arrangements, protection of retained features and any periods when the area cannot be used. At handover, confirm how the completed work should be used and cared for, and retain the relevant product details.
COMPLETED PROJECT · HERNE BAY
Porcelain patio, raised bed, artificial grass and slatted fencing. See the garden before and after.
This project is in Herne Bay. The photographs show the documented work at that property.
View this project →Planning Portal: patios and driveways covers ground-level surfacing and exceptions that may need further checks.
Ask for a complete quotation covering preparation, paving, drainage, edges and access. Area alone is insufficient.
A simple shape and clear access may reduce complexity, with the ground and levels still assessed.
The chosen system, existing construction and finishing work determine the installation scope.
Discuss the condition of the paving and support, and what will remain or be removed.
Compare the actual products for appearance, outdoor texture, care and suitable installation rather than ranking every product alike.
Include the steps, adjoining levels and edges in the original design and quotation.
Check official guidance for the actual proposal, especially raised construction and properties with restrictions.
Follow the installed system’s handover for bedding, joints and loading rather than using a fixed interval.
OUR WORK · KENT
Chislehurst
A brick boundary with pale stone coping and pier caps, finished with decorative railing panels.
View Chislehurst projectSt Margaret’s Bay
Grey composite decking, glass panels, powder-coated steel posts and matching steps.
View St Margaret’s Bay projectFolkestone
Timber-topped gabion benches, resin-bonded surfacing, shingle and a boat feature at the academy entrance.
View Folkestone projectCanterbury
The stones from a customer’s late husband’s rockery kept and reused in a new front wall.
View Canterbury projectCanterbury
Retaining walls, shingle infill and riven buff slab circles across connected garden levels.
View Canterbury projectAshford
Before, during and after a timber decking replacement, from the old deck to the finished terrace.
View Ashford projectBorough Green
1800mm closeboard fencing, softwood sleeper planters, a 450mm buff slab patio and new turf.
View Borough Green projectCanterbury
Porcelain paving, artificial grass and a custom steel-frame pergola with polycarbonate roof.
View Canterbury projectStrood
Grey porcelain paving framed by timber sleeper planters, white decorative stones and planting.
View Strood projectWest Malling
Block paving, porcelain patio, brick retaining walls and two styles of timber fencing.
View West Malling projectAshford
Sandstone paving across two levels, with timber sleeper retaining walls.
View Ashford projectDeal
A sandstone patio, ash-coloured composite decking, pitched-roof pergola and sleeper planters.
View Deal projectSevenoaks
75mm thick York stone paving, curved paths, brick walls and Kentish ragstone walls.
View Sevenoaks projectHerne Bay
Porcelain patio, raised bed, artificial grass and slatted fencing. See the garden before and after.
View Herne Bay projectSittingbourne
A broad decking terrace with defined board lines and steps connecting the house to the lawn.
View Sittingbourne projectDeal
Raised grey decking with black railings, inset steps and a matching handrail.
View Deal projectYOUR HAWKINGE PROJECT
Send your postcode, photographs, measurements and access details for a free, no-obligation quotation.
