Membrane Laying in Exeter
Professional membrane laying services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£8-12/sqm
Typical Duration
2-4 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Professional weed membrane laying for garden areas, under gravel, or beneath decking. Proper ground prep, correct overlaps, secure fixing - effective weed control that actually lasts.
Foundation for Low-Maintenance Areas
Membrane only works if it's laid properly. Ground needs preparing, joins need overlapping correctly, edges need securing. Do it right and you get years of weed control. Skimp on preparation or quality and weeds find their way through within months.
What We Do
- Ground preparation - clear, level, and ready
- Quality membrane - heavy-duty, UV-resistant options
- Proper overlaps - 150mm minimum at all joins
- Secure fixing - pinned and weighted correctly
- Edge treatment - tucked or secured as appropriate
- Ready for covering - gravel, bark, or paving
💡 Pro tip: Membrane is most effective under gravel or bark. If left exposed to sun, UV degrades it within a couple of years. Cover it properly and it'll suppress weeds for a decade or more.
Done Right vs Done Wrong
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Ground cleared and leveled first | Laid over bumpy, weedy ground |
| 150mm overlaps at all joins | Butted edges or gaps |
| Secured with plenty of pins | Loose or flapping membrane |
| Heavy-duty, weed-proof fabric | Thin, cheap material that tears |
Why Choose Us for Membrane Laying in Exeter?
Proper ground preparation
Correct overlaps at joins
Securely fixed and pegged
Long-lasting weed control
What to Expect
Step 1: Preparation Clear the area of vegetation, level the ground, remove sharp stones or debris that could puncture membrane.
Step 2: Laying Roll out membrane, cut to size, ensure proper overlaps at joins, secure with pins throughout.
Step 3: Finishing Tuck or secure edges, check for any gaps or vulnerable points, ready for whatever covering you're adding.
🔧 DIY Tips
🔧 Tools Needed
- Stanley knife or scissors
- Tape measure
- Membrane pins (6-8 per sqm)
- Rake and spade for ground prep
- Wheelbarrow for clearance
📐 Steps
- Clear area completely - remove weeds, grass, debris
- Level and firm the ground
- Roll out membrane, plan your layout
- Cut to size, allowing for overlaps
- Overlap joins by minimum 150mm
- Pin every metre or so, more at edges
- Secure all edges - tuck under or pin
- Cover with gravel, bark, or paving
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Skipping ground prep - bumps and roots puncture membrane
- Inadequate overlaps - weeds find the gaps
- Not enough pins - wind gets underneath
- Cheap, thin membrane - tears and degrades quickly
💡 Pro Trick
When laying multiple strips, overlap in the direction of prevailing wind so edges don't lift. And pin generously - better too many pins than having it blow around before you get the covering on.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Combines Well With:
- Gravel Laying - complete installation
- Bark mulch spreading
- Decking or paving installation
Related Services:
- Gravel Laying - complete gravel areas
- Garden clearance and preparation
Best Time: Any time of year when ground is workable. Easier in dry weather when you can prepare the ground properly.
Coverage Needed: Membrane must cover entire area with no gaps. One small gap becomes a weed highway - they'll find it.
Quality Matters: Professional-grade membrane costs more but lasts significantly longer. Cheap membrane from DIY sheds often fails within 2-3 years.
Under Decking: Essential for preventing weeds growing up through deck boards. Saves hours of tedious weeding from awkward positions under the deck.
Maintenance: Even with membrane, occasional weeds from wind-blown seeds might appear on top of gravel/bark. But you're pulling them from loose topping, not wrestling roots - makes maintenance trivial compared to bare soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of membrane do you use?
Heavy-duty weed-suppressing landscape fabric, usually 100gsm or higher. Not the flimsy stuff that tears if you look at it wrong. We can supply professional-grade membrane or work with what you've purchased.
How long does membrane last?
Quality membrane properly laid should last 10+ years under gravel or bark. UV exposure degrades it faster, so it needs covering. The better the quality and installation, the longer it performs.
Do I need to remove plants and grass first?
Ideally yes - membrane works best on cleared, level ground. We can do the clearance as part of the job. Laying over weeds means they might push through eventually, especially perennial ones with strong roots.
What about water drainage?
Good membrane is permeable - lets water through while blocking weeds. We ensure it's laid to maintain natural drainage patterns. Impermeable plastic sheets cause problems; proper landscape fabric doesn't.
Membrane Laying Also Available In:
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
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