Path laying in Exeter
Professional path laying services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
Quote required
Typical Duration
1-3 days
Location
Exeter, Devon
New garden paths built from scratch with proper foundations and drainage. I excavate, prep the base, and lay your chosen paving material level and secure - built to handle Devon weather and last for years.
Paths That Actually Last
Anyone can chuck slabs on sand and call it a path. I do it properly: dig out to the right depth, lay compacted hardcore, add sharp sand, then install your paving perfectly level.
The difference? Paths I lay stay level, don't sink or wobble, drain properly, and still look good years later.
💡 Pro tip: The most important part of any path is what you can't see. A solid foundation is everything - skip it and you're redoing the job in two years.
Why Proper Path Laying Matters
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Excavated to proper depth (150-200mm) | Slabs laid straight on soil |
| Compacted hardcore sub-base | No base layer at all |
| Level finish, designed falls for drainage | Puddles forming, uneven surface |
| Joints properly filled and sealed | Sand washing out, slabs rocking |
| Still level and solid 10 years later | Sinking, cracking within 2 years |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Path Installation
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Design | We walk the route, discuss width, materials, drainage |
| Excavation | Dig out to proper depth, remove soil, barrow away |
| Foundation | Lay hardcore sub-base, compact thoroughly |
| Paving | Install slabs/blocks level with proper falls |
| Finishing | Point joints, clean off, ready to use |
📦 You're Left With
- Level path that drains properly
- Solid base that won't sink
- Clean professional finish
- No mess left behind
Material Options
Popular Choices:
🏠 Concrete slabs - Cost-effective, clean look, huge colour/size range
🧱 Block paving - Traditional, versatile patterns, easy to repair later
🪨 Natural stone - Timeless, high-end, beautiful aged look
🌿 Gravel paths - Budget-friendly, good drainage, easier install
What Affects the Quote
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Path length & width | More square metres = more materials and time |
| Excavation depth | Heavy clay or solid ground takes longer to dig |
| Access | Narrow side access = more barrowing, adds time |
| Material choice | Natural stone costs more than concrete slabs |
| Ground prep | Very soft or uneven ground needs extra work |
Every job is different - I'll give you an exact quote once I've seen your garden.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Worn grass path - tired of muddy tracks across the lawn
✅ Side access - need a clean route from front to back garden
✅ Garden feature - create a focal walkway through planted areas
✅ Accessibility - solid surface for wheelchairs, walkers, wheelbarrows
Why Choose Us for Path laying in Exeter?
Proper foundations for long-lasting results
Level, even surface throughout
Choice of materials to suit your style
Designed for proper drainage
What to Expect
Step 1: Site Visit & Quote
I come round, look at the route, discuss materials and drainage. You'll get a clear quote covering everything - materials, labour, and waste removal.
Step 2: Groundworks
I mark out the path, excavate to the right depth, and cart away the soil. Then lay and compact the hardcore foundation - this is the crucial bit.
Step 3: Paving & Finishing
Once the base is solid, I lay your chosen material level with proper falls for drainage. Finally, point the joints and clean everything off. Job done.
🔧 DIY Tips
Laying a path yourself is doable if you're handy, but it's hard graft. Here's how to get it right:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Spade, wheelbarrow, rake
- Wacker plate or hand tamper
- String lines and pegs
- Spirit level (long one, 1.2m+)
- Rubber mallet
- Club hammer and bolster chisel (for cutting slabs)
- Pointing trowel
📐 Getting the foundation right
- Mark out path width with string lines
- Excavate minimum 150mm deep (200mm for heavy use)
- Lay 100mm hardcore (MOT Type 1), compact thoroughly
- Add 50mm sharp sand, screed level using guide rails
- Compact again lightly before laying
🪨 Laying the slabs
- Work backwards so you're standing on finished path
- Tap each slab down level using rubber mallet
- Check levels constantly - front to back AND side to side
- Fall should be 1:60 away from house for drainage
- Leave 10-15mm joints for pointing
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not excavating deep enough - path sinks within a year
- Skipping the compaction - base settles unevenly
- Laying slabs on pure sand - they wobble from day one
- No falls for drainage - water pools and damages joints
- Rushing the job - wonky paths are painfully obvious
💡 Pro trick: Hire a wacker plate for compaction. Hand tamping never gets hardcore solid enough. It's £30-40 for a day's hire and makes all the difference.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🌧️ Weather dependent: Path laying needs decent weather. I can't compact a wet foundation or lay on frozen ground. Plan for spring/summer/autumn if possible.
Multiple garden projects? Get the path done first. Having solid access makes everything else easier - you can barrow materials in without churning up the lawn.
Old Exeter gardens? I'm used to narrow side passages, sloping ground, tree roots, and wonky boundaries. That's half the gardens around here. We'll work out the best solution for your specific plot.
Planning permission? You don't normally need it for garden paths, but if you're paving a large area that affects drainage, it's worth checking. I can advise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's involved in laying a new path?
It's more than just slapping slabs down. I excavate to the right depth, put in a proper sub-base (compacted hardcore), add a sand layer, then lay your chosen paving material level and secure. The groundwork is what makes it last.
How much does path laying cost?
Path laying is quoted by the job because it depends on length, width, access, ground conditions, and what material you want. As a rough guide, expect £60-100 per square metre for a standard slabbed path with proper foundations. I'll give you an exact quote once I've seen the job.
Can you lay a path in my old Exeter garden with sloping ground?
Yes - sloping gardens are common around here. I can either follow the natural slope or create level sections with steps. We'll discuss what works best for your space and how you'll use the path.
Do I need to buy the slabs or materials?
Either way works. If you've already bought materials, I'll work with what you have. If not, I can advise on suitable options and quantities, then pick everything up from the merchant. Often saves you money versus retail.
How long before I can walk on a new path?
You can walk carefully on slabs within 24 hours, but give it 2-3 days before heavy use. If I'm laying block paving, it needs the edges secured first. I'll let you know exactly when it's fully ready.
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