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Patios and paving in Dolgellau

Patios, garden slabbing, steps and paved features, built on a level, well-prepared base so every slab sits right and the rain runs off where it should.

Call 07717 83 83 60 Ask for a free quote
A new patio of riven stone flags in mixed browns and greys, leading to a front door, beside a box hedge and a low slate wall.
Riven stone flags in mixed colours, laid up to the front door.

How we build a patio

Most of the work in a patio is the part you never see. This is the order we do it in.

  1. Look at the ground

    We check the levels, where water runs now and what’s under the surface, and agree the size, shape and slabs with you.

  2. Dig out

    We dig down to the depth the base needs, taking out soft spots, roots and topsoil.

  3. Build the base

    Layers of hardcore, compacted firm, set to a gentle fall away from the house so rain drains off.

  4. Lay the slabs

    Each slab bedded down, tapped to level and checked against its neighbours, with even joints throughout.

  5. Fill the joints

    Joints pointed and finished so water and weeds stay out and the edges stay crisp.

  6. Finish the edges

    Steps, edging, and the join with lawn, borders and walls, so the patio looks like it belongs there.

Patios we’ve laid

A wet sandstone patio in browns and purples with a curved edge finished along the top of a stone wall, above garden steps and a hedge.
A curved patio edge finished along the top of a stone wall.
A pale stone patio along the side of a white house, with new turf and a line of stepping stones across the lawn.
Pale paving along a house, with stepping stones across new turf.
A large grey and buff sandstone patio with a curved step, in front of closeboard fencing and a planted border.
A large sandstone patio with a curved step.
Grey paving under a timber pergola with outdoor seating, beside a new lawn.
Grey paving under a timber pergola.
Grey paving curving along the foot of new stone retaining walls.
Paving curving along the foot of new stone walls.

Patio questions

Where we lay patios

In and around Dolgellau, from Fairbourne and Barmouth to Rhydymain and Bala.

Areas we cover

Why does the base matter so much?

Slabs are only as good as what they sit on. On a thin or soft base they rock, sink and crack, and puddles form. A dug-out, compacted base spreads the load and lets water get away, so the patio stays flat for years.

Which way should a patio slope?

Gently away from the house, so rain runs off and never towards walls or doors. It’s barely noticeable underfoot, but it makes all the difference in wet weather.

Can you lay a patio on a sloping garden?

Yes. Depending on the slope, we cut into the bank, build the ground up behind a retaining wall, or split the patio into levels with steps between them.

Can I choose my own slabs?

Of course. We’ll tell you honestly how the slabs you like will wear, and how they’ll cope with the rain and shade in your garden.

Do I need planning permission for a patio?

Often not, but it can depend on the size, the levels and where the property is. Much of the area round Dolgellau is inside Eryri National Park, so if you’re unsure, check with the Eryri National Park Authority before work starts.

Thinking about a new patio?

Tell us roughly how big, what’s there now and whether the ground slopes. We’ll give you a free quote.

Call 07717 83 83 60 Ask for a free quote
Call 07717 83 83 60