Patio Planning Guide for Somerset Homes: Design, Drainage & Construction Advice

A well-designed patio can transform how you use your garden. It becomes an outdoor room for relaxing, dining and entertaining.

But good patios don’t happen by accident. The best results come from careful planning before a single paving slab is laid.

As garden designers working across Somerset, we often see patios that could have been much more successful with just a little more thought at the design stage.

Across Somerset — from towns such as Frome, Bruton and Castle Cary to Wells and Shepton Mallet — many gardens benefit from carefully planned patio spaces that connect the house to the wider garden.

This guide highlights some of the most important things homeowners should consider when planning a new patio.

Start With How You Want to Use the Space

Before thinking about paving materials or patterns, it’s worth asking a simple question:

What will this patio actually be used for?

Typical uses include:

• Outdoor dining
• BBQ cooking area
• Relaxed seating area
• Entertaining friends
• Connecting the house to the garden

The answer helps determine the size and layout.

For example:

• A 4-seater table needs around 3.6m x 3.6m
• A 6-seater dining table typically needs 3.6m x 4.0m or more
• Space for BBQ areas, planters or outdoor sofas may require larger layouts

Think of the patio like you would plan a room inside the house. Furniture needs circulation space around it.

Also consider how patio doors and connecting paths affect furniture placement. Doors opening directly onto a table or seating area can quickly become awkward.

Position Matters: Sun, Shade and Privacy

In Somerset gardens, orientation plays a big role in how enjoyable a patio becomes.

Think about whether the space faces:

• South or West – often sunny and warm, but may need shade
• North – cooler, often better for relaxed seating than dining
• East – pleasant morning sun

Sometimes the best patio position isn’t immediately outside the back door.

You may want to consider:

• Views across the garden or countryside
• Shelter from wind
• Privacy from neighbours
• Creating a secondary seating terrace elsewhere in the garden

Where strong sun is likely, shading structures such as pergolas or sail shades can be incorporated into the design.

Correct Foundations Are Essential

A patio is only as good as the construction beneath it.

A typical professional build will include:

• Minimum 100mm compacted Type 1 sub-base
• Full mortar bed
• Suitable drainage considerations

Poor groundwork is one of the most common causes of sinking or uneven paving.

This is something I frequently discuss with homeowners planning patio projects across Somerset towns such as Frome, Bruton and Wells, where existing garden levels and soil conditions can influence the best construction approach.

Always Use a Full Mortar Bed

One of the biggest problems seen in poorly installed patios is spot bedding, sometimes called “dot and dab” or mortar dabs.

This method leaves voids beneath the slabs and can cause:

• rocking paving
• cracking
• water pooling
• eventual failure

Professional patio construction should use a full mortar bed beneath every slab, giving consistent support across the entire surface.

Planning the Correct Falls for Drainage

Patios should always include a slight gradient to allow water to drain away.

Typical falls are around 1:60 to 1:80, although this can vary depending on the paving material.

Drainage may involve:

• directing water toward lawns or planting beds
• discreet linear drains
• existing drainage channels

This is especially important in Somerset’s clay soils, where surface water can sometimes linger if poorly managed.

Choosing the Right Paving Material

There are many patio materials available, each with different characteristics.

Popular options include:

Natural Stone

Sandstone, limestone, slate, granite and other natural stones offer a traditional appearance and natural variation. Blue lias cobbles or reclaimed blue lias paving can also be a good, local, Somerset option to consider.

Porcelain Paving

Porcelain is increasingly popular for modern gardens thanks to its:

• consistent colour
• low porosity
• minimal maintenance

Brick and Clay Pavers

Brick paving works well for:

• traditional homes
• courtyards
• decorative borders or detailing

The right choice often depends on the style of the house and surrounding landscape, something that varies widely between rural Somerset properties and town gardens in places like Castle Cary or Shepton Mallet.

Think About Edges and Retaining Support

Many patios need proper edge support to prevent movement over time.

This could include:

• hidden concrete haunching
• retaining walls
• step details
• raised planters

Where patios sit against sloping ground, retaining structures may be necessary to support surrounding soil.

Dealing With Manhole Covers

If inspection chambers sit within the patio area, recessed manhole covers can allow paving to continue across the surface.

This keeps the look of the patio clean while still maintaining access when needed.

Decorative Borders and Details

Borders can add structure and visual interest to a patio.

Options might include:

• contrasting stone colours
• brick edging
• granite or stone setts
• framed paving layouts

These small design details often make the difference between a patio that looks basic and one that feels properly designed.

Consider Planting Within the Patio

Including planting beds within or alongside a patio softens the space and helps connect it to the wider garden.

Ideas might include:

• raised planters
• small planting pockets
• climbers on pergolas
• surrounding beds with seasonal planting

Planting can help patios feel less like a paved area and more like a garden room.

Choosing a Paving Pattern

The pattern used to lay paving can subtly influence the character of the space.

Common patterns include:

• Random layout
• Random coursed
• Dutch pattern
• Herringbone
• Linear modern layouts

Different paving types suit different patterns, and a good design will match the pattern to the material and garden style.

Future Maintenance

Before choosing paving, it’s worth considering the long-term upkeep.

Some materials require:

• periodic sealing
• algae cleaning
• repointing or joint maintenance

Others, such as porcelain, are generally lower maintenance but still benefit from occasional cleaning.

Patio Design Advice for Somerset Gardens

Every garden is different, and patio layouts that work well in one property may not suit another. Soil conditions, levels, drainage and access can all affect how a patio should be designed and built.

Many Somerset gardens — particularly in areas such as Taunton, Frome, Bruton, Wells and the surrounding villages — have characteristics that benefit from thoughtful planning. Sloping sites, older properties and established gardens often require careful layout decisions to ensure patios work comfortably with the house and landscape.

Professional garden design can help homeowners visualise the space properly before construction begins, ensuring the finished patio works both practically and visually within the wider garden.

Bringing It All Together

A successful patio balances design, construction quality and practical use.

By thinking through the layout, foundations, materials and drainage early in the process, homeowners can avoid many of the common problems seen in poorly planned patios.

For homeowners across Somerset — whether in Frome, Bruton, Wells, Castle Cary or surrounding villages — taking the time to plan a patio properly can make the difference between a paved area that is rarely used and a well-designed outdoor space that becomes part of everyday life.

Good design ensures the patio works with both the house and the wider garden, creating a space that can be enjoyed for many years.

If you’re planning a new patio or garden project in Somerset, Devon or Dorset, you may also find our garden design services page helpful.

We’d love to hear from you to discuss your patio project.