Concrete Paths and Patios in Burnley

What this covers

Concrete makes a practical path or patio: one continuous surface with no flags to rock, lift or grow weeds between. It suits utility routes and side access particularly well.

• —Garden paths
• —Utility and bin paths
• —Side access routes
• —Patio and standing areas
• —Outdoor seating areas
• —Concrete steps where appropriate

Falls and drainage

Every path and patio needs a fall. Water should run away from house walls, doorways and airbricks, towards the garden or an existing drainage point.

Where an area sits against a property, the finished level relative to the damp-proof course matters and is checked as part of setting out.

Edging and existing levels

Edges are formed with shuttering and, where useful, kept slightly above or flush with adjoining lawn or beds depending on how the area will be used.

New concrete usually has to tie into something existing — a step, threshold, driveway or old flags. Those junctions are planned before the pour so there is no awkward lip.

Removing old surfaces

Cracked concrete, loose flags, gravel and old tarmac are broken out and removed where agreed. It is usually better to take an old surface out than to lay over the top of it, since the build-up affects both levels and drainage.

Preparation and finish

The route is excavated, a compacted sub-base laid, and the concrete placed to a suitable thickness for foot traffic, barrows or a mower.

A brushed finish is the usual choice outdoors for grip in wet weather.

Access

Paths and patios are frequently in rear gardens reached through a gate or alley, so materials come in by barrow. It is workable — it just needs allowing for in the time and price.

Cost factors

• —Length, width and total area
• —Removal of existing surfaces
• —Excavation depth and spoil
• —Falls and level changes
• —Steps or edging details
• —Access and barrow distance
• —Concrete thickness and finish
• —Waste removal