Indian sandstone and porcelain patios in Sutton-in-Ashfield and Mansfield.
We are patio installers based in Sutton-in-Ashfield, laying Indian sandstone, porcelain and concrete slab patios across Mansfield, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Every slab goes down on a full mortar bed over a compacted sub-base, with falls set so water runs away from the house, and every patio carries our 10-year guarantee.
- Full mortar bed, no dot-and-dab
- Falls and drainage set out first
- Free site visit, fixed written quote
- 10-year guarantee
Porcelain vs Indian sandstone: which patio is right for you?
All three make a good patio when they are laid properly. The right one depends on the look you want, how much upkeep you are happy with and your budget. We bring samples to the site visit so you can see them in your own garden's light.
- Indian sandstone patio
- Natural stone with warm, varied colours and a riven or sawn finish. It suits traditional and cottage gardens and weathers in over time. Like any natural stone, it can pick up algae in shade and benefits from an occasional clean.
- Porcelain patio
- Outdoor porcelain, usually 20 mm thick, has crisp, consistent edges and absorbs almost no water, so it is frost-proof and resists staining. Its hard, dense body needs specialist cutting and a bonding primer, which adds to the labour.
- Concrete slabs
- The practical, economical choice, available in many sizes, colours and textures. Heavier and simpler to lay, although some colours soften over the years.
Why does a full mortar bed matter?
Some patios are laid on a few blobs of mortar under each slab, known as dot-and-dab or spot bedding. It is quicker, but it leaves hollows underneath where water collects and freezes, and slabs can rock, crack or sound hollow within a few winters.
We dig out, lay and compact an MOT Type 1 sub-base, then bed every slab on a full, solid bed of mortar. Natural stone and porcelain are primed on the back so the mortar grips them. The joints are finished with mortar pointing or a brush-in jointing compound, depending on the paving you choose.
How much does a patio cost per m²?
These rates come straight from our price guide. Where your patio falls depends on the size, the stone or porcelain you choose, how much digging and levelling is needed, steps or walls, drainage, and access to the back garden. Restricted access means more work by hand.
- Indian sandstoneNatural stone, warm varied tones£65–£110 per m²
- PorcelainClean lines, frost-proof, stain-resistant£80–£130 per m²
- Concrete paving slabsPractical and economical£45–£75 per m²
Guide prices per square metre from our current price guide, including labour and materials. You get one fixed, written price after a free site visit.
How do you stop water pooling on a patio?
A patio should never be dead flat. We set a gentle fall, typically around 1 in 60 to 1 in 80, so rainwater runs away from the house towards a lawn, border or drain. Against the house, the finished surface should sit at least 150 mm (about two brick courses) below the damp-proof course so rain cannot splash above it.
Where the patio meets a door threshold, or the garden slopes towards the house, a slot or channel drain carries the water away. Levels and drainage are set out at the start, not fixed afterwards.
Can you add steps, sleeper retaining walls and lighting?
Yes. Most patios are part of a bigger picture, and planning the extras at the same time saves lifting paving later.
- Steps
- Built with even risers and treads so they feel natural to walk, finished in the same stone or porcelain as the patio.
- Sleeper retaining walls and raised beds
- Timber sleepers make neat raised beds and low retaining walls where the garden changes level, and soften a large area of paving. Taller walls need proper footings and drainage behind them.
- Lighting
- Low-voltage step, wall and deck lights. Cables are ducted under the paving before it is laid; any mains connection must be made by a qualified electrician.
Patios we have laid.
Where do we build patios?
From our base in Sutton-in-Ashfield (NG17) we build patios across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Lucian visits every garden himself, checks levels, drainage and access, and gives you one fixed, written price.
Usually not for a patio at ground level in a back garden. Permission is normally needed for a raised patio or platform more than 30 cm above the ground, and different rules can apply to listed buildings, flats and homes in a conservation area. If in doubt, check with your council; we will flag anything we spot at the site visit.
Yes, as long as it is done correctly. The finished surface must sit at least 150 mm below the damp-proof course, it must fall away from the house so water runs off, and air bricks must never be covered or blocked. Where the levels are tight, a channel drain along the house wall can help.
It is optional. An impregnating sealer can help natural stone resist staining and algae, but some sealers darken the stone or give it a slight sheen, so test one on a spare slab first. Many people leave sandstone to weather naturally and simply clean it once or twice a year.
Outdoor porcelain is made with a textured surface for grip. Look for an anti-slip rating of R11 or above for garden use, and keep it clean, because algae and wet leaves are slippery on any paving. Porcelain does not absorb water, so it dries quickly after rain.
Sweep it regularly and wash it down with water and a soft brush. A patio cleaner suited to your paving will shift algae and dirt; avoid harsh acid cleaners on natural stone. If you use a pressure washer, keep it on a low setting and away from the joints so you do not blast the pointing out.
Projects completed
Designing outdoor spaces requires vision and expertise. We collaborate closely with homeowners across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to create tailored designs that reflect their personal style, needs, and budget.
Driveways & paving laid
From block paving to resin-bound surfaces, we design and install durable, stylish driveways and pathways that complement your property and stand the test of time.
Plants & trees planted
Even the most structured landscapes benefit from thoughtful planting. We select species suited to local soil and climate, ensuring year-round colour, texture, and natural softening of hardscaped areas.
Ready for a free quote?
No-obligation site visit, one clear price and a 10-year guarantee on the finished job.