Porcelain Patio Installation in Ramsden Heath, Essex
In short: we installed a new porcelain patio in Ramsden Heath, Essex, using Bradstone Raptura 900 x 600 porcelain slabs in Grey, with ACO slot drains fitted along the house. There was no access to the rear garden, so everything went in and out through the house — and the project still ran exactly to plan.
Another beautiful porcelain patio completed by BPM Landscapes, this time in Ramsden Heath, between Billericay and Chelmsford, for some truly wonderful customers. Here is how the project came together, the paving we used, and why the drainage detail matters.
The Project at a Glance
| Location | Ramsden Heath, Essex |
| Project | New porcelain patio to the rear garden |
| Paving | Bradstone Raptura porcelain, 900 x 600, in Grey |
| Drainage | ACO slot drains installed along the house |
| Access | No access to the rear garden — everything carried through the house |
The Challenge: No Access to the Rear Garden
Not every garden has a side gate. On this project there was no outside route to the rear garden at all, which meant everything had to come out, and everything new had to go in, through the house itself.
A job like this depends on planning and on the goodwill of the people living there, and our customers could not have been more accommodating while we carried materials through their home. Our thanks to them for their patience. Everything worked perfectly on the project.
The Paving: Bradstone Raptura Porcelain in Grey
The patio was laid in Bradstone Raptura, one of the newer ranges in Bradstone’s porcelain collection. Its finish takes its cue from natural travertine and limestone, with a soft, mottled pattern that gives a calm, natural look without the upkeep of real stone. The Grey colourway has a subtle hint of blue.
We used the large 900 x 600 format. Bigger slabs mean fewer joints, which gives a clean, contemporary finish and helps a patio feel more spacious. As with all outdoor porcelain, the surface absorbs very little water, so it resists staining, algae and frost and is easy to keep clean.
The Drainage: ACO Slot Drains Along the House
Where a patio meets the house, rainwater needs somewhere to go. On this project we installed ACO slot drains along the house. A slot drain is a channel drain that sits out of sight beneath the paving, with only a narrow slot visible at the surface. It collects surface water before it can sit against the building, and it does so without a wide grating interrupting the look of the porcelain.
Thinking About a Porcelain Patio?
Can a patio be installed if there is no side access to the garden?
Yes. As this project shows, materials can be carried through the house when there is no other route. It takes more planning and more labour, so it is something we look at carefully at the survey stage.
What is a slot drain, and when is one needed?
A slot drain is a discreet channel drain with a narrow opening at the surface. It is typically used where paving meets a house wall or a doorway, or where the levels mean water cannot simply run off to a lawn or border.
Why choose porcelain for a patio?
Porcelain is hard-wearing and absorbs very little water, so it resists stains, algae and frost and keeps its colour. It needs far less maintenance than natural stone and suits modern and traditional homes alike.
What size porcelain slabs work best?
Large formats such as 900 x 600 are the most popular choice for a clean, modern look with fewer joints. Bradstone Raptura is also available in 600 x 600, which can suit smaller spaces.
Planning a new patio in Ramsden Heath, Billericay, Chelmsford or Brentwood? See more of our patio installations and the patio slabs we recommend, or get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote. We are a Bradstone Approved Installer.
Before and After
