This Pontypool back garden works on two levels. The lower part, next to the house, is now a patio of sandstone slabs in grey, plum and rust shades, laid in a random pattern of mixed rectangles. Above it, a raised area of golden gravel runs back to a timber summer house.
A low brick wall with a slab coping holds up the top level and marks the edge of the patio. In the middle of that wall, a single step and a narrow path of the same sandstone lead straight up through the gravel to the summer house doors, so the whole garden reads as one design.
A wall that doubles as a seat
Rather than a steep bank or a row of sleepers, the change in level is taken by brickwork. The wall stands only a few courses high, and its flat coping slabs overhang slightly, which makes it a handy perch as well as a retaining edge. It runs the width of the garden, stopping short at one end where it meets the side fence and the red brick pier.
Retaining walls, even low ones, need a proper footing, and the soil behind them needs somewhere for water to go. On our brickwork and garden walls page we explain how we approach that, and our guide to retaining walls for sloping Pontypool gardens goes into more detail.
Stone, gravel and a straight line to the door
The same sandstone was used for the patio and the path, which keeps things tidy. On the upper level, the gravel gives a low-upkeep surface that drains freely and sits well with the timber of the summer house and the horizontal fence panels.
When we lay a slab patio like this, the general order of work is:
- set out the levels, with a slight fall away from the house so rain runs off;
- dig out and compact a hardcore sub-base;
- bed each slab on mortar, mixing the colours as we go so no single shade clusters;
- point the joints and brush the surface clean.
Similar work nearby
We lay patios all over the town; our landscaping in Pontypool page has more about local gardens, and patio slabbing and paving covers the materials we use. For another Pontypool job with a change of level, see this raised sandstone patio.
Questions About This Job
Can a low wall be used as garden seating?
Yes, if it is built to a sensible height and topped with a flat coping. A slightly overhanging coping stone is comfortable to sit on and throws rain clear of the brickwork below.
Why use gravel on the upper level instead of lawn?
Gravel drains quickly, needs no mowing and suits a small garden where a patch of grass would be hard to keep neat. Laid over a membrane, it also keeps weeds down.
Does multi-coloured sandstone look busy?
Mixed slabs have lots of variation, but laying the colours evenly across the area keeps it calm. The sizes and shades balance out once the whole patio is down.
How do I get a quote for a split-level patio?
The cost depends on the size, how much the ground changes in level, access and the materials. Get in touch and Tony and the team will visit and give you a free quote.
