Planning a Patio? What You Need to Know Before the First Slab Is Laid

Thinking about getting a new patio this year? Whether it’s for summer BBQs, garden furniture, or just a cleaner outdoor space — there’s a lot more to it than just laying slabs.

At ShellCo, we’ve seen stunning patios… and disasters.

Here’s what you need to know before that first slab touches the ground.

🔍 1. Sub-Base = Everything

Most bad patios have nothing wrong with the slabs — the issue is what’s under them.

If the ground isn’t prepped properly, your patio will:

• Sink

• Crack

• Collect puddles

• Or even lift in frost

✅ We install:

• MOT Type 1 hardcore

• Minimum 75–100mm compacted sub-base

• Sharp sand or mortar bedding, depending on slab type

See our patio service process →

🧱 2. Choose the Right Slab Type

Not all slabs are equal — it’s not just about colour.

🔸 Sandstone:

Natural stone, textured, classy look. Needs sealing.

🔸 Porcelain:

Clean, modern, stain-resistant. Must be laid on solid mortar bed.

🔸 Concrete:

Budget-friendly, wide range of styles. Fades faster but solid when laid right.

💧 3. Get Drainage Right

Patios must slope slightly away from your house (usually 1:60 fall).

We also install:

• ACO drainage channels

• Soakaways

• Permeable pointing options

This avoids water pooling, green algae, and long-term damage.

⚠️ 4. Avoid Common Mistakes

We’ve fixed a lot of DIY and cowboy installs. Here are mistakes to avoid:

• Laying slabs on dry sand only ❌

• No compaction of sub-base ❌

• Jointing with soft brush-in mortar ❌

• Using the wrong mix for porcelain ❌

• Forgetting edge restraints ❌

✅ With ShellCo, your patio is built to stay flat, tight, and level.

📍 Patios Installed Across Hertfordshire

We build patios in:

Stevenage, Royston, Hitchin, Harpenden, Biggleswade, Shefford and more.

Check full service areas →

📞 Ready to Build Your Patio?

We’ll help you choose the right slab, prep your ground properly, and lay it all to last — no shortcuts.

➡️ Contact ShellCo for a Patio Quote