Patio Installation in Richmond | Patio Design & Installation Specialists
Richmond Professional Landscaping builds patios that work as an extra room outside the back door, from café terraces and office courtyards to family gardens across Richmond upon Thames. Patio installation here starts with how the space will be used for eating, sitting and entertaining, so the layout is planned around furniture, sunlight and the route in and out of the house.
The details that make it last are mostly invisible. Finished paving needs to sit at least 150 millimetres below the damp-proof course, with gentle falls carrying rain away from the walls and a compacted sub-base that will not shift as the seasons change.
Porcelain, Indian sandstone, limestone, granite and York stone all bring a different look and feel underfoot. Each one is laid to suit its own quirks, from a bonding primer on porcelain to wider joints for riven sandstone. New patios, extensions and full replacements are all handled with the same care, from the first measurement to the final sweep of jointing.
Patio Installation Services in Richmond
New Patio Installation
Bare lawn or rough ground behind the house is where most new patios begin. The area is excavated to depth and built up with a compacted sub-base and a full mortar bed.
We set the falls so rain runs away from the walls, never towards them. A new patio installation also needs careful levels at doorways, steps and garden paths.
Porcelain Patio Installation
Dense and almost non-porous, porcelain shrugs off stains from wine, barbecue fat and fallen leaves. That density also means it needs a bonding primer on every slab before it is bedded down.
Our Richmond landscapers cut large-format tiles with diamond blades for clean, tight edges. A porcelain patio laid this way keeps narrow, even joints and a crisp modern finish.
Natural Stone Patio Installation
Indian sandstone, limestone, slate and granite each bring their own colour, texture and character. Thickness and porosity vary from stone to stone, which shapes the bedding and jointing used.
A natural stone patio often looks best in mixed-size layouts that work with the slight variations in each slab. We advise on sealing where a stone is prone to staining or damp.
Patio Replacement and Renovation
Rocking slabs, cracked joints and puddles usually point to failed bedding or poor drainage underneath. Simply laying new paving on top tends to bring the same problems straight back.
We lift the damaged areas, check what lies beneath and rebuild the base where needed. Good slabs are cleaned and reused, which keeps patio replacement and renovation costs down.
Patio Extension and Alteration
Outgrowing a patio is common once a bigger table or a new garden room arrives. Extending the paved area means matching the existing levels, falls and slab sizes so the join barely shows.
Richmond Professional Landscaping also reshapes edges or links the patio into terrace construction where the garden slopes. Changes like these make the space far easier to use day to day.
Bespoke Patio Installation
Curved edges, contrasting borders and mixed formats bring real personality to an outdoor space. These layouts take more setting out than a simple rectangle, especially around steps and walls.
We plan every cut and joint before laying begins, so awkward corners look deliberate rather than patched. A bespoke patio installation also makes the most of oddly shaped gardens where standard layouts fall short.
Why Choose Us for Your Patio Installation in Richmond?
Proper sub-base construction: Each patio sits on a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base laid to the right depth. That firm layer stops slabs sinking, rocking or shifting over the years.
Correct falls and surface drainage: Falls of around 1 in 60 to 1 in 80 carry rainwater away from the house. Linear channel drains and soakaways are added wherever levels run towards a wall.
Material-specific laying methods: Porcelain and dense stones get a slurry primer before going onto a full wet mortar bed. That creates a strong bond that resists lifting, even on large-format slabs.
Site protection and clean-up: Access routes through the house or side passage are protected throughout the job. Richmond Professional Landscaping removes all spoil and offcuts once the jointing has cured.
Patio Installation Process in Richmond
Step 1: Site Survey and Assessment
We start with a site visit to measure the area and assess the ground. Drainage, levels, manholes and the height of the damp-proof course are all checked, and material options are talked through on the same visit.
Step 2: Excavation and Ground Preparation
Our crew digs out old paving, turf and soil to around 150 to 200 millimetres below the finished level. A compacted aggregate sub-base of at least 100 millimetres then forms the foundation, with manhole covers raised or lowered to suit.
Step 3: Patio Paving Installation
We lay every slab on a full mortar bed for even support across its whole surface. Porcelain and dense stone get a bonding slurry on the back to stop them working loose, and each row is checked with a level as it goes in.
Step 4: Pointing and Joint Finishing
We fill the joints with exterior mortar or a paving grout matched to the material. Neat, fully packed joints keep water out and give weeds very little room to grow, while porcelain usually takes a brush-in or slurry grout for a crisp, narrow line.
Step 5: Final Inspection and Handover
We check the finished patio for level, falls and joint quality, then clean off any mortar marks. A short care guide for the chosen material comes with the handover.
How Much Does Patio Installation Cost in Richmond?
Patio installation costs in Richmond upon Thames depend on the paving material, site access and how deep the excavation goes. A typical 20 to 30 square metre rear patio usually costs between £3,500 and £8,000, supplied and laid. Sloping sites and tight access routes add labour and handling time on top.
Paving Option
| Installed Cost (per m²) | Best For and Upkeep |
|---|---|---|
Concrete Paving Slabs | £60 to £90 | A cost-effective choice for standard layouts and utility areas. Needs periodic cleaning and sealing to keep its colour. |
Natural Stone (Sandstone or Limestone)
| £100 to £160 | Suits traditional and contemporary gardens alike. Naturally slip-resistant, with calibrated slabs giving the most even finish. |
Outdoor Porcelain Paving
| £120 to £180 | Ideal for modern, low-maintenance patios. Needs specialist cutting tools, a slurry primer and dedicated grout. |
Every quote is itemised, covering ground preparation, waste removal, mortar, jointing and paving supply. Lifting old paving usually adds £20 to £40 per square metre, with skip hire typically £200 to £400. Everything is set out in writing before work begins.
Create a Practical Outdoor Space with Richmond Professional Landscaping
Frequently Asked Questions About Patio Installation in Richmond
What paving does Richmond Professional Landscaping install?
We lay vitrified porcelain, Indian sandstone, limestone, slate, granite, York stone and concrete paving slabs. Prices typically range from around £60 per square metre for concrete slabs to £180 for porcelain, supplied and laid.
Are patios installed across all parts of Richmond?
Yes, patios are installed throughout the borough, from Twickenham and Teddington to Kew, Barnes and East Sheen. Neighbouring parts of south-west London are covered too. Each quote reflects the access and ground conditions found at that address.
How deep is the excavation for a new patio?
Excavation usually goes 150 to 200 millimetres below the finished surface. That leaves room for at least 100 millimetres of compacted aggregate, a 30 to 50 millimetre mortar bed and the slab itself. Clay-heavy or soft ground sometimes needs a deeper sub-base, which is confirmed at the survey.
What stops patio slabs coming loose?
Every slab sits on a solid mortar bed rather than spot bedding. Porcelain and dense stones also get a bonding slurry on the back, which creates a strong bond with the mortar. Fully packed joints then lock the surface together and keep water from getting underneath.
How is water runoff from a patio managed?
Each patio is laid with falls of around 1 in 60 to 1 in 80 away from the house. Where levels slope towards a building, linear channel drains carry water to a soakaway or drainage outlet. Permeable jointing compounds are another option on sites with limited drainage.
Do I need planning permission to build a patio in Richmond?
Likely, not. Most patios fall under permitted development and need no planning permission. Listed buildings and raised terraces more than 30 centimetres above ground level are the main exceptions, and these are checked before work starts.
Are existing patios extended or repaired too?
Yes. Sunken sections are lifted and relaid, failing joints are renewed, and existing patios are extended using matching materials. Repointing tired joints usually costs £20 to £40 per square metre, while rebuilding a failed sub-base typically starts from around £1,500.
Why We Are a Trusted Landscaping Company in Richmond upon Thames & Surrounding Areas
- 29 years of experience in residential and commercial landscaping.
- Over 930 landscaping projects completed across Richmond and surrounding areas.
- 97% customer satisfaction rating.
- BALI and APL accredited, TrustMark registered, with an RHS Level 3 horticultural qualification.
- Winner of 2 BALI National Landscape Awards.
- Specialists in garden design, patios, driveways, fencing, decking, turfing and planting.
- Site assessments, measured surveys and bespoke garden design plans.
- Written workmanship terms, clear pricing and practical aftercare guidance.