Patio design & installation
Terraces sized for real furniture, with falls away from the house and the finished level kept below the damp-proof course.
Read more about patio design & installationPN Landscapes lays porcelain and natural stone patios and paths in Uckfield and East Sussex on a compacted sub-base and full mortar bed, with stone supplied by its sister yard, PN Paving Supplies.
A patio is only as good as what is underneath it. We have been laying patios and paths around Uckfield since 1997, and the method has not changed: dig out properly, compact a sub-base, set levels and falls, and lay every slab on a full bed of mortar. That is why our paving stays flat.
The choice of surface is yours. We lay outdoor porcelain, Indian sandstone, limestone, granite, slate and clay pavers, in formal grids, random patterns, circles and curves.
Patio and pathway services
Porcelain paving
Vitrified porcelain primed on the back and laid on a full bed, the method the material needs to stay bonded.
Read more about porcelain paving
Garden paths & steps
Straight, curved and stepping-stone paths, plus steps in stone, brick and sleeper to deal with slopes.
Get a quote about garden paths & steps
Circles & feature paving
Sandstone circles, sett borders and contrasting bands that give a plain terrace a focal point.
Get a quote about circles & feature pavingWhich paving suits your garden?
Each material has a different look, price and upkeep. This is the short version of the conversation we have on most site visits.
| Material | Best for | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor porcelain | Modern, low-maintenance terraces; pool surrounds | Almost non-porous, so it resists stains and frost. Must be primed and laid on a full bed. |
| Indian sandstone | Traditional and cottage gardens; warm colour | Natural variation between slabs. Benefits from sealing in shady, damp spots. |
| Limestone | Smooth, contemporary look in greys and blacks | Dark limestone fades in sun unless sealed and maintained. |
| Granite & slate | Hard-wearing paths, steps and edging | Very durable. Slate is best in riven finishes for grip. |
| Clay pavers & setts | Paths, borders and period properties | Small units cope well with curves and gentle slopes. |
All of these can be seen laid at PN Paving Supplies, our sister company's display near Uckfield.
How we lay a patio
Excavate
We dig out to a depth that allows for sub-base, bedding and slab, deeper where the ground is soft clay or has been made up.
Sub-base
MOT Type 1 is laid and compacted in layers with a plate compactor. On wet ground a geotextile membrane goes down first.
Levels and falls
String lines set a fall of around 1 in 60 to 1 in 80 away from the house, finishing at least 150mm below the damp-proof course.
Lay on a full bed
Each slab is bedded on a continuous layer of mortar, not dabs. Porcelain and some stone are primed on the back first.
Joint and finish
Joints are filled with a suitable exterior jointing compound or grout, and edges are haunched or restrained so the paving cannot spread.
New patio, cobbled pathway & brick edging
“First class workmanship. On time, on budget and a real pleasure to work with. Always happy, helpful and cheerful. Highly recommended.”
Why choose PN Landscapes for your patio
- Foundations first: No slabs on dabs and no thin sub-bases. The groundwork is done as if it will be inspected.
- Stone from our own yard: We advise, supply and lay. Materials come from PN Paving Supplies at competitive prices.
- See it before you buy: Visit the display area to compare colours and finishes laid out at full size.
- Family-run since 1997: Most of our paving work comes from recommendations within 20 miles of Uckfield.
Questions we are asked
Frequently asked questions
How deep should a patio sub-base be?
For a domestic patio on firm ground, around 100mm of compacted MOT Type 1 is the usual minimum. On soft clay, made-up ground or where vehicles may cross, we go deeper. The bedding mortar and slab sit on top of that.
Do I need planning permission for a patio?
Not usually for a back-garden patio. Rules can apply to listed buildings, significant changes of level and paving in front gardens, where surfaces over 5 square metres must be permeable or drain to a permeable area.
Is porcelain or sandstone better?
Porcelain is the lower-maintenance choice and keeps its colour. Sandstone costs less to buy, has natural variation and suits older properties. Both last decades when laid correctly.
Can you lay a patio in winter?
Yes, provided it is not freezing or waterlogged. Mortar should not be laid in frost, so we plan around the forecast.
PN Landscapes
Get a quote for your patio or path
We will measure up, talk through materials and send a written quote. You are welcome to visit the paving display beforehand.
Phone: 01825 733317
Email: info@pnlandscapes.co.uk
Address: Flitteridge Farm, Daleham Lane, Splaynes Green, Uckfield TN22 3TQ
Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 8am–1pm
Paving and stone: visit PN Paving Supplies, our sister company on the same site.