Natural Stone Patio | Blackburn

Before and After

• Before: The original garden area featured an uneven patio and a fading lawn. The layout felt disconnected from the home and the overall appearance didn’t complement the homes exterior.
• After: The space was completely transformed into a modern and functional outdoor area, ideal for relaxing, entertaining and outdoor dining.

Project Steps

1. Site Preparation & Slab Removal
   • The project began with carefully lifting and removing the original concrete slabs from the area directly outside the patio doors. It was essential to preserve the surrounding lawn and ensure a clean removal to avoid unnecessary disruption to the garden.
2. Excavation & Drainage Installation
   • Once the old patio was cleared, we carried out a full excavation to prepare the ground for both new base layers and a bespoke drainage system. We installed a soakaway crate system at the lowest point of the garden, this ensures the area can handle rainwater efficiently. As part of the drainage layout, we used red perforated piping to direct surface water towards the soakaway. The pipes were arranged in a man-made circular pattern, this helps to evenly distribute incoming water before it reaches the crate. The soakaway itself was wrapped in a geotextile membrane, this prevents soil and debris from entering the system while still allowing water to pass through,this drainage method enhances the systems capacity and supports long-term effectiveness.
3. Ground Preparations & Foundations
   • After the drainage system was complete, we installed a solid hardcore sub-base, and compacted it thoroughly to guarantee a stable foundation. Then we laid a layer of sharp sand over the top, which was levelled to create an even surface for the stone.
4. Laying the Natural Stone
   • We then began laying the natural stone with precision, to maintain a clean pattern and subtle gradient for surface water runoff. The stones were individually bedded using a full mortar bed technique for long-lasting durability. A recessed manhole cover was incorporated seamlessly into the patio design to allow future access without disrupting the aesthetic.
5. Jointing & Finishing Touches
   • Once all the slabs were laid and levelled, we used a high-performance jointing compound to fill the joints, giving the patio a professional, finished look while adding strength and weather resistance.

Client Feedback

The homeowners were over the moon with the transformation, especially the way the natural stone complements the red brickwork of the property.

Conclusion

The finished result is a beautiful, low maintenance patio that not only enhances the property’s outdoor space but also improves drainage and usability all year-round.

Why Choose Meadow Drives?

Meadow Drives is committed to providing high-quality solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our team of experts uses only the best materials and construction techniques to deliver stunning and durable results. From initial consultation to final implementation, we work closely with our clients to ensure their complete satisfaction.

Get in Touch

If you’re looking to improve your property’s infrastructure with a durable tarmac road, contact Meadow Drives today. Our expert team is ready to assist you with all your construction needs. Visit our contact page, email us on info@meadowdrives.co.uk call us at 07731 664476 to schedule a consultation.