Patio Installation in Staines, Surrey
Patio Installation Services in Staines and Surrey
At Nelhams & Sons Ltd, we design and build patios that genuinely transform how you use your outdoor space – for homeowners across Staines, Shepperton, Sunbury-on-Thames, Walton-on-Thames, Weybridge, Esher, and the surrounding areas of Surrey. Based in Staines since 1977, we have built patios across every type of property and garden in this part of Surrey – from compact town house rear gardens in Staines and Shepperton to larger sloped gardens in Weybridge and Esher. The sub-base, the drainage, and the fall of the patio away from your house matter more than any other single factor in determining how long it lasts and how good it still looks in ten years. We build patios the right way, with the sub-base depth and drainage that Surrey’s clay ground conditions demand.
Our Patio Services
We design and build patios that transform your outdoor space into a natural extension of your home. At Nelhams & Sons Ltd we specialise in:
Natural Stone & Porcelain Patios
Premium natural stone including Indian sandstone, limestone, and granite, plus contemporary porcelain slabs for homeowners across Staines and Surrey who want a high-quality, low-maintenance outdoor surface. Indian sandstone remains one of the most popular choices in our area – it is durable, ages beautifully, and suits both modern and traditional Surrey properties. Porcelain is increasingly popular for its contemporary look, minimal maintenance, and resistance to frost and staining. We help you select the right material for your property style, garden use, and budget.
Block Paving & Brick Patios
Traditional and contemporary block paving designs, reclaimed brick patios, and herringbone patterns that complement period Surrey properties and create timeless outdoor spaces. Block paving is a versatile choice that works particularly well where the patio connects to a driveway or path of the same material – creating a cohesive, finished appearance across the whole frontage or rear garden. Reclaimed brick can be sourced to match or complement older properties across Staines, Shepperton, and the conservation areas of Weybridge and Esher.
Multi-Level & Feature Patios
Stepped patios for sloping gardens, raised seating areas, integrated planters, and outdoor entertaining spaces that maximise the potential of your Surrey garden. Many gardens across the Staines area and the Thames-side villages have challenging slopes or level changes – particularly those backing onto the higher ground south of the river. A multi-level patio turns what can feel like a problem into a feature, creating distinct zones for dining, seating, and planting, and making far better use of the available space than a single flat area would.
How We Work
Creating your perfect patio involves careful planning, quality materials, and expert construction. Our proven process ensures a durable, beautiful outdoor space built to last in Surrey’s ground conditions.
| Step | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | We discuss your outdoor living requirements, design preferences, and budget – and visit the site to understand how you use your garden |
| Site Survey | Detailed measurement and assessment of ground conditions, existing drainage, levels, and access at your Staines or Surrey property |
| Design Development | We develop patio designs that complement your property, maximise usable space, and work with your garden layout |
| Material Selection | We help you choose from natural stone, porcelain, block paving, or brick – with honest guidance on which suits your property and use |
| Planning Consideration | Assessment of any planning requirements – relevant for larger patios, raised structures over 30cm, or properties in Surrey conservation areas |
| Detailed Quotation | Comprehensive fixed-price quote covering excavation, sub-base, drainage, materials, pointing, and finishing |
| Site Preparation | Excavation to the correct depth, drainage installation, and compacted Type 1 MOT sub-base preparation – the foundation everything else depends on |
| Construction Phase | Professional patio laying with careful attention to levels, falls, and pattern alignment throughout |
| Finishing Touches | Pointing, sealing where appropriate, edging installation, and thorough site cleanup |
| Completion & Handover | Final inspection, specific maintenance guidance for your chosen material, and handover of your completed outdoor space |
Drainage Built In
Correct falls, drainage channels, and soakaway solutions designed into every patio – water away from your house, every time
Quality Materials
Premium natural stone, porcelain, and block paving from trusted UK suppliers – materials that look good and stay looking good
Proper Sub-Base
Compacted Type 1 MOT sub-base at the right depth for Surrey clay – the invisible work that determines longevity
48 Years’ Local Experience
Nearly five decades of building outdoor spaces across Surrey – we know what works here and what does not
Why Choose Nelhams & Sons Ltd for Your Patio in Surrey?
A patio is only as good as what is underneath it. The surface material gets all the attention at the selection stage, but it is the sub-base depth, the drainage falls, and the quality of the bedding that determine whether your patio remains flat, firm, and free-draining in five years’ time – or whether you start getting sinking slabs, pooling water, and weeds pushing through the joints. In the London Clay conditions that underlie much of Staines, Shepperton, and Sunbury, the sub-base needs to be properly compacted and deep enough to sit clear of the seasonal clay movement zone. We have been building patios across Surrey since 1977 and we have never compromised on sub-base preparation. The visible result is a patio that holds its level, drains properly, and looks as good in year ten as it did on completion day.
- 48+ years’ patio construction experience across Staines, Surrey, and West London
- Full range of materials – natural stone, porcelain, block paving, brick, and multi-level designs
- Proper sub-base preparation and compaction on every job – never skimped to save time
- Comprehensive drainage design including falls, channels, and soakaways
- Specialist experience with sloped and multi-level gardens across the Surrey hills area
- Full public liability insurance (£2 million) and Which? Trusted Trader accredited
Areas We Provide Our Patio Installation Service
Based in Staines, we build patios across a wide area of Surrey and South West London. We regularly work in the following towns and villages:
Frequently Asked Questions About Patio Installation in Surrey
What patio materials do you recommend for Surrey properties?
The right choice depends on your property style, how you intend to use the patio, and your budget. Indian sandstone is the most popular natural stone across Staines and Surrey – it is warm-toned, ages well, and suits both traditional and modern homes. Porcelain is growing in popularity for its contemporary appearance, near-zero maintenance, and excellent frost resistance. For period properties and older Surrey homes, reclaimed brick or traditional block paving in a herringbone pattern can be a strong choice aesthetically. Limestone and granite sit at the premium end of natural stone. We help every client navigate these choices honestly during the initial consultation – including being clear about which materials are going to require more maintenance over time.
How important is drainage for a patio in Surrey?
Drainage is not optional – it is the single most important functional consideration in patio construction in our area. A patio that does not drain correctly away from the house will eventually cause damp problems in the adjacent wall or under the floor, and a patio that pools water rather than shedding it will deteriorate much faster as freeze-thaw cycles open up joints and sub-base voids. In the clay soils around Staines, Shepperton, and Sunbury, surface water does not soak away quickly, so we always design in adequate falls and, where needed, drainage channels or soakaways to handle surface water properly. Every patio we build drains away from the house at a minimum 1:60 gradient.
How long does patio installation take?
Most domestic patios across Staines and Surrey take 3-7 working days to complete from start to finish, including excavation, sub-base preparation, drainage, and paving. Larger patios, multi-level designs, or those incorporating steps and edging features will take longer – typically 1-2 weeks. Weather can affect the pointing and sealing stages in particular. We give you a realistic programme at the quotation stage and communicate promptly if anything changes. We will never rush a job to hit a deadline at the expense of the finished quality.
Do I need planning permission for a patio in Surrey?
Most standard patios at ground level do not require planning permission under Permitted Development rights. However, permission may be required for raised patios over 30cm in height, larger paved areas in front gardens where impermeable surfaces over 5 square metres are involved, or for any works within a conservation area – of which there are several across our service area in Weybridge, Esher, and parts of Walton. We assess your specific situation as part of the consultation process and advise you clearly if a planning enquiry is needed before we proceed.
Can you work around existing trees and garden features?
Yes – and this is something we do regularly across Surrey, where mature gardens often have established trees, shrubs, and features that need to be respected and worked around. We design patios to accommodate existing features wherever possible, and where excavation near tree roots is required we take care to avoid unnecessary root damage. In areas with large mature trees – particularly on London Clay, where root systems can be extensive and tree preservation orders are common – we factor root protection zones into the design and method of construction. We will always flag any concerns about trees or existing features during the survey stage.
What maintenance does a new patio require?
Modern patios are designed to be low maintenance, but a small amount of regular care will keep yours looking its best for longer. Natural stone benefits from sealing every 2-3 years to prevent staining and maintain its appearance – we can seal on completion if required. Porcelain needs very little beyond occasional cleaning. All patios benefit from periodic pressure washing and joint maintenance – pointing can begin to deteriorate after 5-10 years in high-use areas and is straightforward to repair. We provide specific written maintenance guidance for your chosen material when we hand the job over, and we are always available to answer questions about upkeep.
