Patios and paving in Bournemouth

Much of Bournemouth is built on sandy soil, which drains very quickly. That is good news for patios and paths, but new lawns may need extra topsoil and careful watering, and planting needs to suit dry conditions.

That matters for patios more than almost anything else. The depth we excavate, the type and thickness of sub-base, and how we handle surface water all depend on what is underneath. We set accurate falls so rain runs away from the house and does not sit on the surface, and we bed each slab fully so the patio stays level and solid.

Homes in Bournemouth range from large Victorian and Edwardian villas to inter-war houses, bungalows and modern homes.

Porcelain gives a clean, modern finish and is easy to keep clean, which suits newer homes and low-maintenance gardens. Natural stone, such as sandstone, brings warmth and colour variation that sits well with period properties. Concrete paving is a practical, cost-effective choice for larger areas, paths and bases. We talk through the options during the site visit so you can choose with confidence.

Bournemouth is covered by BCP Council. Some trees may be protected by tree preservation orders, so it is worth checking before work near large trees, and we will raise this if it applies.

Back garden patios rarely need planning permission. For front gardens, new or replacement hard surfaces over five square metres generally need to be permeable or drain to a permeable area.

A patio works best when it connects naturally with the rest of the garden. We can finish it with sleeper or brick edging, build steps where levels change, and lay paths that lead to a shed, gate or lawn. If you are thinking about new turf, raised beds or fencing at the same time, planning them together keeps levels consistent and avoids disturbing new paving later. In Bournemouth, as everywhere we work, we leave the site clean and tidy at the end of every day.