Done properly underneath
Nobody admires a sub-base, but it's what decides whether a patio is still flat in ten years. The good ones all start the same way: dig out to a proper depth, put down crushed stone and compact it, then bed each slab on a full layer of mortar with a gentle fall so the water heads down the garden, not towards the back wall.
Much of Darlington is on heavy clay that stays wet through the winter, with lighter, gravelly ground in places nearer the Tees. Either way we need to see it before deciding how deep to go. The other thing we'll check is the damp-proof course. Many older houses in the town have a fairly low one, and a patio laid too high against the wall is asking for damp inside.
How a patio job usually runs:
- Survey. Measure the space, take levels off the house, note drains, manholes, downpipes and where the doors are.
- Groundwork. Lift the old patio or turf, dig out, then lay and compact the sub-base.
- Laying. Each slab on mortar, checked for level and fall, cut neatly round the edges, then pointed.
- Finish. Clean down, clear the waste and let you know when it's safe to use.
Choosing a material
Each option has its place:
- Porcelain patios: sharp, uniform and close to maintenance-free. A favourite on newer houses and in shady gardens.
- Indian sandstone patios: natural stone with warm colours and a textured face. Suits the older brick and stone houses in the West End, Blackwell and Hurworth.
- Patio slabs and paving: concrete and textured slabs that give a tidy, durable result for less.
- Resin patios and paths: seamless, porous and happy to follow a curve.
Tell us how you use the garden, how much sun it gets and what you'd like to spend, and we'll help you narrow it down.
The jobs that go with a patio
- Garden paths and steps: a route from the back door to the shed, the bins or the gate, with steps where the lawn rises or falls.
- Garden walls: low walls to edge the patio, raised beds, and retaining walls where a slope has been levelled.
Why use Darlington Patios
- Free quotes. No obligation and no hard sell.
- Covering Darlington and its villages. Cockerton, Hummersknott, Mowden, Haughton, Harrowgate Hill, Faverdale, West Park, Hurworth, Middleton St George and more. See areas we cover.
- No fake price list. Patios vary too much for that. Instead we set out what drives the cost and you get a proper figure for your garden.
- Patios and garden paving only. We don't take on driveways, fencing or decking.
Questions people ask
Does a patio need planning permission in Darlington?
Usually not. A patio laid at or near ground level in a back garden is normally permitted development. If it's raised more than 30cm above the ground, or the house is listed, it's a different matter. Parts of the West End and Hurworth are conservation areas, so check with Darlington Borough Council if you're unsure.
How long will the job take?
That depends on the size, the material and how much has to be dug out. A small, simple patio can take a few days, and bigger jobs with steps or walls take longer. You'll be told the timescale when you get your quote.
My old patio has sunk. Can it be fixed?
If only a few slabs have dropped, they can sometimes be lifted and re-bedded. If it's sunk across the board, the base has failed and it's usually better to start again with a new sub-base.
How do I get a quote?
Use the quote form or call 01325 525691. We'll be in touch to talk it over and arrange a visit. The quote is free.