Garden walls and outdoor steps
Benchmark Paving builds garden walls and outdoor steps as part of garden and paving projects. Based in Caterham, we visit your property to discuss the layout, materials and the way different parts of the garden connect.
A decorative boundary and a wall holding back soil have different requirements. We assess the intended purpose and changes in level before agreeing the construction and any additional design input the project needs.
Choose the purpose before the finish
Decorative garden walls
A wall can define a seating area, divide garden spaces or form an edge alongside paving. Consider its height, appearance and relationship with existing features.
Boundary features
Discuss the intended boundary line and how the wall meets entrances, fences and neighbouring areas. The location and ownership need to be clear before work starts.
Patio and garden steps
Steps connect levels between doors, patios, paths and lawns. Their layout, surface, drainage and ease of use should be considered together.
Areas that retain soil
Retaining work needs assessment of the ground, loads, height and drainage. Where specialist structural design is needed, this must be established before the work is specified.
Coordinate levels, support and drainage
The visible brickwork or paving is only part of a wall or step installation. The supporting construction, adjoining ground and route for rainwater affect the finished result. We discuss these alongside the material and appearance.
Tell us who will use the steps and about any mobility needs. Agree the route, changes in level and any additional features required before selecting finishes. Existing movement or cracking should also be assessed before an old structure is altered.
Explore patio installation, garden fencing and groundworks and drainage when planning connected parts of the garden.
Garden walls, edges and steps
Use the photographs for ideas about materials and connections between garden areas. The construction for your wall or steps will depend on the site and intended use.
What affects the quotation?
Length, height, changes in level, chosen materials, ground conditions and access influence the work. Foundations, retaining requirements, drainage, removal of existing structures and finishing details can also affect the cost.
Photos and approximate dimensions are useful when you enquire. A site visit helps establish the scope and whether further design or permissions need to be addressed before a quotation is finalised.
From site visit to completed work
1. Survey the area
Discuss the purpose of the wall or steps, inspect the existing ground and agree the intended layout and boundaries.
2. Specify and prepare
Confirm materials, supporting work and drainage, together with any design or permission requirements that need resolving.
3. Build and finish
Complete the agreed construction and adjoining finishes, then discuss care and any restrictions on use while materials settle or cure.
Frequently asked questions
Which materials can I choose?
Discuss the brick, stone, block or paving finish you prefer and how it should match nearby areas. The specification needs to suit the purpose and outdoor conditions as well as the appearance.
Can you match my existing patio or wall?
We can discuss matching or complementary materials. An exact match may not be available because products change and existing surfaces weather over time.
Does a garden wall need planning permission?
The position, height and restrictions affecting the property matter. Check the Planning Portal guidance for fences and garden walls and confirm the requirements for your property before construction.
Can a decorative wall also retain soil?
Do not assume so. A wall holding back soil has additional demands. Its construction, drainage and any structural design requirements must be assessed for that purpose.
Can steps be included in a new patio?
Yes. Discuss the door thresholds, garden levels and access route at the planning stage so the steps and patio can be specified together.
Discuss your project
Tell us what you have in mind, the project location and any useful details about the current surface. Our team visits customers at their properties.
Call 0800 696 5894, 0208 485 6462 or 0746 460 7167.
Where we work
Our team is based in Caterham and travels to customers in Warlingham, Oxted, Croydon, Bromley, Orpington and East Grinstead. Contact us to check your project location and arrange a visit.