Patios, paths and steps in West London
We lay porcelain, Indian sandstone, York stone and block paving. Good groundwork is what keeps a patio level for years, so we never skip it.
- Fully insured
- DBS checked team
- Free visit and quote
- Since 2006
Patios, paths and steps
What we do
A patio has to cope with rain, frost and years of feet and furniture. What you see on top only lasts if the base underneath is dug out, compacted and laid to the right fall, so water runs away from the house.
We build patios, paths, steps and edging, and we repair or relay older paving that has sunk or worked loose. We also clean patios and paths that have turned green.
- Porcelain, Indian sandstone and York stone patios
- Block paving paths and driveways
- Garden steps and level changes
- Side paths, stepping stones and edging
- Digging out and preparing a firm sub-base
- Relaying sunken or loose paving
- Cleaning patios and paths
How it works
No pressure and no surprises. You can stop at any point before you accept the quote.
Tell us what you have in mind
Call Karol or send the form. Photos and rough sizes help, and so does a sketch if you have one.
We measure and talk it through
Karol checks the levels, the drainage and the access, and talks you through the stone, sizes and finish.
You get a quote
The quote covers the digging out, the base, the paving and taking the spoil away.
We build it
We dig out, lay the base, set the paving to a fall and point the joints. We clear up and take all the waste away.
Good to know
Before we start
A patio should slope gently away from the house so rainwater does not sit against the walls. It should also sit below the damp proof course of the house.
If you pave over more than five square metres of a front garden, the surface must let water through, or drain to a lawn or border. Otherwise you will need planning permission.
Porcelain is hard-wearing and easy to keep clean, but it does not absorb much water. Each slab needs a bonding primer on the back so it sticks to the mortar bed.
London clay moves as it gets wet and dries out. A deep, well-compacted base helps paving stay level on clay.
Natural stone such as sandstone and York stone varies from slab to slab. That is part of its look, and no two patios are the same.
What clients say
Karol, Daniel and the team did a fantastic job on our garden renovation. They removed two huge (problematic) trees, landscaped, replaced the fence, landscaped, re-turfed and did a great job fitting a curved patio and drainage all around the house. This was a big job. They were always on time, did what they said they would do and did it to a very high standard. Karol was also always available to talk through options and very organised. We would highly recommend them and couldn't be happier with the results.
Garden makeover
I'm really pleased with the new path and concrete edging they've installed. They were professional and reasonably priced. I would happily recommend them and I'd use them again for any future gardening projects.
Patios and paving
We were very lucky to find AK Gardening. Karol and his team are very friendly, reliable and trustworthy and keep the communal gardens at our blocks of flats in great condition. The team have also relaid large pathways. Hence we definitely recommend AK Gardening
Communal gardens
Questions
About patios, paths and steps
Which is better, porcelain or sandstone?
Porcelain is very even, hard-wearing and easy to clean. Sandstone has a softer, more natural look and varies in colour. Both last well when laid on a good base. Karol can show you examples and help you choose.
Do I need planning permission for a patio?
Usually not for a back garden. In a front garden, paving over more than five square metres needs to be permeable or drain to a lawn or border. If your home is listed or in a conservation area, check with the council.
Why has my old patio sunk?
Usually because the base underneath was too thin or not compacted properly. We can lift the paving, rebuild the base and relay it.
Can you clean my existing patio?
Yes. We clean patios and paths, and can re-point joints where the old pointing has worn away.
Can you build steps in a sloping garden?
Yes. We build steps and retaining edges so a sloping garden is safer and easier to use.
Free guides
A free guide on patios, paths and steps
Straight answers to the garden problems we see most often in London, from twenty years of West London gardens. Free, sent to your inbox.
Free visit and quote
Ask about patios, paths and steps
Answer a few short questions and Karol will call you back, usually the same or the next working day.
- Karol calls you backHe asks a few questions about the garden and the work.
- He comes to have a lookAt a time that suits you. There is no charge for the visit.
- You get a clear quoteIf you are happy, we agree a date. If not, there is no obligation.
Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm · or send photos on WhatsApp
“If you want a job to be undertaken in a professional way by an honest individual. If that job has to be completed with no fuss, no tooth sucking and tutting. If you respect politeness and a tradesman who keeps you updated and to his original statement then I suggest you look no further than Karilto of ak gardening specialist. Karilto turfed our front lawn today. Excellent result and one very satisfied customer”