Silverton Builders Merchants - blog

How To Lay a Patio: A Step-By-Step Guide

analytics — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:32:30 +0100

Laying a patio yourself can be a really rewarding experience as a homeowner. But it’s also a task that plenty of people don’t get right the first time. The common mistakes, however, aren’t in the laying of patio slabs itself, but in the preparation underneath.

This month at Silverton Builders Merchants, we’ve created a guide that covers the complete measurement and process for how to lay a patio, from the ground to the finished surface, with the specific measurements you need that others leave to chance.

The specifications for a patio

Do you want your patio to last for 30 years or three? The key to longevity is getting your specifications right. Here’s what you’ll need to consider before you start laying slabs.

	Specification	What it’s for
Total excavation depth	200-250mm	Takes into account sub-base, bedding and the slab combined.
Sub-base depth	100-150mm of compacted Type 1 MOT	A sturdy structural layer that prevents rocking and sinking.
Bedding mortar depth	40-50mm (ratio: 4 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement)	Keeps slabs level and locks them in place.
Drainage fall	16-17mm per metre (1:60) away from the building	Prevents water pooling against the DPC.
DPC clearance	150mm minimum below the damp-proof course	This prevents bridging the DPC and causing rising damp.
Joint gap	5-12mm for most slabs	Allowing for thermal movement.
Curing time	24-48 hours before walking on it	Mortar below slabs can shift if walked on too soon.

What do you need to lay a patio?

Now let’s take a look at the key materials you need and a guide on quantities:

Material	Quantity Guide
Paving slabs - Concrete, natural stone or porcelain.	Measure the area in m2 and add 10% to account for any cuts or breakages.
Type 1 MOT hardcore - A sub-base aggregate.	1 tonne will cover roughly 6m2 at a depth of 100mm.
Sharp sand - A bedding mortar component.	1 tonne per 15m2 covers a depth of 40mm.
Cement - A bedding mortar component.	1 bag for every 3-4m2 of bedding.
Jointing compound - Brushed-in or slurry type depending on your chosen slab.	1 pack per 5-10m2 depending on the width of your joints.
Weed membrane - Optional for your sub-base.	Same as the area of your patio.

We also shouldn’t forget the tools you need for laying a patio. Make sure you have all these items handy before getting started:

Measuring tape and string lines
Wooden or metal pegs for the string outline
Folding builder’s square
Spade or lawn edger
Rake and hand tamper
Spot board and mixing paddle
Brick and pointing trowels
Rubber mallet
Spirit level
Wooden spacers or tile spacers
Bucket and watering can
Angle grinder with diamond masonry blade

Don’t forget to don the right safety gear too, including safety boots, gloves, dust mask, goggles and ear defenders.

How do you prepare the ground before laying a patio?

Ground preparation is where most people let themselves down on a DIY patio, so don’t be tempted into rushing this stage. Here are the key steps:

Check for underground services - You can use a specialist Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) to detect any underground obstacles, such as cables, before starting.
Mark out and excavate - Use pegs and string to mark the perimeter of where you want your patio to be. You can then dig this area out to 200-250mm depending on slab thickness, removing any lawn, topsoil and root material to avoid settlement issues.
Check the fall - Work out your drainage gradient now, not once the sub-base has been laid. You should ensure the surface will fall away from any building at a 16-17mm per metre rate. Gradient pegs can help, and if you can’t fall away from the building, you may need specialist drainage assistance, as water against your DPC risks serious damp issues.
Compact the sub-base by layers - Add your Type 1 MOT hardcore in two layers, roughly 50-75mm each, compacting the first before adding the second. This provides proper consolidation and ensures you don’t get an uneven finish later. You should be able to stamp the compact surface without it giving or moving underfoot.

How do you lay and finish patio slabs correctly?

Only now can we move to the laying sequence, which is as follows:

Step 1 - Mix your bedding mortar, 4 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement. This mix should be just about damp enough to hold its shape; it should not be wet. Wet mortar will compress when you lay the slab, which loses your level.

Step 2 - Lay your first slab, starting with the highest corner, closest to the house. Your bedding mortar should be 40-50mm deep for each slab at a time. Give the underside of each slab a quick dampen, set it down into position and then tap it firmly with a rubber mallet.

Step 3 - Check the level and fall, ensuring each slab is positioned correctly for the drainage direction. You can check this with your spirit level after each slab is laid.

Step 4 - Work in rows and apply your spacers between for consistent gaps. Guessing your spacing will make your joints look wrong, and it can be harder to point them neatly later.

Step 5 - Check your string lines regularly, as alignment can shift over a large area if you’re not paying attention.

Step 6 - Don’t walk on your freshly laid slabs for at least 24-48 hours. This gives time for the bedding to cure without shifting and destroying your careful levelling.

Step 7 - You can now point your joints once curing has finished. Brush in a dry jointing compound for standard slabs and apply a slurry pointing mix if you have wider joints of over 12mm. Sweep away any excess compound and protect the slabs from rain for the next 24 hours.

Looking for all the materials you need for laying the perfect patio in your back garden? Then check out our online store where we stock everything from Type 1 bulk bags to beautiful natural stone paving slabs.

Our products are available for free delivery across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire when you spend over £20. If you’d prefer to browse and pick up items in store, visit one of our branches today.

Frequently asked patio laying questions

How long does it take to lay a patio?

On average, a 20m2 patio, including the full sub-base preparation, would usually take two people a full weekend. This accounts for one day of excavation and sub-base preparation and one day for laying, with half a day for pointing once slabs have cured in place.

Do I need planning permission for a patio?

Most residential patios in a back garden won’t require planning permission. The rules differ for the front of your property, however, where permeable paving and drainage into soakaways is preferred if you’re going to lay slabs.

What is the best base for a patio?

100-150mm of compacted Type 1 MOT hardcore is considered to be the industry standard. Depending on the type and size of stone you intend to use for your patio slabs, you may need to research whether further preparation is needed.

How do I stop weeds growing through my patio?

Properly filling in your joints is the first line of defence. You can dry-brush jointing compounds into your joints that set and don’t leave gaps, but a weed membrane below the sub-base is another way to prevent weeds from ruining the perfection of your newly laid patio.

Garden Decking Maintenance: How To Protect Your Timber

analytics — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:37:50 +0100

The summer months are when your garden decking really earns its keep, but it’s also the time of year that it’ll take the most punishment. UV exposure is the biggest risk, followed by foot traffic and potential rainfall.

To avoid it all taking a toll on untreated or neglected timber, it’s time for a bit of preparation. This month at Silverton Builders Merchants, we’re exploring how you can keep your decking looking sharp for family barbecues, rather than becoming a source of summer frustration.

How often should you treat garden decking?

Once a year is the rule of thumb for most British gardens, and ideally in the spring before the peak seasons begin. Hardwoods, like oak, are more forgiving, so you could carry out treatment once every two years instead, but most decking around homes in this country is done with softwood.

Softwoods are more porous and absorb moisture more readily, so that annual treatment is your best defence against rot, grey weathering and surface issues. If you have just installed new decking, allow it to weather for six to eight weeks before going in with any treatments. This is because fresh timber needs time to open up its grain to accept oils and stains.

What is the best way to protect timber decking?

There are three main product types you can look at. Each of the following offers a different finish and level of protection:

Decking oil - Oils penetrate the timber to feed the wood from within. This gives you a nice matte finish and is ideal for hardwoods.
Decking stain - Stains sit slightly more on the surface than oils. You can get a whole host of colours, and many will provide good UV and moisture protection.
Decking paint - This is your surface-level option, providing a solid finish colour. However, it takes a bit more preparation and maintenance.

For most homeowners, quality decking oils and semi-transparent stains give you that balance of protection and uplift in appearance. Whichever path you take, always try to give it two coats, leaving time for drying before you do the second coat to let it sink in.

How do you clean and care for decking before summer?

The first place to start is with a sweep. This gets up all the debris so that you’re ready for the following steps:

Cleaning - Always check that your decking cleaner is suitable for your wood type. When you have the right product, dilute it in water and scrub along the grain with a stiff brush. You can always try a pressure washer on a low setting for heavy build-up, but remember to keep the nozzle at least 30cm away from the surface to avoid damaging the wood fibres.
Dry it off - Give your decking at least 48 hours to dry (this obviously requires dry weather) before you apply any timber treatments.
Sand if required - If you’ve got rough, splintered areas, a light sanding with medium-grit sandpaper will help to smooth things out. Your treatment will then be easier to apply evenly.
Treat - Now you can apply your chosen oil or stain. Remember to allow it to cure fully before heavy use: see the product label for specific instructions.

Decking options from Silverton

If your current decking is beyond saving but you still want to make the most of the good weather, it might be time to start fresh. At Silverton Builders Merchants, we stock kiln-dried, pre-treated redwood timber decking for a traditional look, as well as Saige composite decking, made from 90% recycled materials with a low-slip finish. What’s more, the latter handily does away with the annual requirements for timber treatments.

Both of these products and more are available for fast, free delivery across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and the wider East Anglia region when you spend over £20. Alternatively, visit our branches across the region to pick up fresh decking for your garden.

Best Patio Cleaner Products From Azpects

analytics — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:37:35 +0100

Patios are subject to year-round exposure to the elements, which can take its toll more than you might realise. With six months of rain and frost, plus months' worth of bird droppings and decaying leaves, algae and general dirt leave your slabs looking a shadow of their best.

Choosing the right cleaner for the specific problem in front of you is what makes the difference, not just a general pressure washer and elbow grease. At Silverton Builders Merchants, we stock a wide range of patio cleaning products, making your patio look good as new.

Read on for more about the causes of patio staining and what we recommend as the best patio cleaning product.

What causes algae, moss and staining on patios?

The climate across East Anglia is particularly tough on patio surfaces. Because we face damp winters and low winter sun, the conditions are perfect for algae, moss and lichen. The same goes for Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

This means paving, decking and natural stone are at risk. When you add in the hard water areas that compound matters with limescale, plus organic matter and tannin from gardens, there’s no way to keep a patio fresh without a reliable patio cleaning product.

Which is the best patio cleaner brand?

Whether you’re a homeowner or landscaper in the UK, Azpects EASYCare is what we recommend the most. Their products are acid-free in most cases, making them suitable for plenty of surfaces. They even have concentrated versions which provide exceptional value if you have a large patio to clean.

Which patio cleaner should you use for different problems?

Here are our top picks, but always be sure to read the label carefully for manufacturer instructions and test products in small, discreet areas first:

Algae, moss and lichen: We supply the Azpects Easy Algae Remover, which is a professional-strength product to kill and control algae, mould and lichen. Results can last up to 12 months and all you need to do is apply it to get it working. There’s no extra scrubbing required if you’ve got light growth.
Heavy dirt and grime: In this scenario, Azpects Easy Patio & Deck Cleaner works quickly and effectively against the most stubborn dirt and grime on patios, decking and driveways. Featuring an active ingredient that remains on the paving, it reacts with the rain to keep your surface clean for up to 12 months.
Porcelain paving: The Azpects Porcelain Cleaner and Sanitiser Super Concentrate is a specialist product. It can remove old sealants and general grime, all without damaging your surfaces. Because it’s super concentrated, it can cover up to 300 square metres per litre if your patio uses porcelain tiles, pavers, marble, granite or terracotta.
Grout residue: This can be a common eyesore after you’ve finished installing porcelain. But with the Azpects Easy Grout Residue Remover, you can lift grout haze from both glazed and unglazed surfaces without scratching the finish.
Natural stone intensifier: Want something to enrich the colour of your paving and protect against future staining? Try the Azpects Natural Stone Intensifier for cleaning your sandstone, limestone or slate patio.
Deep cleaner with pressure washer: The Azpects Patio Snow Foam Cleaner gives you a thick layer of foam to break down dirt and remove moss and algae. It offers slow-drying, long-lasting action and can be used on any hard patio surface before careful pressure washing.

Read our comparison between porcelain and natural stone paving for patios if you’re planning to upgrade your space.

How do you get the best results when cleaning a patio?

The first thing you need to do is pick the right product. Once you have that, you can follow this as a rough sequence:

Sweep away loose debris
Apply your chosen cleaner (check the instructions for the right conditions)
Allow this to sit for the specified time on the label
If instructed, work the cleaner with a stiff brush
Finally, rinse away (unless using algae and moss treatments designed to be left to protect)

You can find the full Azpects range of cleaning products on our dedicated page. Available for free delivery across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire when you spend over £20, order online today and keep your patio clean as a whistle, all without the hassle — alternatively, visit one of our branches to pick up everything you need.

How To Choose the Right Railway Sleepers for Your Garden

analytics — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:03:38 +0100

Garden sleepers have become one of the most popular landscaping materials here in the UK, with residents in East Anglia particularly fond of our range at Silverton Builders Merchants. It’s easy to see why, because they’re robust, long-lasting and bring natural charm to both contemporary and traditional gardens.

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend project or an ambitious transformation, railway sleepers and garden sleepers are a versatile option. With a consistent shape, they’re genuinely DIY-friendly and easy to plan around. Here’s how to choose the right sleepers and make the most of them in common garden applications.

Building railway sleeper planters and raised beds

Railway sleeper planters can make for a satisfying weekend build, offering rigidity and weight to withstand the pressure of compacted soil, roots and wet compost. This is something lighter timber edging can’t handle over long periods.

For railway sleeper raised beds and planters, we recommend:

Here’s how to build a stable planter:

Start with a flat surface or dig a trench; this helps you to lock in the base layer and prevent it from moving laterally.
Use sleeper brackets to connect sections securely at the corners.
Stack additional sleepers in a brick-bond pattern, offsetting joins between layers.
Fix with long structural screws or sleeper pins for extra rigidity on taller planters.

Creating straight railway sleeper edging

A simple, single layer of sleepers can give your borders a nice structural edge that holds a crisp line year after year. Mowing against it is easy, and it’s a step up in appearance when compared to plastic trims.

Small graphite sleepers can add natural beauty, but before you start, bear in mind that:

Sleepers need a reasonably flat, level base as they don’t follow the undulations of the ground.
They work best on straight edges and geometric borders; for curved shapes, you need a more flexible alternative.
Each sleeper should be partially bedded into the ground to prevent it from shifting over time.

At Silverton, we carry an extensive stock of both treated timbers and oak railway sleepers for Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and the wider East Anglia region. With a range of colours, you can make border runs straightforward and aesthetically pleasing.

Constructing a railway sleeper retaining wall or garden slope

For more demanding projects, such as a terraced bank, railway sleeper retaining wall or some garden steps, extra planning can go a long way.

Here are our tips for retaining walls built with sleepers:

Low walls of one or two courses can be held in place with timber stakes driven into the ground behind each sleeper.
Taller walls will need a concrete base for the first layer to bear onto, helping it hold back significant weight.
Always offset joins between courses for improved structural strength.

For garden steps:

Lay each tread as a stacked pair of sleepers, giving a solid feel underfoot.
Pin or screw each pair together before you position them.
Bed the back edge of each tread slightly into the bank for added stability.
Fill in gaps between and around the steps with decorative stone — golden shingle or granite chippings add a touch of class while softening the edges.

How much are sleepers for the garden?

With a large, consistent stock of treated sleepers, you can order online for as little as £23.95 per sleeper from our online store at Silverton Builders Merchants, along with everything else you could possibly need. You’ll get free local delivery on orders over £20, saving you the hassle of trying to load up your car or van — which means more time to prepare your garden.

Not sure how many you need? Or just want to see them in person to inspire your railway sleeper border ideas? Then visit any of our branches, and we’ll be happy to help.

How Much Does a New Garden Fence Cost?

danny.manning@silverton.uk.com — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:17:34 +0100

The cherry on the top of a well-maintained garden is a brand new fence. Not only does it provide privacy and mark your boundary, but it also gives your space a tidy finish.

So how much does a new garden fence cost if you’re installing it yourself in East Anglia? This month at Silverton Builders Merchants, we’ll guide you through all the elements you can choose from and the price ranges you can expect depending on your preferences.

Digging your fence post holes

All new fences will start with some groundwork. That means digging the holes for your fence posts to be secured in. One cost you may not have considered is the cement specifically designed for fence posts:

We recommend FP McCann Post Crete, available in 20kg bags - £6.72 per bag, using 1.5 bags for each post (industry standard).

If you know you want to raise your fence panels off the ground, you might also need to account for gravel boards. Available in concrete and timber, the former is better for avoiding rot long-term. These start at £4.55 for our cheapest timber gravel board and go up depending on the size and material.

Choosing fence posts and weighing costs

Whether you want timber fence posts or concrete fence posts, you can find a range of sizes and shapes in our fence post category.

Timber fence posts - Offering a more natural feel, timber fence posts are a little cheaper, starting at just £7.50 for 1.8m posts, but they may require more maintenance and could need replacing sooner than concrete posts.
Concrete fence posts - Robust and low-maintenance, our concrete fence posts start from £19.14 for a 5-foot slotted post. You’ll need to consider how many end posts, corner posts and 3-way posts you need for your border.

We also sell machine round pointed fence poles if you’re after something more unique, starting at £3.62 for 1.8m poles.

How much do fence panels cost?

Your aesthetic preference will dictate which fence panels you go for. Whether you prefer simple panels or the more traditional and eye-catching installations, we offer a range of options, including:

Closeboard fence panels (vertical slats) - Starting from £34.14 and available in sizes upwards of 6x3 feet.
Waney fence panels (horizontal slats) - Starting from £28.80 and available in sizes upwards of 6x3’6 feet.
Picket fence panels - Starting from £28.22 for either rounded or pointed tops in a 6x3 feet size.

Remember that you’ll need to multiply the price by the number of fence panels you require.

Fencing fastenings, trellises and treatments

While the panels and posts may make up the majority of the budget, there are important fence fixings, such as screws, nails and staples, to consider. On top of that, you can also add extra accessories, such as a trellis for fence topping and wood treatments, if you’ve taken the timber route.

Final fencing price example

So, what’s the final cost for a single, standard section of new fencing? Here’s a rough calculation, but remember to adjust based on your preferences for materials, fence height and additions. The following are “starting from” prices for a basic fence panel and post replacement:

3x Bags of fence post concrete: £20.16
2x Timber fence posts: £15
1x Waney fence panel: £28.80
12x Fence clips: £14.40
- Total: £78.36

Fencing supplies delivered to you

Thinking of replacing your old fence this summer? Or do you need a whole new fence for a property you’ve moved into? At Silverton Builders Merchants, we deliver fencing supplies across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and the wider East Anglia region.

Browse and buy online to customise your fence and get everything you need in one handy order. If you need any further advice, simply get in touch with us today or visit one of our branches.