Ever wondered what really goes into preparing a professional patio or garden path? In this post, we take you behind the scenes at Plex to show the full process — from excavation to sub-base compaction — that ensures every surface stays level, strong, and long-lasting. Learn the science, precision, and materials that make the difference between a short-lived patio and one that lasts decades.
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Every Plex Group project starts by stripping turf, topsoil, and organic matter to a depth of 150–200mm. We check for underground services, remove roots and debris, then set precise drainage falls using laser levels — a minimum 1:60 gradient directing water away from buildings. In clay-heavy areas like Evesham, Cheltenham, and Moreton-in-Marsh, getting this right is non-negotiable.
MOT Type 1 crushed aggregate is laid in 50mm layers and compacted with a vibrating plate until firm. A geotextile membrane may be placed beneath to prevent weed growth and sub-base migration into clay soil. In areas prone to heavy rainfall across Gloucestershire and Warwickshire, linear drainage channels or soakaways are installed at this stage.
A sharp sand bedding layer of 30–50mm is screeded to millimetre accuracy before slabs are laid. Porcelain and natural stone are set on a semi-dry mortar bed; block paving uses flexible jointing. Polymeric grout seals the joints for weed resistance and long-term durability — the final step before handover.
A 10-day full-property hardscape overhaul in Guiting Power, featuring French Dolomite Limestone porcelain throughout, a bespoke pergola over an outdoor kitchenette, and full perimeter drainage.
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A 6-day boundary extension and fence installation in Kingham, built using tongue and groove cladding to create a seamless, architectural finish.
A 20 year old timber deck replaced with frosted blue composite boarding, a custom step, and a built-in fish pond access hatch
A 10 day front garden transformation featuring gravel driveways, raised planters, hedge planting and full irrigation installation for a London property.
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Modern garden transformation in Cheltenham. Multi-level design with limestone paving, maximising space in a small terraced garden.
A neglected garden reimagined into a stunning rustic retreat, featuring reclaimed brickwork, a charming patio, and vibrant planting blending timeless character with thoughtful design.
A complete garden overhaul in Cheltenham, transforming an overgrown, rat-infested space into a sleek, low maintenance outdoor oasis with porcelain paving, integrated lighting, and a rat proof brick wall.
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From Cheltenham courtyards to Burford garden paths, Plex Group's preparation process is what separates a patio that lasts a decade from one that lasts a lifetime. Every layer is engineered, not guessed. Get in touch to start your project.
What's beneath your patio determines how long it lasts. Plex Group prepares every surface to professional standards across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Warwickshire.
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Bouncy decking means the subframe below the boards is underbuilt, failing or rotten. Plex Group explains the causes and what a proper repair looks like across Worcestershire and the Cotswolds.
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Patio slabs that rock underfoot are a bedding or drainage problem, and they won't fix themselves. Plex Group explains why it happens and what a proper repair looks like across Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.
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A leaning garden fence almost always points to post failure below ground. Plex Group explains why fence posts fail across Worcestershire and what the correct fix looks like.
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I would highly recommend Luke and Patrick and their team. They are all extremely polite and hard-working. They put up a new pergola in our back garden and tidied up the edges of the garden. An excellent job.
I can highly recommend Luke and his team. My garden had got a little overrun due to all the rain and needed some serious attention. They were on time and left my garden looking fantastic. I am so pleased that i will now be using them to maintain my garden permanently.
I had an overgrown garden and after placing an advertisement for someone to clear my garden they were the quickest to reply and offer their services. The work carried out was very good they were very efficient and I’m very pleased with the outcome.
Luke and Patrick have completed two projects for us now. They are the most polite and professional people with a hardworking team of individuals. Nothing is too much trouble for them.
Luke and his team were incredibly professional, polite and hard working. They did an amazing job cutting back my huge holly hedge and reducing four other large trees and bushes in the space of one day - it would have taken me weeks. Fast, efficient and very reasonably price.
Luke and his team are really lovely and professional. Cannot recommend him enough.
All the team are very personable, efficient, hard working, flexible and reliable they keep the customer in touch with any change of plans and timings. i can thoroughly recommend them.
Luke and the team are absolutely brilliant. A passion for what they do and personal but professional, so pleased to have found them!
We had some overgrown garden shrubs cut down to size. The service was professional and thorough from the initial visit, where Luke discussed various options regarding shaping and pruning, to the actual trimming.
Luke and his team offer a well run and professional service and are always willing to ensure the job is completed to customer satisfaction.
A relative's garden had become very overgrown. Luke and team come once a fortnight and have been slowly restoring it. It's already looking loads better. What's more, they take away all the garden waste and check in regularly to make sure they are meeting your requirements.
I can highly recommend Luke and his team, very professional from the quote to the finished job they went above and beyond replacing and installing a new fence for me. They did a fantastic job, will not hesitate to use them again. Great job guys. Thank you.
Our garden fence was damaged in a storm in December and a poor attempt to repair it by another company had left it sagging. The guys from Plex Procurement Group quickly worked out what needed to be done to fix and stabilise it and we are very pleased with the result.
Really pleased with the gardening the team are doing. They've helped get on top of the garden and are now maintaining it with regular visits. Very dependable and good quality work. Thanks Luke!
Patrick and his team came out to level our lawn out in harsh weather. Moving all the soil/mud by wheelbarrow to the front driveway. It was completed efficiently and at low cost. I would recommend Plex to my friends and family. We have them coming along to do some more work soon.
Really pleased with the concrete base for my carport that was completed by the team , worked really hard in poor weather conditions . Great job would definitely recommend the team .
We're really pleased with the changes you've made to our front garden and would have no hesitation recommending you and your team. I really appreciate you coming to water the garden once the job was finished and the after sales service was superb.
Completely satisfied with work carried out and very impressed with work ethic of the whole team. Their level of commitment is exemplary. Our garden will now be much easier to manage with the raised borders. Have already booked for further work in the spring.
Our garden has never looked better - hard-working, thorough, and also great at getting in touch if there's a change to the schedule, etc. They have nursed our box hedging back to health. Before and and after photos are a bonus!
The guys worked tirelessly for 10 days on my 100m hedge. This was a mammoth task, and they turned up on time every day with smiles on their faces. Polite, helpful, courteous and hard working. Price was also very reasonable. Would certainly recommend
Competitive price wise even though the work carried out was to a very high standard. I was very pleased with the end result and impressed with the tidiness they left the garden after all the work was carried out. A very happy customer!
Luke & the team are extremely efficient and professional. Our lawns look very neat and tidy. Thank you.
I can easily rate Garden Guys as 5 star. The are good listeners, respectful and will always go that extra mile to make sure you’re left smiling. ? After a couple of really bad years have left me incapacitated to do the smallest of jobs, I have really needed their support.
Very obliging and efficient we have worked out a schedule that suits us both.
Hard working young team. Plenty of effective machinery and responded to special requests. Will be using them this summer and confident the relationship should develop.
Excellent service and great communication. Would highly recommend.
The boys were charming, came on a Sunday worked very hard all day, and did a fantastic job of literally halving the height of my very out-of-control hedge. Highly recommend.
They are really hard working efficient and tidy so the garden always looks better for the visit. They add more each time an have the sense to check stuff if they are less sure about odd plants or problems. Highly recommended.
Excellent job. Very nice lads. Our timings were out due to weather and for me going into hospital. They took the job on and completed it perfectly without me. Very trustworthy and no hesitation in recommending this business. Thank you, Jan
Extremely polite and did their best in the pouring rain!
Fantastic friendly team, hard working, have done many varieties of jobs for myself, and really great rates to boot!
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