“We were so happy to find Danny at Bowen’s via Bark… His prices seem very fair and our patios now look 100 times better. He arrived on the dot of 9am this morning as promised and both men worked really hard to finish the job before dark.”
Our services
Patio installation in Norwich
Somewhere solid and level to put a table and chairs, laid on a base that will not sink, lift or hold water in the winter.
What patios and seating areas covers
Most patio problems come from what is underneath rather than the slabs on top. Paving laid straight onto sand, or bedded on a few dabs of mortar, will move within a couple of winters. We dig out properly, put in a compacted sub-base, and lay every slab on a full mortar bed.
Falls are set so surface water runs away from the house rather than towards it, which matters as much on a small path as it does on a large seating area.
Seating areas that get used
It is worth thinking about where the sun is in the evening rather than simply putting the patio against the back wall because that is where the old one was. Danny will point out the obvious spots when he visits, and can build raised beds, steps or a low wall to tie the area into the rest of the garden.
Common problems
What this service solves
-
The old patio has sunk
Slabs that rock underfoot or hold puddles have usually been laid on sand or on five blobs of mortar. The fix is doing the base properly.
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Water runs the wrong way
A patio that falls back towards the house causes damp problems. Getting the levels right matters more than the slabs you choose.
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There is nowhere to sit
A lot of gardens have no flat, dry spot big enough for a table. Often a modest seating area changes how much the garden gets used.
Our work
Recent patios and seating areas jobs
How it works
What happens, step by step
- 1
Measure and choose materials
We work out the size you actually need for the furniture you have, and go through the paving options and what each costs.
- 2
Dig out
The old surface and enough soil come out to leave room for a proper build-up. This is the part cheap jobs skip.
- 3
Sub-base and levels
Hardcore goes in, is compacted in layers, and the falls are set so water runs away from the building.
- 4
Lay the paving
Slabs are laid on a full wet mortar bed, not spot bedded, so there are no hollow points to crack later.
- 5
Point and clean off
Joints are filled, the surface is washed down, and the offcuts and spoil go with us.
Testimonials
Why clients What customers say about our work
Not answered here?
Ring Danny and ask. He would rather talk it through than have you guessing.
Frequently asked questions
Patios and seating areas questions people ask
01. What paving do you recommend?
Indian sandstone is the most popular for the money and suits most Norwich houses. Porcelain costs more but stays cleaner and needs almost no upkeep. Danny will bring samples and talk through what suits the property and the budget.
02. How long does a patio take?
A typical rear patio is around four to seven days depending on size, access and how much has to be dug out. Bad weather can add a day or two, and we will keep you posted rather than disappearing.
03. Do I need planning permission?
For most domestic patios at the back of a house, no. If you are paving a front garden the rules on surface water drainage can apply, and we will point you in the right direction before starting.
04. Can you match an existing patio?
Sometimes. Stone weathers, so a new section rarely matches an old one exactly. Often it looks better to treat the new area as a deliberate contrast rather than a poor match.
05. Will the patio need sealing?
Sandstone does not have to be sealed, though sealing makes it easier to keep clean and slows down staining. We will tell you what is worth doing for the stone you have chosen.
Where we work
Across Norfolk and Suffolk
We are based on Pettus Road in Eaton, so a lot of our regular work is within a short drive of south Norwich. For landscaping projects we travel right across Norfolk and Suffolk.
Not sure whether you are in range? Send us your postcode and we will tell you straight away.
Based in Eaton, Norwich
26 Pettus RoadEaton
Norwich
NR4 7BY
Opening hours
- Monday to Friday
- 9:00am to 4:00pm
- Saturday
- 10:00am to 4:00pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Other things we do
Request a quote
Get a free quote for patios and seating areas
Tell us what you need doing and Danny will come out, take a look and give you a price. No charge for the visit and no pressure afterwards.