Patios in Barnes
Porcelain, sandstone, granite and concrete patios laid on a proper sub base so they last.
Patios in Barnes have a few specific considerations that I always check before quoting. Lots of conservation area constraints in central Barnes, which can affect what materials are appropriate. Gardens are typically generous for inner London, often 12 to 18 metres deep. Most of my work in Barnes is around barnes pond and common and the streets either side of it. The other big thing in this part of London is drainage: gardens here are wet for at least four months of the year, so the falls on the patio matter, and the choice of jointing compound matters more than the choice of slab.
Barnes has a village green, a duck pond, and a real sense of being a small town within London. Housing is largely Victorian and Edwardian, with some impressive larger houses on the conservation area streets. For most Barnes patios I default to a 150mm Type 1 sub base, mortar bed at 50mm, and a 1:80 fall away from the house. That holds up to the wet winters and the loadings of garden furniture and foot traffic. Materials I'm asked for most often around here are Indian sandstone and porcelain.
What I do for every patios job in Barnes
- Lifting and disposal of any existing patio or surface
- Excavation to the correct depth for the chosen material
- Type 1 sub base, compacted in layers
- Slabs bedded individually on a wet mortar mix
- Joints brushed with the appropriate compound
- Falls set so water runs away from the house
- Site cleared and the patio washed down at the end
For a deeper look at how I approach patios, see the main patios page.
Patios in Barnes FAQs
What's the best patio material for a Barnes garden?
Porcelain is the most resilient option for the climate in this part of SW London. Indian sandstone is the next best on value and looks right with most house styles in Barnes. Concrete works on tight budgets and has improved a lot in recent years.
How do you handle drainage for patios in Barnes?
A 1:80 fall away from the house is the standard. If the existing garden has nowhere obvious for the water to go, I'll specify a linear drain along the patio's lowest edge with a soakaway at the end of the run.
How quickly can you start a patios job in Barnes?
Spring and early summer are the busiest months. For larger jobs I usually book six to ten weeks ahead. Smaller patios jobs in Barnes can sometimes fit in within a couple of weeks. The best step is a quick call to check current availability.
Do you cover all of Barnes?
Yes. Barnes (SW13) and the surrounding streets are all within my regular working area. If you're on the edge of Barnes or in a neighbouring area like mortlake, that's still fine.
Other areas I cover near Barnes
Get a patios quote in Barnes
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