We use essential cookies to run this site, and optional cookies only with your consent. Cookie policy AcceptReject Open 7 days · Hours vary by day · 25 years' experience Office: 01279 216 215 | Mobile: 07932 442502 Services Areas About Our Work Blog Reviews Contact 01279 216 215 Free Quote - Home - Building & Construction - Patio & Driveway Installations Patio & Driveway Installations # Patios & Driveways in Bishop's Stortford & Hertfordshire Block paving, porcelain patios, resin-bound surfaces and natural stone — laid on properly prepared sub-bases that won't sink, dip or weed up within three years. Get a Free Quote 01279 216 215 25 years' experience Five-star rated Workmanship guarantee 25 Years' Experience Workmanship Guarantee SafeContractor Approved Gas Safe (where required) Open 7 Days Herts & Essex Coverage Overview ## Sub-Base First. Surface Second. The visible part of any patio or driveway is the surface — the porcelain slab, the block paver, the resin top coat. The part that decides whether it lasts is the sub-base underneath, which you can't see. We build the sub-base properly, every time — because no surface, however expensive, survives a bad sub-base. Our scope covers porcelain patios (including the popular 600×600 and 900×450 large-format slabs), block paving driveways and patios, resin-bound surfaces (low-maintenance, permeable, ideal for driveways), and natural stone (sandstone, limestone, slate). All laid on Type 1 hardcore sub-base to appropriate depth with proper drainage falls. Why It Matters ## Why Most Failed Patios Fail at the Sub-Base The classic patio failure: slabs laid on a thin sand bed straight onto compacted soil, no proper hardcore sub-base, no drainage consideration. Within two years the slabs sink unevenly, weeds come up through every joint, water pools after rain, and the whole patio looks years older than it is. The 'cheap' patio costs more in three years than a proper one would have cost on day one. Driveway failures are more dramatic: block pavers sinking under car wheels, ruts forming in regular driving lines, edge restraints kicking out, blocks tipping. All of it traceable back to inadequate sub-base depth and missing edge restraints. Sub-base done properly costs more, takes longer, and lasts decades longer. Our Process ## How We Deliver Patio & Driveway Installations 01 ### Survey & Quote Site visit, dimensions, drainage assessment, materials choice, fixed itemised quote. 02 ### Excavation Excavate to required depth (typically 200–250mm for patios, 300mm+ for driveways). Spoil removed. 03 ### Sub-Base Build Type 1 MOT hardcore laid in compacted layers. Proper falls set for drainage. Edge restraints fitted. 04 ### Surface Lay Slabs, blocks, resin or stone laid to manufacturer specification. Joints pointed or jointed properly. 05 ### Final Clean & Sign-off Surface cleaned down, snagging completed on the install. Benefits ## What You Get with J&Co ### Type 1 Sub-Base Proper depth Type 1 MOT hardcore — never compromised to save material. ### Drainage Falls Falls set away from the property, surface water managed properly. ### Edge Restraints Concrete haunched edge restraints on all driveways — no kicking out. ### Manufacturer Spec Slabs, blocks and resin all installed to manufacturer specification — preserves warranty. Technical Detail ## Porcelain, Block Paving, Resin and Natural Stone — Pros and Cons Porcelain patio slabs are the most-specified premium patio surface — extremely durable, frost-proof, stain-resistant, easy to clean. Available in large-format slabs (600×600, 900×600, 900×450) for a contemporary look. Higher upfront cost than concrete slabs but essentially zero maintenance over a 25+ year lifespan. Block paving remains the dominant driveway material in Hertfordshire — flexible, repairable (lift and replace individual blocks if damaged), and with extensive design options for borders, contrasting bands and patterns. Periodic re-sanding needed every few years to prevent weed growth. Resin-bound surfaces are the fastest-growing driveway material — laid as a single seamless surface over a proper macadam base, permeable (so no SuDS planning issue), low-maintenance, and available in many aggregate colours. More expensive per m² than block paving but no joints to weed. Natural stone (Indian sandstone, Yorkshire stone, limestone, slate) gives a more characterful, period-appropriate finish for older properties in Saffron Walden and Bishop's Stortford. Generally more variable in thickness so requires extra care in laying — and proper sealing to prevent staining from organic growth. For garden walls and edging see our brickwork service and fencing service. Large-format porcelain patio installation — typical contemporary back garden specification. Honest Pricing ## How Much Does a Patio or Driveway Cost in Hertfordshire? Pricing varies significantly by material, area and access. Honest guide ranges below. Porcelain patio £140–£220 per m² Including excavation, Type 1 sub-base, slabs, jointing and clean-down. Block paving driveway £100–£160 per m² Including excavation, Type 1 sub-base, blocks, edge restraints and kiln-dried sand. Resin-bound driveway £90–£150 per m² Laid over existing sound macadam — additional cost if base needs full replacement. ### What affects the price - Surface area (m²) - Material chosen (porcelain / block / resin / stone) - Existing surface removal and disposal - Sub-base depth required - Drainage and SuDS provisions - Edge detail and border specifications Get Your Free Written Quote Service Area ## Areas We Cover for Patio & Driveway Installations We deliver this service across our full Hertfordshire and Essex catchment. Regular projects in Bishop's Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Harlow, Saffron Walden, Stansted Mountfitchet, Great Dunmow, Epping, Ware, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage. Outside this list? Call us with your postcode — we frequently work the wider London fringe and across the rest of Hertfordshire. Recent Work ## Recent Patio & Driveway Installations Projects View full portfolio FAQs ## Patio & Driveway Installations — Frequently Asked Questions ### svg]:rotate-180 text-left font-bold text-base hover:no-underline py-5" data-radix-collection-item=""> How long does a patio take to install? ### svg]:rotate-180 text-left font-bold text-base hover:no-underline py-5" data-radix-collection-item=""> Will my driveway need planning permission? ### svg]:rotate-180 text-left font-bold text-base hover:no-underline py-5" data-radix-collection-item=""> Can you install on a slope? ### svg]:rotate-180 text-left font-bold text-base hover:no-underline py-5" data-radix-collection-item=""> How long do block paved driveways last? ### svg]:rotate-180 text-left font-bold text-base hover:no-underline py-5" data-radix-collection-item=""> Will weeds grow through? ### svg]:rotate-180 text-left font-bold text-base hover:no-underline py-5" data-radix-collection-item=""> Can you do steps and walls as part of a patio? ### svg]:rotate-180 text-left font-bold text-base hover:no-underline py-5" data-radix-collection-item=""> Are patios and driveways guaranteed? Related Services Fencing & Garden Walls Brickwork & Masonry Property Maintenance Building & Extensions Back to Building & Construction ## Get a Free Patio or Driveway Quote Owner-led survey, proper sub-base, manufacturer-spec install. Across Hertfordshire and Essex. Request Free Quote 01279 216 215 Page last updated: May 2026 · J&Co Builders Ltd · 1 Ugley Hall Cottages, Bishop's Stortford CM22 6JB Owner-led roofing and building contractors covering Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire and Essex. 25 years of hands-on trade experience. Open seven days. 01279 216 215 (office) 07932 442502 (mobile) info@jandco-contractorsltd.co.uk 1 Ugley Hall Cottages, Bishop's Stortford CM22 6JB Open 7 days a week - Sun 07:00–17:30 - Mon 07:00–17:00 - Tue 07:30–17:00 - Wed 07:00–17:30 - Thu 07:00–17:30 - Fri 06:00–18:00 - Sat 09:00–17:00 We accept VISAAMEX PayG Pay ### Roofing - All roofing services - Flat Roofing - Roof Repairs & Maintenance - Emergency Roof Repairs - Guttering, Fascias & Soffits - Chimney Repairs & Repointing ### Building & Construction - All building services - Building & Extensions - Loft Conversions - Renovations & Refurbishments - Brickwork & Masonry - Damp Proofing & Waterproofing - Plastering & Rendering - Patio & Driveway Installations - Fencing & Garden Walls - Property Maintenance ### Areas We Cover - Bishop's Stortford - Stansted Mountfitchet - Sawbridgeworth - Great Dunmow - Harlow - Saffron Walden - Epping - Ware - Hoddesdon - Broxbourne - Cheshunt - Welwyn Garden City - Stevenage ### Company - About J&Co - Our Recent Work - Blog - Customer Reviews - Contact Us © 2026 J&Co Builders Ltd · Trading as J&Co Contractors · All rights reserved. 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