Paving
Indian Sandstone Paving
Indian sandstone comes in mixed sizes that can be cut to fit awkward, tapering Abertillery plots, and its riven face gives good footing on the steps between levels.
The terraces of Abertillery climb the sides of the Ebbw Fach valley in long rows, and behind them the gardens are slim, steep and often a good walk from where a van can park. A single flat patio across the whole plot is rarely possible. What works is a series of smaller paved levels stacked up the slope, each one big enough to use, linked by steps you can climb safely with your hands full.
That is the kind of patio paving we do most in Abertillery. We plan the levels, hold back the ground, lay the slabs and build the steps, and we work out how every bag and slab will get in before we start. Tony and the team offer free quotes and advice, so drop us a line and we will come and look at the slope with you.
On a steep terrace plot, weight, grip and size of slab matter as much as looks. This is how our six materials suit Abertillery.
Indian sandstone comes in mixed sizes that can be cut to fit awkward, tapering Abertillery plots, and its riven face gives good footing on the steps between levels.
Outdoor porcelain is thinner and lighter than most stone, which helps when every slab has to be carried by hand up an Abertillery garden, and it resists the moss that thrives on shaded terraces.
Natural stone paving suits an Abertillery garden that still has old stone walls or steps worth keeping, tying new levels into what is already there.
Limestone gives a clean, calm look on a small top terrace, but on the shadier lower levels we would usually suggest something less absorbent.
Granite treads and edging are very hard wearing, so they are a good choice for the steps an Abertillery household climbs several times a day.
Block paving is less common behind Abertillery terraces, but small blocks are handy for curved paths and landings, and for parking where a house has room at the front.
Before choosing any slab, we work out how many usable levels the garden can hold. On a narrow Abertillery plot that often means two or three terraces: a seating patio near the back door, a middle level for a table or planting, and perhaps a top platform that catches the afternoon sun over the rooftops.
Each level needs something to hold the ground behind it, usually a brick or block retaining wall in Abertillery, with drainage behind so water does not build up pressure. Our guide to stepped patios for steep Abertillery gardens goes into layouts and how to divide the slope.
Few Abertillery back gardens can be reached by a digger or even a wide barrow. Materials usually come through a narrow rear lane, down or up a flight of steps, or occasionally through the house. Spoil from cutting in the levels has to leave the same way, and there is often a lot of it.
We plan around that from the first visit. Dig-out and waste removal happen before deliveries, materials are brought in stages so nothing blocks the lane, and slab sizes are chosen partly with carrying in mind. Our Abertillery article on getting materials into a back garden explains how it usually works.
Access also shapes the timetable. Carrying a patio’s worth of stone up a hillside takes longer than tipping it off a lorry, so a stepped job in Abertillery usually runs over more days than a flat patio of the same size elsewhere. We tell you that honestly at the quote stage rather than surprising you halfway through.
What people on the valley terraces get from T J Landscapes.
We work out the levels, walls and steps first, then the paving to suit.
We plan how materials get in and spoil gets out before anything is delivered.
Even risers, good grip and handrails where they are needed, so the garden is easy to use.
Tony and the team will tell you honestly what your plot can hold before you commit.
Paving on a hillside is always being nudged downhill by gravity and running water. A slab that moves a little on a flat garden can slide or tip on a slope. That is why we cut each level into firm ground, compact a solid crushed stone base, bed every slab fully and make sure the edges are held by a wall, kerb or haunched edging.
Our guides on how a patio should be laid and why patios sink, crack or lift cover the detail. If the fence along the slope is leaning too, see fencing in Abertillery.
Real reviews from homeowners across Abertillery — rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google from 69 reviews and 10/10 on Checkatrade.
“Had my patio done by the company and could not be happier. Top quality work done and quickly too.”
“I was pleased to find Tony and his lads were absolutely great! Tony responded quickly & was very polite.”
“We were delighted with the work and materials, which were of very high quality. Tony and team helped us.”
Local and practical guides to help you plan the work.
One team for the whole garden, so a single visit can price everything you have in mind.
We cover Abertillery and the towns around it. Choose another area below.
T J Landscapes South Wales
24 Conway Road, Pontypool
Torfaen, NP4 6HL
We cover homes right across South Wales, from Cardiff and the coast up to the valleys and the Brecon Beacons.
It depends on the length and steepness of the plot, but two or three usable terraces is common behind Abertillery terraced houses. We measure the fall on a free visit and sketch out the options with you.
Almost always on a steep Abertillery plot, since each level has to hold back the ground above it. Low walls are straightforward. Tall walls holding a lot of soil, or walls near a neighbour’s property, may need engineering advice, and it is worth talking to your neighbour early.
The number of levels and steps, the height and length of retaining walls, the paving material, how much spoil has to be carried out, and how far everything travels by hand. We explain each part in a free written quote.
If they are solid and safe, yes. Many Abertillery gardens have original stone steps that are worth keeping for their character. Where treads have worn uneven or the steps have started to lean, we can rebed them or rebuild in matching stone so the old and new sit together.
Choose a textured or riven finish, keep the steps brushed, cut back overhanging plants that keep them shaded and damp, and treat algae when it appears. Our patio care guide explains more, and our Abertillery landscaping page covers the rest of the garden.
Tell us roughly how steep and how long the garden is, and how you get into it, and we will arrange a free visit.