This white-rendered house in Newport looks out over a wooded hillside, with a lawn falling away below it. Along its side stood a wooden balcony with steps down to the garden, and in front of that lay a large sunken pond with slate chippings around it and a patchwork of old paths.

The owners wanted a proper outdoor space that joined the house, the balcony and the lawn together. We planned the layout with them, then levelled and prepared the ground, laid a new grey sandstone patio and fully renovated the balcony and its steps.

From pond and chippings to one level terrace

Compare the first and last photos, taken from almost the same spot on the lawn. The old pond, the loose slate and the stepping slabs are gone. In their place is a single sweep of grey sandstone running from the house wall to a straight edge above the grass, with the balcony steps landing right on the new paving.

The slabs are a cool grey sandstone with soft darker veining, laid in a random pattern of mixed sizes. Along the fence line on the left we spread a bed of plum-coloured slate chippings, which softens the edge next to the green mesh fence and gives rain a place to soak away. A raised row of edging stones holds the patio above the lawn.

Bringing the balcony back

In the before photo the balcony is dark and tired, with black spindles and a worn finish. Rather than pull it down, we repaired it. That meant:

  • structural repairs to the balcony frame;
  • cutting out damaged timber and replacing it;
  • treating and sealing the wood;
  • a fresh coat of stain over the whole structure, including the steps.

Planning a patio round an existing structure

When paving meets a balcony, deck or set of steps, the levels have to be worked out first so the treads land cleanly and water drains away from the timber and the house. Getting the ground right underneath is most of the job; the slabs are the part everyone sees. Our patio slabbing and paving page explains the groundwork we do, and our garden decking page covers raised timber structures like this one.

We work right across the city and its outskirts, and our landscaping in Newport page has more on local gardens. For another sandstone job in the same city, see this Newport front garden patio.

Questions About This Job

Can you repair an old balcony rather than replace it?

Often, yes. If the main structure is sound, we can fix the frame, swap out damaged boards and rails, then treat and stain it. If it is too far gone, we will tell you honestly and talk through the options.

What happens to an old pond when a patio goes over it?

The liner and any loose material come out, and the hole is filled and compacted in layers so the ground will not sink later. Only then does the patio sub-base go down on top.

Why put chippings along the fence instead of paving right up to it?

A strip of chippings lets rainwater drain at the edge, keeps wet mortar off the fence and makes it easy to reach the fence later for repairs.

How do I get a price for a job like this?

The cost depends on the area, the levels, what needs digging out or filling, and the state of any timber being repaired. Ask Tony and the team for a free quote.