Terraced patio slabbing for Stroud's steep valley gardens, with retaining edges, safe steps and drainage that copes with water coming down the hillside.
Stroud is built across a set of steep valleys on the edge of the Cotswolds, and houses often cling to hillsides with gardens that rise or fall sharply. Flat ground is precious, and creating a usable patio frequently means shaping the land first.
That makes planning more important than the paving itself. Where will the terrace go, what holds up the bank, how will you climb between levels, and where will rain end up? We answer these on site, with a tape, a spirit level and a view of the whole garden.
On a slope, a patio is usually made by excavating into the bank, or building up with fill behind a retaining wall, or a mixture of both. Cutting is generally more stable but creates spoil. Building up needs a strong wall and good compaction. We talk through each and advise on the sensible route for your garden. Low walls can be built in stone, blocks or timber, though anything tall or carrying a building, drive or steep bank may need specialist design, and we say so when it applies.
Sloping gardens call for non-slip surfaces. Riven sandstone and textured porcelain provide grip, while polished or very smooth finishes become treacherous when wet. Steps need generous treads and uniform risers, with an edge you can see in poor light. Local stone-coloured slabs blend with the Cotswold-edge buildings, and darker tones suit modern houses. Block paving is useful for steep drives because the interlocking pattern resists movement, as long as the edges are properly restrained.
On a hillside, water arrives from higher gardens, paths and roads as well as from the sky. We install channel drains at the foot of banks, direct flows to a safe outlet and set falls so that nothing runs toward the house. Behind retaining walls, free-draining gravel and a pipe relieve pressure. Springs and seepage are possible on valley sides, and if we see signs we investigate before laying. A dry, drained terrace is far more pleasant to use than a handsome one that floods.
We cover Stroud and the surrounding valleys, as well as Gloucester and Cirencester. Steep lanes and tight turns can rule out large lorries, so we check access in advance and sometimes arrange smaller deliveries or hand-carry. Stairs of slabs are slow to shift uphill, which is reflected in the planning. A visit is the sensible first step; quotes are free, and we will explain honestly what the slope allows.
We also take on patio slabbing work in nearby Gloucester, Cirencester.
“Jim and Dan did a brilliant job on my 90ft conifer. Its a lot safer now and I have more light in the garden...”
“The boys did an excellent job... pruned my trees back and remove one tree that had split...”
“The guys were prompt & proffesional removed an old ash for me thanks guys”
Usually, with a terrace cut into the bank and a retaining edge. The steeper the slope, the more groundwork is involved, and we explain that clearly at quote stage.
Yes. Water pressure is the main cause of failure, so we include free-draining backfill and, where needed, a pipe to carry water away.
Even risers, deep treads, a slight fall for drainage and a non-slip finish. A handrail is worth adding where there is a drop, particularly for children and older people.
SPR Trees & Landscapes, 6 Rose Avenue, Worcester, WR4 9PY
Tell us what you need in Stroud and we will get back to you, usually the same day.
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