Paving Installation in Richmond | Expert Paving Contractors
Richmond Professional Landscaping lays the paths, courtyards and front entrances that people use every single day, from commercial landscaping at shopfronts and office forecourts to family homes across Richmond upon Thames. From a narrow side return in St Margarets to a sweeping garden walkway in Petersham, every route is planned around how people actually move.
Most of us cut corners, quite literally, so paths that ignore natural walking lines end up with worn lawn edges beside them. Every paving installation starts with string lines along the route before any digging, so the finished path follows those natural lines. Underneath, a compacted sub-base, a full mortar bed and gentle falls away from the house keep slabs firm through heavy rain and hard frosts.
Porcelain, Indian sandstone, granite setts and concrete flags each suit a different setting and budget. Every job draws on 29 years in landscaping, more than 930 completed projects and a 97% client satisfaction rate. The company is BALI and APL accredited, TrustMark registered and RHS Level 3 qualified, with 2 BALI National Landscape Awards.
Paving Installation Services in Richmond
Garden Path and Walkway Paving
Sandstone, porcelain and concrete flags all make handsome garden paths, laid over a compacted base that keeps every slab firm. Stepping stones set into gravel or lawn give a softer, more relaxed feel.
Width is where many paths go wrong. Around 900 millimetres suits 1 person, but for garden path and walkway paving shared by 2 people side by side, we usually suggest 1.2 metres.
Courtyard and Entrance Paving
Enclosed courtyards trap rainwater easily, as walls and buildings leave it few places to go. Working out the falls before a single slab goes down sends water towards a gully rather than the back door.
At the front of the house, paving that matches a new driveway installation makes a big first impression. For courtyard and entrance paving, our Richmond landscapers take extra care at the threshold.
Block Paving Installation
Winding paths beside planting beds suit block paving far better than large slabs, as small units bend around curves without awkward cuts. A herringbone or stretcher bond pattern sets the overall look.
Underneath sits a sharp sand bed over a compacted sub-base, with solid edge restraints holding everything in place. If a pipe or cable ever needs attention, we lift out just the blocks above it.
Decorative and Bespoke Paving
Contrasting borders, mixed slab sizes or a gentle curve add real character to a small paved space. Poorly planned cuts, though, leave thin and fragile pieces at the edges.
That is why every cut and joint in decorative and bespoke paving is drawn out before Richmond Professional Landscaping lays the first slab. The finished pattern then sits neatly within a level, well-bedded surface.
Paved Steps and Level Transitions
Sloping plots and raised front doors often need a step or 2 to link paths at different heights. Comfortable steps have even risers of around 150 millimetres and treads deep enough for a whole foot.
Each set of paved steps and level transitions is built on a firm concrete footing with slip-resistant edges. Where there is room, we often swap a single awkward step for a gentle ramp instead.
Paving Replacement and Relaying
Paving replacement and relaying usually starts with a simple question of what failed. Sunken slabs and crumbling joints tend to point to a weak base rather than worn-out stone.
Lifting a few slabs quickly shows if the bedding or the ground beneath has given way. Sound slabs go back down on fresh mortar, and our crew replaces only the damaged ones.
Why Choose Us for Your Paving Installation in Richmond?
- Local ground knowledge: Heavy London clay is common across the borough, so excavation depths and sub-bases are set to suit it. That stops slabs shifting as the clay swells and shrinks with the seasons.
- Focus on pedestrian paving: Paths, entrance steps, courtyards and decorative borders make up the bulk of this work. Accurate falls on every job send rainwater away from the house walls.
- Full-bed laying methods: Slabs go onto a full wet mortar bed, with bonding slurry on porcelain and dense stone. Spot bedding is never used, as it leaves hollow pockets that crack and rock over time.
- Tidy site management: Richmond Professional Landscaping handles waste removal and skip placement, and the site is tidied at the end of every day. Neighbouring paths and driveways stay clear throughout the job.
Paving Installation Process in Richmond
Step 1: Site Assessment and Setting Out
We check ground levels, subsoil, drainage and the height of any nearby damp-proof course first. The route, curves and edges are then marked out with string lines and spray paint, so the layout is clear before digging begins.
Step 2: Excavation and Ground Preparation
Our crew removes turf, old concrete or worn paving to around 150 to 180 millimetres below the finished level. The exposed ground is compacted, and a geotextile membrane goes down where the soil is soft or prone to weeds.
Step 3: Sub-base Construction
We lay an MOT Type 1 sub-base and compact it in layers to at least 100 millimetres. Paths that carry heavier loads, such as wheelie bins or garden machinery, get a deeper base.
Step 4: Bedding and Paving Installation
Each slab is bedded on full mortar, with a bonding primer on porcelain and dense stone. Our Richmond landscapers check levels, alignment and joint widths row by row, keeping falls of around 1 in 60 to 1 in 80.
Step 5: Jointing and Final Inspection
We fill the joints with a mortar or paving grout matched to the material. Once it has cured, the surface is cleaned and every edge, level and drain is checked before handover.
How Much Does Paving Installation Cost in Richmond?
Paving costs in Richmond upon Thames depend on the material, how much digging is needed, skip access and the total area. The rates below are typical installed prices per square metre in London, including groundwork.
Paving Type
| Installed Cost (per m²) | Typical Application
|
|---|---|---|
Concrete flagstones or utility paving
| £60 to £90 | Side passageways, utility runs and secondary garden paths. |
Natural stone (sandstone or limestone)
| £100 to £160 | Garden walkways, informal seating areas and classic front entrances. |
Outdoor porcelain paving
| £120 to £180 | Modern pathways, courtyards and clean-lined doorstep transitions. |
Granite or clay sett edging and borders
| £40 to £70 per linear metre | Edging restraints, path borders and decorative step treads. |
Simple replacements over sound foundations sit at the lower end of these ranges. Hand-digging through narrow side gates, tree root work or new drainage channels push costs towards the higher end.
Need New Garden Paths, Courtyard Paving or Repairs to Existing Surfaces?
Call Richmond Professional Landscaping today to talk through your paving project. Every quote is free, itemised and clear about exactly what is included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paving Installation in Richmond
How long does Richmond Professional Landscaping take to lay a garden path?
A simple path of 10 to 15 metres usually takes 2 to 3 days, including excavation, bedding and jointing. Courtyards and longer routes with steps take closer to a week. Every timeline is confirmed in writing alongside the quote.
Which paving is least slippery in shady side returns?
Porcelain with an R11 slip rating or textured granite setts grip best in damp, shaded spots. Porcelain also resists the green algae that builds up on porous stone, which keeps it safer underfoot all year.
How deep is the dig for a paved walkway?
Most walkways need 150 to 180 millimetres of excavation. That leaves room for 100 millimetres of compacted MOT Type 1, a 30 to 40 millimetre mortar bed and the slab itself.
Is it possible to lay new paving over existing concrete?
Yes, but only when the old slab is sound, level, free of cracks and at least 150 millimetres below the damp-proof course. If it shows movement or traps water, it is broken out first and a proper base is built.
Where does the rainwater go once the paving is down?
Falls of around 1 in 60 to 1 in 80 send water away from the walls towards a border, gravel soakaway or linear channel drain. Courtyards with no natural outlet usually need a gully linked to the existing surface water drain.
How soon is new paving ready to walk on?
Light foot traffic is usually fine after 24 to 48 hours, depending on the weather. Jointing compounds also need around 24 hours of dry weather to harden fully. Furniture and planters are best kept off for about a week while the mortar fully hardens.
Do paths in Richmond conservation areas need special materials?
No, rear garden paths seldom face restrictions, but front paths on period streets often look best in York stone, granite setts or traditional clay pavers. Where a property is listed, any change to the front entrance is checked before work starts.
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.