Tag: #Landscaping

Categories
External Groundwork

Upgrading Garden Planters in Beeston

While timber sleepers are a popular choice for garden borders and raised beds, weather exposure over time inevitably takes its toll. In this recent project, the client’s existing oak sleeper planters were beginning to pull apart, decay, and lose structural integrity. They wanted a long-term, permanent solution that would hold up to the elements without sacrificing style.

The Project Overview

  • Out with the Old: We completely removed the shifting oak sleepers and excavated solid footings to ensure a strong base for the new masonry. We sourced a skip larger than was required so we could also remove clear the customers debris stockpile from their garden which will free up space for future projects. In total we filled an 8 yard skip for the project.
  • Durable Brick Construction: We used Ibstock Cattybrook Bristol Buff sourced from John A Stephens in Nottingham, they were the only local branch to hold them. We used them as they matched the house to give a smoother aesthetic, we built the retaining walls and raised planters to complement the existing home and garden layout.
  • Staffordshire Blue Finish: To top off the walls, we laid double bullnose Staffordshire blue bricks along the coping. The smooth, rounded edges give a clean, professional finish that doubles as comfortable garden coping.
  • Moisture Protection: We applied a tanking slurry to limit the moisture transferring to the bricks. We used engineering spec bricks which can be laid underground but the tanking can’t hurt and is a belt and braces approach.
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Why Choose Double Bullnose Staffordshire Blue’s for the soldier course?

  1. Unmatched Durability: Staffordshire blue bricks are renowned for high strength and exceptionally low water absorption, making them ideal for ground-level garden exposure.
  2. Safety & Comfort: The dual-rounded bullnose profile removes sharp corners—perfect for family gardens and comfortable to lean against or sit on.
  3. Striking Contrast: The deep slate-blue tone creates a sharp, modern contrast against warm orange brickwork and green foliage.
  4. Corner headers: We managed to source corner headers which really finish it off nicely, though they are £60 each including VAT 

Looking to upgrade tired timber features in your garden to a clean, permanent brick structure? Get in touch today for a free consultation and quote! Call us on 07737 988 243

Categories
External Resin bound gravel

Long Eaton, Derbyshire Resin Bonded Gravel over concrete path

Recent Project: Durable Resin Bonded Gravel Driveway, Long Eaton

Our customer had had a fall from the slightly uneven surface of an old concrete path, she initially contacted us to renew it but we suggested adding resin bonded gravel on top would be a cheaper option and achieve the same effect. First impressions matter. We recently completed a driveway transformation for a client in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, and the choice of surfacing has completely changed the look and functionality of the property frontage.

For this project, we installed Honeycomb-coloured resin-bonded gravel, sourced from the specialists at The Resin Mill. Their website has a really good AI powered visualiser for showing a “before” and “after”

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Why Resin-Bonded Gravel?

We chose this system for three key reasons:

  • Aesthetics: The charcoal finish provides a crisp, modern contrast that really elevates the home’s exterior. It looks clean, sophisticated, and stays looking that way for a long time.
  • Permeability: Like our previous ramp projects, drainage is key. Resin-bonded systems allow water to permeate the surface naturally, which reduces pooling and takes the pressure off local drainage systems—a huge benefit for any driveway or pathway.
  • Durability: It creates a hard-wearing, slip-resistant finish that stands up well to daily vehicle use and the typical British weather.

Our Installation Process:

  • Preparation: We pressure washed the concrete surface using our high powered pressure washer, and let it dry. We applied a primer to get suitable bonding for the RBG.
  • Precision Application: The resin-bonded gravel was applied to a consistent depth, ensuring a smooth, uniform texture across the entire driveway.
  • Finishing: We ensured all edges were crisp and clearly defined against the existing boundary walls and lawns, providing that “perfect finish” look.

Problems we had along the way

  • We had originally planned to raise the drain cover to the rear of the property but the edge was concreted into the building, we therefore took out the mortar around the edge and flaunched the RBG in so there was no trip hazard.

Project Highlights:

  • Location: Long Eaton, Derbyshire
  • Materials: Charcoal Resin-Bonded Gravel (The Resin Mill)
  • Key Benefits: Excellent drainage, modern aesthetic, slip-resistant, and low-maintenance.

Looking to Upgrade Your Driveway or Pathway?

Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance driveway or a durable, accessible pathway for your home, we focus on high-quality materials and precise installation.

Let’s get your project off the ground. Contact us on 07737 988 243