Taking everything back
The old timber deck and its frame were removed, and the old pavers were lifted along with the sand they were laid on, so the new patio could start from a proper base.
Case study · Elephant and Castle SE17 · December 2024
Sandstone patio, balau deck and fencing in Elephant and Castle
Jessica's back garden in Elephant and Castle had an old timber deck, tired paving and worn fence panels. We took out the old deck and its frame, lifted the old pavers and the sand beneath, built a compacted Type 1 base and laid around 30m² of grey Indian sandstone in 600 × 900mm slabs on a full sand and cement bed. We built a new frame and a yellow balau hardwood deck at the back door, changed about six fence panels to closeboard on the existing posts, fitted a recessed manhole cover and installed eco drains connected to the manhole outlet. One week, £9,360 all in, including VAT.
- Location
- Elephant and Castle, SE17
- Client
- Jessica
- Price
- £9,360 inc. VAT
- Time on site
- 1 week
- Paving
- Grey Indian sandstone, about 30m²
- Decking
- Yellow balau hardwood
Where we started
The brief
Jessica's back garden in Elephant and Castle had an old timber deck at the back door, old paving on a sand bed and fence panels that had weathered grey. The whole garden needed redoing: paving, decking and fencing together.
Rather than lay new slabs on the old sand, the paving was taken right back and rebuilt properly on a compacted base, with drainage to deal with surface water. It is a good example of the patios in Elephant and Castle and decking in Elephant and Castle we build.
Before & after
The same garden, before and after
The tricky parts
What went into it
Step by step
How we built it
Clearing the old deck and paving
The old deck and frame were removed and the old pavers and sand lifted, taking the garden back to the ground.
Old paving and sand being cleared from the garden in Elephant and Castle 
Garden dug out between the fence and the house, ready for the new base Type 1 base and grey sandstone
A Type 1 sub-base was compacted in layers, then the grey Indian sandstone was laid on a full sand and cement bed with every slab primed on the back.
Grey Indian sandstone slabs laid across the patio 
New sandstone patio with the hardwood decking boards ready to fit Eco drains and the manhole cover
Eco drains were installed and connected to the manhole outlet, and a recessed manhole cover was fitted and filled with sandstone.
Recessed manhole cover filled with sandstone, with an eco drain along the wall The yellow balau deck
A new frame was built at the back door and yellow balau hardwood boards laid to form a landing and steps.
Yellow balau boards being laid on the new deck frame 
Finished balau landing and steps at the back door Closeboard fencing
About six old panels were changed to closeboard, keeping the existing concrete posts.
New closeboard fence panels along both sides of the garden
The finished work
The finished garden
Budget
What it cost
This project came to £9,360 including VAT, all in: removing the old deck, frame, pavers and sand; a compacted Type 1 base; around 30m² of grey Indian sandstone supplied and laid on a full mortar bed; a new frame and yellow balau hardwood deck; about six closeboard fence panels; a recessed manhole cover; and eco drains connected to the manhole. See our patios in Elephant and Castle page for more options.
Get a free quote- Price
- £9,360 inc. VAT
- Time on site
- 1 week
- Paving
- Grey Indian sandstone, about 30m²
Questions
About sandstone patios and hardwood decks
Thinking about something similar? These are the questions we hear most.
How much does a new patio and deck cost in Elephant and Castle?
Jessica's garden in Elephant and Castle SE17 cost £9,360 including VAT for around 30m² of grey Indian sandstone on a Type 1 base, a yellow balau hardwood deck on a new frame, about six closeboard fence panels, a recessed manhole cover and eco drains, all supplied and fitted in one week.
Why lay sandstone on a full mortar bed?
A full sand and cement bed supports the whole slab, so it cannot rock or crack over a hollow spot. Priming the back of each slab helps it bond to the mortar and reduces staining coming through the stone.
What is yellow balau decking?
Yellow balau is a dense tropical hardwood. It is much harder and longer-lasting than softwood decking, and weathers to a silver-grey if it is not oiled.
Why fit drains in a patio?
Paving sheds rainwater, and in a small garden enclosed by walls it can pool against the house. Eco drains along the paving collect the water and carry it to the drainage, here the manhole outlet.
Can a manhole cover be hidden in a patio?
Yes. A recessed manhole cover is a shallow tray that is filled with the same paving, so the cover blends in but can still be lifted for access.
Can you change fence panels without new posts?
Yes, if the posts are sound. Here the concrete posts were kept and the old panels changed to closeboard, which keeps the cost down.
Do you work near Elephant and Castle?
Yes, including Kennington, Oval, Camberwell and Bermondsey. See all our landscaping in Elephant and Castle.
Free survey
Planning a new patio or deck?
Tell us about your garden and we will arrange a visit and a written quote.
020 3633 5529 info@finelandscape.co.ukFine Landscape Ltd
31 Tylecroft Road, Norbury, London SW16 4BL
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