Eamonn
Google customer review
Tom and his gang did a fantastic job with our new tarmac drive. Didn't take long to do two and a half days. They are very reliable and just crack on with the job i highly recommend Pavemaster Driveways. Great job guys.
Patio planning
Patios Loughborough
Patios loughborough with practical site guidance, clear specifications and free measured quotations for suitable projects.
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Patio planning
Patio Installers in Loughborough
A rectangle of paving directly outside the back door is not always the best layout. The area needs enough depth for chairs to be pulled out, space for movement around a table and a clear route towards the lawn, shed, side gate or other garden features.
We measure the available area and discuss the main use. A household that wants outdoor dining may need a different shape from one seeking a small seating area or a low-maintenance route between doors. Existing slopes and thresholds can determine whether steps, retaining edges or more than one level are needed.
Where a driveway, path and patio are being changed together, planning the levels as one project can prevent awkward joins and repeated excavation.
Patio planning
Patio Materials
Porcelain Paving
External porcelain provides a controlled colour and consistent dimensions. It has low water absorption and can be easier to clean than more porous stone, but it needs appropriate bedding, primer, jointing and edge treatment.
Indoor tiles are not a substitute for paving manufactured and rated for external use. Surface grip, thickness and installation guidance must be checked.
Natural Stone
Sandstone and other natural paving can provide variation in tone and texture. Individual slabs should be sorted and arranged so colour changes look balanced. The stone type, calibration and porosity influence installation and maintenance.
Only materials genuinely offered and suitable for the project should be presented in the final quotation.
Concrete Paving
Concrete slabs are available in practical standard formats and decorative finishes. They can suit paths, utility areas and patios where a robust, cost-conscious option is preferred.
Block-Paved Patios
Block paving can connect a patio to paths or driveway materials and works well for smaller units and curved layouts. The pattern, border and bedding should suit pedestrian rather than vehicle use where appropriate.
Our Patio Installation Process
Survey and Layout
The area is measured and the proposed size, shape, paving, joints, border, access and furniture use are discussed.
Excavate and Establish Levels
Existing paving and unsuitable material are removed. Finished heights and falls are set with suitable clearance below the building.
Install the Sub-Base
A suitable supporting layer is placed and compacted. The depth and construction are based on ground conditions, paving and use.
Form Drainage and Edges
Falls direct water away from the house. Channels or other drainage may be required on enclosed or difficult sites. Perimeters and steps are built securely.
Lay and Joint the Paving
Paving is installed on a suitable full bed using primers where the product requires them. Accurate cuts are made and joints are filled with a compatible material.
Clean and Hando Over
Residue is removed before it marks the paving. Cleaning, furniture use and ongoing maintenance are explained.
Levels, Falls and Door Thresholds
Patios should not be laid flat against the house without considering water movement. A slight consistent fall normally directs water away from the building, although the direction and drainage method depend on the garden.
Finished paving must not bridge the damp-proof course or block air bricks. Where a near-level threshold is required for accessibility, the detail needs careful drainage and construction rather than simply raising the entire patio.
Existing gardens in Loughborough can have a noticeable fall from the rear door or boundaries. Steps, small retaining features or divided levels may create a safer result than forcing one steep paved slope.
Patio Problems We Can Correct
Common issues include:
- loose or rocking slabs;
- hollow spots caused by inadequate bedding;
- cracked joints;
- standing water;
- paving laid too close to the damp-proof course;
- uneven steps;
- narrow patios that cannot fit furniture;
- slippery organic growth;
- poor transitions into the lawn;
- failed edging;
- staining from incorrect installation products.
A local relay may be possible where damage is limited and matching slabs are available. Broader movement, poor levels or an unsuitable base can make replacement the more reliable approach.
Patio Maintenance
Sweep leaves and soil before they hold moisture or stain the paving. Clean using methods suitable for the material; very high pressure can damage joints and some surface finishes.
Natural stone and concrete may benefit from compatible sealers in certain situations, but sealing is not automatically required. Porcelain normally has different maintenance needs. Always check the paving and jointing manufacturer's guidance before applying chemicals.
Keep planted borders below the paving edge and prevent soil from washing across the surface. Address loose slabs and failing joints before water and movement worsen the problem.
Patio Costs in Loughborough
The cost depends on area, access, excavation, paving material, sub-base, cuts, steps, drainage, retaining work and disposal. A small enclosed rear garden can require more manual handling than a larger open area with direct access.
Porcelain installation may include specialist primer, cutting and jointing. Natural stone varies in thickness and preparation. Detailed patterns and several levels require more labour than a straightforward single-level layout.
The quotation should explain what preparation, bedding and jointing are included rather than listing only the paving product.
Patio Gallery
Pavemaster customer reviews
What customers have said
Google
Joan Spencer
Google customer review
Tom's team did an amazing job laying our brick driveway. They worked steadily with care and attention to detail.
BarbsH
Trustpilot | 19 June 2026
The guys who prepared the hardcore and tarmac layers were friendly, efficient, and cleaned up after themselves.
Nassar Malik
Trustpilot | 2 April 2026
I recently had Pavemaster Driveways install a resin-bound driveway at my home, and I couldn't be happier with the entire experience.
Paul
Trustpilot | 12 February 2026
Brilliant job of block paving my drive.
Martin C
Yell | 1 November 2024
Tom and his team did my Grandparents driveway and because of their excellent workmanship they have had their back garden landscaped and designed by Tom again.
Connected Landscaping and Driveway Work
A patio can be planned with garden landscaping, paths or a new driveway. Explore block paving where matching paths or small units suit the design.
Patio FAQs
How large should a patio be?
It should fit the intended furniture with enough room to pull out chairs and walk around safely. The correct dimensions depend on the garden and household use.
Can porcelain be laid outside?
Yes, when it is external-grade porcelain with suitable grip and installed using the correct bed, primer, cuts and joints.
Should a patio slope away from the house?
The layout should manage water away from vulnerable building thresholds. The exact fall and drainage direction depend on the site.
Can you replace only part of an old patio?
Possibly, if the remaining area is stable and matching paving is available. A survey is needed to avoid creating awkward levels and joins.
Can the patio be installed with the driveway?
Yes. Combining the work can make it easier to coordinate material deliveries, access, levels and connected paths.
Do patios include a guarantee?
The applicable guarantee depends on the agreed work. Qualifying new installations should have the terms explained in the quotation.
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