PAVE THE WAY TO SUCCESS

THE most influential aspect of any patio is the material you use for the hard surface. Many people inherit a basic slabbed surface but this can be changed, and it’s worth the effort and expense of doing so.

The right choice of hard surface will transform any patio.

The area must be flat, albeit with a slight slope to drain water and avoid puddles. I much prefer to lay paving slabs or bricks on sand rather than cement, and not to grout between them other than with fine silver sand. Rain will soak away between the hard materials this way.

Natural stone paving has a warmth and texture that no artificial stone can replicate. York stone, sandstone, granite or even slate (although this can be slippery when wet) are all available, although really good quality, thick stone slabs are very expensive, costing up to €100 per square metre. The thicker the paving stone, the more settled and solid it will be underfoot – but the more expensive too. There is limestone and sandstone with a yellowy tint and sandstone touched with pink. Some stone is grey and other shot with rusty oxides – consider all the options.

I like reused bricks for paths and patios but you have to scour reclamation yards to find a brick you like in sufficient quantity. The great advantage of bricks is that they’re easy to lay, and in a number of patterns, such as herringbone, basket weave, Flemish bond, garden wall bond or even concentric rings. I also like mixing paving slabs and bricks for an informal feel.

However, a modern urban garden can look great with man-made paving such as concrete – and, of course, it’s much cheaper than natural stone. Whatever you choose will set your patio’s tone.