Patio, driveway and hardstanding installation
Patios and Driveways
Patios and driveways covers designing and installing hard-standing surfaces — block paving, natural stone, resin-bound or tarmac — including sub-base preparation and drainage, which is a legal requirement for new impermeable driveways over a certain size.
Definition
What patios & driveways involves
A patio or driveway installation involves excavating to the correct sub-base depth, laying a compacted sub-base, and installing the chosen surface material with appropriate falls for drainage. New or replacement driveways over 5 square metres using non-permeable materials require either planning permission or a permeable/soakaway drainage solution under permitted development rules.
Suitable for
- New driveways or driveway replacement
- Garden patios and outdoor entertaining areas
- Resurfacing cracked or sunken existing hardstanding
Not suitable for
- Driveways over 5 square metres using non-permeable materials without a drainage solution — this needs either planning permission or a permitted-development-compliant drainage design, which we advise on
Process
How the work is carried out
- 01
Design
Agreeing layout, material and falls for drainage.
- 02
Excavation
Excavating to the correct depth for the chosen sub-base and surface.
- 03
Sub-base
Laying and compacting a sub-base appropriate to the surface and expected loading.
- 04
Surface installation
Laying block paving, stone, resin or tarmac to the agreed design.
- 05
Drainage and finishing
Installing drainage where required, jointing and finishing edges.
Typical timescale
A standard driveway typically takes three to seven days depending on size and material; patios are often quicker, confirmed after a site visit.
Cost guidance
Cost depends on area, chosen material and sub-base requirements. An itemised quotation follows a site visit and design discussion.
Limitations and exclusions
- Planning permission requirements for non-permeable driveways over 5 square metres are checked and advised on before work starts
- Existing utility covers and access points are worked around and may affect layout options
Areas we cover
Patios & Driveways across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London
Local property styles, planning authorities and neighbourhood coverage for patios & driveways in each town we work in.
Related services
You may also need
FAQs
Patios & Driveways FAQs
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
If the new or replacement driveway is more than 5 square metres and uses a non-permeable material without a soakaway or permeable drainage solution, planning permission is normally required. Using permeable materials or directing rainwater to a lawn or border avoids this. We advise on the right approach for your property.
Discuss your patios & driveways project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-19.