Patio Installation Reading | Porcelain & Natural Stone Patios

🪨 Types of Patio Materials We Install

Porcelain is increasingly the go-to material for Berkshire gardens. It's extremely hard-wearing, frost-resistant, stain-proof, and needs almost no maintenance. The surface doesn't absorb water, so it resists moss and algae far better than natural stone in damp British conditions. The clean lines suit both modern and traditional properties.

For a warmer, more natural look, Indian sandstone and limestone both work beautifully. Sandstone brings warm ochre and buff tones; limestone a cooler silver-grey. Both require occasional sealing to maintain their appearance but offer a character that porcelain can't replicate. Block paving is ideal where you want design flexibility — laid in herringbone, basketweave, or stretcher bond patterns, it also integrates well with driveways and paths.

🔧 Why Choose Professional Patio Installation?

The difference between a patio that lasts 20 years and one that sinks, cracks, or collects puddles comes down to what's beneath the surface. Every patio we install is built on a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base, laid to the correct depth for the paving material and anticipated load. Skimping on sub-base depth is the most common reason patios fail.

We set accurate drainage falls on every job — a slight slope that directs rainwater away from your house and into the garden or drainage system. Joints are pointed with a flexible, weather-resistant compound that won't crack through Berkshire's seasonal freeze-thaw cycles. We take photos at each stage so you can see the groundwork before it's covered, and our work comes with a guarantee.

💷 How Much Does a Patio Cost?

The cost depends on the size of the patio, the material you choose, and what groundwork is involved. Porcelain and natural stone are priced higher than concrete slabs or block paving, but last significantly longer with less maintenance. Access to your garden, how much excavation is needed, and any existing concrete or paving to remove all affect the overall price.

We always quote after visiting your garden — not over the phone from a rough description. That way you get an accurate, itemised price that covers excavation, sub-base, materials, laying, pointing, and waste removal. No hidden extras. Get in touch to arrange a free site visit and quote.

Patio Installation Across Reading & Berkshire

We install patios for homeowners across Reading, Twyford, and Berkshire — from small patio seating areas to complete garden paving projects.

Proudly Serving These Areas

📋 Do You Need Planning Permission for a Patio?

In most cases, no. A patio in your rear garden is generally permitted development and doesn't require planning permission. The situation changes if your patio would be raised significantly above ground level — effectively forming a raised platform — or if your property is listed or within a conservation area.

Drainage matters more than planning for most patio projects. If you're paving over a large area with an impermeable surface and it drains towards the public highway, you may need to install drainage channels to manage surface water. This is a building regulations consideration rather than planning, and we factor it into all our patio designs. We'll advise on any considerations specific to your garden during the site visit.

✅ Our Patio Installation Process

Every job starts with a site visit where we measure your space, assess the ground conditions, and discuss your preferred materials and design. From there we provide a detailed written quote. Once confirmed, we agree a start date that suits you. We remove any existing surface — old patio, lawn, or soil — and excavate to the correct depth before laying the sub-base.

Once the sub-base is compacted and levels are checked, we lay the paving on a full mortar bed, working to the agreed design. Joints are allowed to set before pointing with a flexible jointing compound. We remove all waste from site and leave your garden clean and tidy at the end of every working day. Most standard-sized patios are completed within 3–5 days.

📞 Get a Free Patio Quote

Get in touch for a free site visit and patio installation quote. We'll assess your garden, discuss materials, and give you a clear, detailed price.