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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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Installing a patio or path is far more complex than laying slabs on soil. Without proper groundwork, the surface will eventually move, settle, or crack. Worcestershire’s weather — alternating between heavy rain and dry spells — causes ground expansion and contraction, putting stress on any poorly prepared base.
At Plex, we start every project with site assessment and soil testing, identifying existing compaction levels, drainage flow, and soil stability. This isn’t just routine — it’s essential. The British Standard for paving installations (BS 7533) recommends specific base depths depending on load-bearing requirements, and following this guidance is key to lasting results.
Our process begins by stripping away the topsoil, turf, and any organic matter. In most domestic gardens across Worcester, Evesham, and Pershore, we excavate to a depth of 150–200mm below the intended finished height. This depth allows space for a solid sub-base and sand bedding layer.
We also check for underground services and ensure all roots and debris are removed — because organic materials decompose over time, creating voids that lead to sinking.
Next, we establish levels and gradients. Every patio must have a slight fall — typically 1:60 — directing water away from buildings and toward garden drainage or flower beds.
In areas like Droitwich or Malvern, where rainfall can be heavy, we sometimes install linear drainage channels or soakaways beneath or alongside the patio to manage surface water effectively. Poor drainage is the number one cause of patio damage, so this step is never skipped.
Once the ground is excavated and shaped, we install a MOT Type 1 sub-base — a mixture of crushed limestone and granite that provides structural stability. This is laid in layers of 50mm and compacted using a vibrating plate compactor until a firm, even surface is achieved.
For driveways or high-traffic garden paths, we sometimes use Type 3 sub-base (open-graded aggregate) to allow better water permeability. This choice depends on the project’s drainage plan and soil type.
A geotextile membrane is often placed between the soil and sub-base to prevent weed growth and stop the sub-base from sinking into the soil. In clay-heavy Worcestershire areas, this layer also improves separation between materials, keeping everything stable even after years of freeze-thaw cycles.
On top of the compacted sub-base, we spread a layer of sharp sand — usually 30–50mm deep — screeded perfectly level. This layer allows fine adjustment of the paving slabs and ensures an even surface.
Our teams use laser levels and string lines to achieve millimetre precision. Every slab sits flush, preventing trip hazards and ensuring consistent joint widths.
We then lay slabs using either a mortar mix (for porcelain, limestone, and sandstone paving) or a flexible bedding (for block paving and paths). Each slab is checked with a spirit level and tapped into place with a rubber mallet to achieve a perfect finish.
Once complete, we joint the paving with polymeric or resin-based compounds, ensuring durability and weed resistance.
Finally, we recompact the surface, clean the area, and test drainage with a light water spray. Every Plex project is left ready to use — and backed by our workmanship guarantee.
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Many Worcestershire gardens sit on a mix of clay and loam, which retains water during wet months and cracks during dry spells. This makes a strong sub-base even more critical. In areas like Bewdley or Redditch, where sloping gardens are common, we often incorporate retaining features or stepped patios to stabilize the landscape.
Our familiarity with local terrain means we can predict drainage behavior and plan accordingly, preventing the common post-installation issues homeowners often face when using non-specialist contractors.
A patio is only as strong as the equipment used to prepare it. Plex invests in professional compaction plates, laser levels, and trenching tools to deliver accuracy that DIY methods can’t match. Using the correct machinery not only saves time but ensures compliance with industry standards.
According to the CITB’s construction performance guidelines, improper base installation is among the top causes of patio failure in the UK — something professional groundwork eliminates entirely.
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The methods used beneath the surface can dramatically change how your patio or path performs over time. For example, a Type 3 sub-base with permeable joints allows rainwater to flow through, reducing puddling — ideal for modern porcelain patios. Meanwhile, Type 1 bases create a dense, impermeable structure suitable for traditional stone paving.
Another factor is compaction frequency. Each layer must be compacted multiple times to eliminate air gaps, or else settling will occur later. Our teams also consider edge restraint systems, which lock the patio perimeter in place and stop lateral movement — a detail often missed in rushed installations.
The choice of bedding mix is equally crucial. For natural stone, a semi-dry mortar bond prevents water ingress beneath slabs. For block paths, flexible jointing allows slight movement during temperature changes. These seemingly minor differences are what separate a patio that remains level for 15 years from one that sinks after one winter.
At Plex, we see groundwork as engineering, not just landscaping. It’s the invisible craftsmanship that defines visible beauty.
Behind every perfect patio or garden path lies expert preparation — the quiet precision that ensures strength, stability, and beauty for years to come. Our process at Plex goes far beyond the visible finish; it’s about building trust in every layer of soil, aggregate, and sand beneath your feet. Whether it’s a courtyard in Worcester or a garden walkway in Malvern, professional groundwork ensures your outdoor space looks flawless and performs perfectly — season after season.
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Sometimes the most cost-effective way to transform a tired, overgrown, or uneven garden is to start fresh. This article explores when full garden removal and reset make better sense than repeated patchwork repairs. From failing patios and drainage problems to compacted soil and outdated layouts, we explain the signs that it’s time for a complete redesign — and how Plex rebuilds outdoor spaces across Worcestershire from the ground up for long-term performance and usability.
Water pooling on a patio is one of the most common issues homeowners face, especially in wetter areas of Worcestershire. Puddling can lead to slippery surfaces, moss growth, staining, joint failure, and long-term structural damage. In this guide, we explain the true causes of standing water, including installation errors, sinking slabs, blocked drainage, and ground movement. We also break down the professional fixes and preventative measures used at Plex to keep patios draining correctly year-round.
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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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