So after many weeks of planning and some careful planning with the clients, Prestige Paving were chosen to install a large 135m2 patio with steps to the rear of a converted barn at Wistow. And what a house. The first two pictures shows day one and the team setting out:

Day 1-Setting out

Ready for anything-Prestige Paving about to start work

As you can see, The house was old so we had to pay extra special care at all times. The footings for example were just bricks that jutted out so we had to avoid damaging them and overall, just be a bit a sympathetic towards the structure. It even had its own working well. This was to be constructed latter, a first for Prestige but one that Tom, the owner couldn't wait to get his teeth into.

So now the setting out was done, some of the fancy stuff could start and the pictures below show the initial layer's of hardcore going down. This was crushed rubble and the main objective was to raise the levels-50 tonnes later, and after many passes with a very large vibrating roller, we had hit our mark and were ready to cap it off with some clean '20mm down, type 1' hardcore.

The first layer of Hardcore- 40 tonnes to go.

Tom starts the 25m long steps

25 metre steps completed

 So the steps were installed and the drainage was incorporated into a soak away, we were almost a point where we could lay the blocks that made up the patio. We were using Sorrento Niddstone supplied by Keyline in York. They were a special order and we all agreed that they seemed to be the perfect match to pick up the colours of the old clamp bricks used to build the barn. But before this next stage, there was one last thing to to do. Incorporate the clients antique lampost into the corner of the patio. Made from solid cast iron, no amount of weetabix was going to help the team erect this ancient monument so with a bit of gentle help from a farmer and his huge tractor, we got it in, and ready to wire up- what a relief!

So the blocks were laid in the usual fashion, on a screeded layer of compacted grit sand and the neatly cut in around the edges with a Stihl saw. Prestige paving always use a stihl saw for the cutting in process as it makes a much neater and tidier cut block edge than a using a block cutter. Its just one of the reasons that we get a lot of work from recommendation based on jobs that still look as good today as they did when they were first installed.

Below then are the finished pictures- You'll notice the well that has been built up, Tom really enjoyed this part of the job and i think you'll agree it looks great. The client plans to build a real oak structure around it with a rope and bucket to extract the water from the 30 foot well.

The steps

From a distance-The patio in all its glory

A view of the well and the curving step

The Antique Lampost-The clients pride and joy, ready to be re-wired

 So that was the Job and and a very enjoyable one for all the team. After a long cold winter, we were treat to some excellent weather which made for a smooth job. The clients are on holiday so will come back to a nice surprise especially with all the little extras that the team have done such as the soiling up and remedial landscaping-Its all part of the service. For Prestige Paving, its on to the next project, creating driveways and patios for you to enjoy just in time for summer!

After a very cold spell leaving most ground workers watching the weather forecasts, Prestige Paving have been carrying out their winter duties, gritting Yorkshires railways stations under contract for ISS facilities management.

But the snow has passed and its half term week which means that Prestige can get on to the work that they carry out for some of the primary schools in the York area.

First up is Osbaldwick primary school. The spec was to clear and excavate an unused area of grass into a small parking and turning area of hard standing. Prestige use their own 1.5 ton JCB mini excavator to clear the topsoil and then quality recycled hardcore to create the car park base. Once compacted,  road chippings are laid for a surface finish as an alternative to the more expensive tarmac.  Overall, the job went perfectly and  was a cheap yet effective   car parking solution.

        As the week progress, it was onto Hempland Primary school to carry out some essential drainage works. Prestige paving had to replace a collapsed manhole with a new cover an internal masonry. A simple job but also a specialised one that required the team to work to correct codes and British standards. 

Another good job. Prestige Paving have built their reputation with York schools through honest, reliable workmanship carried out by well mannered workmen who are considerate in their approach to job. That's why Prestige Paving continue to have a good relationship with local authorities and businesses. Prestige paving worked hand in hand with Aspects landscapes who hold the ground maintenance contract for the schools. Together, they have worked together on many different projects in the York area. Long may it continue.

Prestige Paving are in an elite group of ground workers and Landscapers in York and for a very good reason. Being a well established company that has the best part of 20 years experience, has helped us build a company that is recognised by the City of York Council as being one able to carry out works on their highways to the very high standards that they set-As a result, Prestige Paving is on their list of approved contractors, able to carry out works to the streets and verges at the front of peoples properties. We are able to help at every stage from applying for your planning permission right through to the end of construction. Applying is simple and the process takes about 4 weeks from start to finish

But was does make Prestige Paving unique is their workmanship. Time served ground workers understand the technical challenges of operating between small civil engineering works and giving clients the driveways, patios and gardens of their dreams. They bridge the two disciplines perfectly and continue to produce some of the best domestic and commercial work in the York and Yorkshire area.

Although the images below aren't breath taking, we are just illustrating what is possible on a budget. In our current economic climate, not everyone have thousands to spend on dramatic driveways but we are here to find the solution to suit everyone. Apart from the driveway looking good, having an access crossing and place to put your car off the road ultimately adds value to your property.

On the Left: Tarmac Vehicle access crossing £700 + VAT (included hedge removal)      50mm Brindle Block Paving laid heeringbone with a charcoal border laid in soilder course    £1300   

On the right:Large vehicle access crossing with drainage channels £800 +VAT leading onto a reclaimed 60mm Brindle Block Paved Drive £1150

 The below images show what can be achieved on a budget-Simple, practical and property enhanching:

Vehicle access crossing through Council verge onto new Block Paved driveway.  

What did the above achieve for the client? Well finally, and after years of staring out of the window at the bleak backyard, they are finally able to use the space for whatever they like from a quiet summer evening glass of wine  to a BBQ with friends. It really has become a room outside for the client with LED Lighting and plans to put a retractaable awning over it in the future. Not only does it create usable space in the short term, but ultimatley adds value to the house long term which can only be a good thing. Lets embrace our small city courtyards and breath some 21st century life back into our lovely old houses.

20 m2 of Grey Indian Stone  pointed with Grey Geofix £1150   (Includes all materials and labour costs)