Local page · Patios
Patios in Solihull
Patio installation in Solihull and surrounding areas. Porcelain, Indian sandstone, limestone and garden paving set out around levels, drainage, access, steps and how the garden will be used.
Cornerstone
Patios planned around the way the garden is used.
A patio should connect the house to the garden without creating awkward steps, standing water or paving that feels separate from the rest of the outdoor space.
Cornerstone installs porcelain, sandstone, limestone, granite and selected paving for patios, paths and seating areas across Solihull. The specification is based on levels, access, drainage, paving size, jointing method, steps and the finish the customer wants to maintain.
Specification
What is included in a patio installation.
Good patio work is measured by the preparation, the falls, the cuts, the jointing and the way it meets the house, lawn and planting areas.
- Existing slabs, decking, concrete, lawn or mixed surfaces removed where required
- Excavation and preparation to the agreed depth
- MOT Type 1 sub-base installed and compacted where specified
- Falls set away from the house and towards the drainage point
- Full mortar bed or specified laying system for the chosen paving
- Priming slurry used where required by the material
- Porcelain, Indian sandstone, limestone or granite laid to the agreed pattern
- Cuts completed around drains, walls, steps and thresholds
- Jointing compound, grout or mortar joints installed as specified
- Final clean-down and basic aftercare advice
Method
Patio material choices.
Porcelain patios
A sharp, consistent finish with clean lines and low water absorption. It suits modern gardens and needs the correct laying and jointing system.
Indian sandstone and natural stone
Indian sandstone and limestone give a softer, more varied appearance. They suit established gardens where a natural tone works with the house.
Steps and paths
Levels, steps, side paths and transitions to lawn or planting are designed with the patio so the garden works as one space.
Drainage and levels
Levels, thresholds and drainage.
Patios sit close to the house, so the finished level must be checked against thresholds, damp course, air bricks and existing gullies. The paving also needs a fall so water does not sit against the building.
Where the garden has a level change, we plan steps, retaining edges, raised beds or transitions before the patio is installed. This avoids cutting the finished paving around late changes.
- Threshold and damp course checked at survey
- Falls set away from the house where levels allow
- Drainage route confirmed before paving begins
- Step heights and retaining details allowed for where required
- Nearby areas covered: Solihull, Shirley, Knowle, Dorridge, Hampton-in-Arden and Balsall Common
Survey notes
Common patio issues we design around.
These are the details we look for before confirming the written quote, so the scope is based on the site rather than an assumed standard build-up.
- Paving laid too high against the house
- Standing water near doors, gullies or seating areas
- Loose or uneven slabs caused by poor bedding
- Slippery or difficult-to-clean surfaces in shaded gardens
- Awkward transitions between patio, lawn, side path and steps
Related pages
Useful pages for this project type.
Questions
Common questions.
Which patio material should I choose?
Porcelain gives a sharper and more consistent finish. Indian sandstone and limestone give a more natural appearance. The right choice depends on the property, garden style, maintenance expectations and budget.
Do patios need drainage?
Yes. A patio needs falls and a clear surface water route. This may be an existing gully, a drain, a border, a lawn or another agreed drainage point.
Can you build steps and raised beds with the patio?
Yes. Steps, raised beds, retaining features and paths can be included so the patio connects with the rest of the garden.
How long does a patio installation take?
A small patio may take a few days. Larger patios with dig-out, steps, retaining work or porcelain cutting can take longer. We confirm the expected duration after survey.
Ready to discuss your project?
Tell us what you want to achieve and we will arrange a free site visit across Solihull, Birmingham, Warwickshire and surrounding areas.