A patio is only as good as what's underneath it, and most problems that show up a year or two later trace back to preparation that was rushed or skipped. SPR Paving spends as much time on groundwork as on the actual laying, and it's worth knowing what should happen before a single slab goes down, especially on Tewkesbury ground that can be slow to drain.
Excavation and Sub-Base
The existing surface or turf needs to come out and the area excavated to the right depth, typically around 100-150mm of compacted sub-base plus bedding, depending on the paving material and how the area will be used. The hardcore should go down and be compacted in layers rather than one thick layer, which is a common shortcut that leads to settling later. On softer ground, a geotextile membrane is often laid first to stop the sub-base sinking into the soil and to keep weeds from pushing through.
Levels, Falls and Drainage
A patio needs a slight fall, roughly 1:80, away from the house so rainwater runs off rather than pooling or heading towards the walls. This matters more than usual in Tewkesbury given how low-lying and flood-prone parts of the town are near the Severn and Avon. Paving also needs to sit at least 150mm below the damp proof course, and it's worth checking for existing drains or buried services before digging starts so nothing gets damaged or buried awkwardly.
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