Extend or Refresh
A larger, level outdoor space, without replacing what is already sound beneath your feet.
Common Failure Modes
The difference between a fix that lasts and one that fails within a season comes down to what happens before the first slab is lifted.
Laying new slabs over a settled or uneven sub-base replicates the same movement within one frost cycle.
A slab stability check and level survey confirm whether the existing base can carry new paving before any quote is given.
Water pooling on the surface or draining back toward the house can breach the damp-proof course over time.
The drainage check confirms fall direction and outlet position; an ACO channel drain is specified where the fall cannot be corrected by re-bedding alone.
A new section that does not align in colour, thickness or joint width makes the join look like a patch rather than a planned addition.
Where an exact slab match is not available, a contrasting border course is agreed so the join reads as a design choice, not a compromise.
Washed-out jointing sand lets slabs rock and weeds establish; repointing without fixing the cause means the same joints fail again within a year.
Loose slabs are lifted and re-bedded before jointing compound is applied, so the new joints are not working against movement beneath them.
Scope of Work
From a single cracked area to a full perimeter extension, the scope is set by what the assessment finds, not by a default package.
New paving section added to an existing patio, matched in fall, edging and slab choice to the current layout.
Sunken or rocking slabs lifted, bedding layer rebuilt to correct depth, slabs re-laid to a consistent level.
Failed mortar or jointing sand removed and replaced with a suitable jointing compound to stop weed growth and slab movement.
Surface fall corrected or a drainage channel installed to move standing water away from the house and boundaries.
Surface cleaned and staining removed; resurfacing applied where the slab face is worn but the base and joints are sound.
Cost-effective and widely available for matching older patios.
Full mortar bed and primer slurry required for a lasting fix.
Sandstone and limestone sourced to complement existing slabs.
Flexible bedding layer suits gardens with minor ground movement.
Why Choose Us
Assessment before commitment, and costs broken down so you can see exactly what each stage involves.
The site is surveyed first, so no quote is issued without a level, drainage and stability check.
Excavation, sub-base, bedding and paving are quoted as separate lines so no groundwork cost is hidden.
Cambridge properties in protected settings are flagged for a planning check before ground levels are touched.
The installer sources a close slab match or agrees a border detail before work begins, not after the first section is laid.
We take your enquiry and schedule a survey that covers Cambridge’s soil and drainage conditions.
Pricing Estimates
| Job | Typical cost | Typical size |
|---|---|---|
| Small resurfacing job | £900-£2,000 | Up to 10m² |
| Patio extension | £1,500-£3,500 | 10m² |
| Larger extension or full resurfacing | £3,000-£7,500 | 20m²+ |
Common Questions
Resurfacing works when the base is solid and level but the surface is worn, stained or cracked. If slabs have shifted, the sub-base has failed, or drainage is poor, a full replacement is the right call. A survey will confirm which applies, the base condition is the deciding factor, not the surface appearance alone.
Yes, sections in good condition can often stay. If part of the base is sound and levels are consistent, the work can extend or resurface only what needs attention. A survey confirms which sections are worth keeping before any lifting begins.
An exact match is rarely possible, since existing slabs weather and fade over time. The most reliable approach is choosing a complementary material or running a defined edge detail between old and new. The survey can advise on porcelain, sandstone, limestone or block paving options that sit well alongside what you already have.
Most patio extensions at ground level fall under permitted development and need no planning permission. The exception is if you are in a conservation area, the patio drains onto the ground rather than a soakaway or drainage system, or the area exceeds certain thresholds. Check with your local planning authority if you are unsure about your specific plot.
Small areas can be resurfaced by a competent DIYer if the base is flat and stable. However, getting levels, falls for drainage, and mortar mix right is harder than it looks, and mistakes on even a small area can mean relaying the whole thing. A quote is available so you can weigh the cost against the risk.
Check whether the base is still level and compact, whether drainage is working, and whether the movement is isolated or widespread. Patching one or two slabs makes sense when the rest is sound. If more than a third of the surface has shifted or the sub-base is soft, repair costs often approach replacement costs without fixing the root cause.
Resurfacing costs vary with area size, material choice and base condition. Most jobs come in at £900-£2,000, with porcelain at the higher end and concrete or block paving at the lower. A survey gives you an accurate figure once the base has been assessed.
Extension costs depend on the size of the new area, the material specified and how much groundwork is needed. Most extensions are priced at £900-£2,000, with excavation depth and drainage requirements the main variables. Tell us the dimensions and we will quote properly.
Describe the garden, what is down there now and how it drains. We will schedule a survey and quote the work properly.