Patios and paving in New Milton

Much of the ground around New Milton includes clay, which can hold water after heavy rain, so we pay close attention to sub-bases, falls and drainage on patios and lawns.

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 New Milton include older houses near the town centre, plenty of bungalows and newer family homes on the surrounding estates.

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.

New Milton is covered by New Forest District Council. Most garden work needs no permission, and we will flag anything that should be checked.

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 New Milton, as everywhere we work, we leave the site clean and tidy at the end of every day.