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At Creations Building & Landscaping, this is one of the simplest patio-planning questions we get asked. A 600x600 slab covers 0.36 square metres , so 1 square metre needs 2.78 slabs . In real terms, that means we usually work on roughly 3 slabs per square metre when planning a paved area. The quick calculation A 600x600 slab measures 0.6m x 0.6m . Multiply those together and each slab covers 0.36m² . Then divide 1m² by 0.36m² , which gives 2.78 slabs . What that means in pra

At Creations Building & Landscaping, our honest answer is this: decking can be cheaper than paving in some situations, but not always . If you are comparing a straightforward softwood deck against a high-end porcelain or natural stone patio, decking may come out cheaper upfront. But if you are comparing decking against simpler paving options, or looking at long-term maintenance and lifespan, paving can often offer better overall value. We install both decking and paving as pa

At Creations Building & Landscaping, we usually explain this job in five parts: set out the levels properly, dig and pour a solid footing, build the brick risers or side walls, install a compacted sub-base behind and beneath the steps, then lay the slabs accurately so the finished steps are level, durable and safe to use. That overall approach fits the way we already build paving and brickwork projects across Reigate and Surrey, where groundwork, drainage, base preparation

At Creations Building & Landscaping, we install patios and paving , garden paths and outdoor spaces across Reigate and Surrey, and one thing we know for certain is this: good paving starts long before the first slab goes down. On our own projects, we focus on excavation, drainage, sub-base preparation, accurate laying and careful finishing, because that is what keeps paving looking neat and staying solid for years. For a DIYer, the basic process is simple in principle. You ma

Garden steps can completely change how an outdoor space works. They make sloped areas safer and easier to use, help connect patios and lawns, and can turn an awkward change in level into a feature that looks intentional. At Creations Building & Landscaping, we often build steps as part of wider landscaping , paving and brickwork projects across Reigate and Surrey, where the aim is not just access, but a finish that feels right for the garden and the house. The basic process

If the question is whether paving slabs can be laid directly on soil, the honest answer is yes, they can be placed there. But if the question is whether that is a good way to build a patio that stays level, drains properly, and lasts, our answer is usually no. At Creations Building & Landscaping, we build patios and paved spaces to be long-lasting, and that is why our own process starts with groundwork, drainage where needed, and a strong compacted base before the paving sur

At Creations Building & Landscaping, one of the practical questions we hear when homeowners are planning a new patio or driveway is: how many block pavers per m2 are needed? The simple answer is that it depends on the size of the block. For the standard 200mm x 100mm block that is commonly used for driveways and paths, the usual allowance is 50 blocks per square metre . That comes from the block size itself and is also reflected in supplier coverage figures for standard 200

When homeowners search for how to lay a patio without cement, it is usually because they want a quicker, cleaner or lower-cost way to create an outdoor seating area. The honest answer is that it can be done in some situations, but it is not usually the method we would recommend for a main patio that needs to stay level, stable and attractive for years. Standard paving guidance from Marshalls still centres on firm, well-drained ground, robust edging, a minimum 100mm sub-base

At Creations Building & Landscaping, we install patios, paths, and paved spaces across Reigate and Surrey, including porcelain paving and natural stone, so we know one of the first questions homeowners ask is how many slabs they actually need. The good news is that the calculation is usually straightforward once the area has been measured properly and the slab size has been chosen. The basic method is simple: measure the patio area, work out the area of one slab, then divide

At Creations Building & Landscaping, we know that even a well-built patio will eventually need maintenance. One of the most common issues homeowners face is worn, cracked or missing pointing. If you are wondering how to repoint a patio , the good news is that the process is straightforward in principle, but getting a clean, durable finish takes care, preparation and the right materials. As a Reigate-based building and landscaping company with more than 25 years of experience

At Creations Building & Landscaping, we’re often asked: is block paving permeable? It is an important question for any homeowner planning a new driveway or patio, especially if drainage, standing water and long-term performance are high on the list of priorities. The short answer is: sometimes, but not always . Standard block paving is not automatically permeable. Whether water can pass through it depends on the type of blocks used, the jointing, and, just as importantly, w

At Creations, we know that a well-laid patio is the foundation of any great outdoor space. Whether you're upgrading your garden or starting from scratch, understanding how to lay paving slabs properly ensures a durable, level, and professional finish. This guide walks through the full process, combining our hands-on experience with practical advice to help you achieve long-lasting results. Tools and Materials You’ll Need Before starting, it’s important to gather everything r

If you are wondering how deep should gravel be on a driveway, the practical answer is: the surface gravel is usually around 50mm deep, but the full driveway build-up is often closer to 150mm to 200mm once you include the compacted sub-base underneath . That is the part many homeowners miss. The visible gravel layer is only the top finish; the strength of the driveway comes from what sits below it. Trade guidance commonly recommends about 50mm of gravel for the surface layer,

The best driveway pavers for most homes are usually block paving, concrete block paving, and natural stone . Block paving is often the best all-rounder because it offers strong durability, lots of design flexibility and good value for money. Natural stone is often the premium choice for homeowners who want a more characterful, high-end finish. And concrete block paving is a practical option when you want a clean, durable driveway without stretching the budget too far. There

Usually, no. In most UK driveway projects, tarmac is cheaper upfront than block paving. Current cost guides put a typical tarmac driveway at around £90 per m² and a typical block paving driveway at around £100 per m² , with a 50m² tarmac drive averaging about £4,500 compared with roughly £5,500 for block paving. That said, the cheapest option on day one is not always the best value over time. Block paving often costs more because it is more labour-intensive and offers fa

If someone parks across your driveway, it is easy to assume the answer is always yes. In reality, the legal position is a little more specific than that. In England, the Highway Code says drivers should not stop or park where the kerb has been lowered and should not park in front of an entrance to a property. On top of that, section 86 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 prohibits parking next to a dropped footway in special enforcement areas, subject to certain exceptions. Th

Patio doors are more than just an entryway to your garden. They bring light into your home, create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection,...

Patio furniture cushions can make outdoor seating more comfortable and inviting. But over time, they collect dirt, pollen, and even...

A clean, well-sealed patio not only looks better but lasts longer. Whether you have porcelain, natural stone, or concrete paving, regular...

Pointing and grouting are the finishing touches that make a patio look complete. They fill the gaps between slabs, lock everything in...