Why Groundworks Matter More Than Most People Realise
In Chandlers Ford, as in most of Hampshire, the soil varies considerably across even a small area — you can hit heavy clay, chalk subsoil or a mix of both depending on exactly where your property sits. Getting groundworks wrong means your patio, driveway or garden structure will shift, crack and fail within a few years regardless of how good the surface material is.
Moore & Sons carry out groundworks across Chandlers Ford as standalone projects and as the foundation stage of larger landscaping jobs. We've seen enough botched installations to know that cutting corners on the base always costs more in the long run.
Sub-Base Preparation for Patios and Driveways
The most common groundworks job we do in Chandlers Ford is preparing a correct sub-base for a new patio or driveway. This means excavating to the right depth (typically 150–200mm for a patio, 200–300mm for a driveway depending on vehicle weight), compacting the existing ground, laying a suitable hardcore base and compacting again before any laying material goes down.
If you've had a quote from someone who isn't mentioning sub-base depth, compaction or MOT Type 1 hardcore — ask them about it. A patio laid on a couple of inches of sharp sand directly on untreated soil won't last.
Drainage — The Chandlers Ford Problem Nobody Talks About
A number of properties in Chandlers Ford — particularly on the older residential roads and parts of Hiltingbury — sit on ground that doesn't drain freely. When we take up old patios or driveways in this area we often find pooling water trapped under the surface that has been slowly undermining the whole structure.
Before laying anything new, we assess whether drainage channels, a French drain or soakaway will be needed. Getting water away from the base is just as important as what goes on top of it.
Foundations for Walls, Steps and Structures
Garden walls, steps, pergolas and outbuildings all need correctly sized concrete foundations. The depth and width depends on the load, the soil type and the height of the structure. We dig, shutter and pour all our own foundations on site — we don't subcontract this out.
Book a Groundworks Assessment in Chandlers Ford
If you're planning a new patio, driveway, garden wall or any landscaping project in Chandlers Ford, talk to us before anyone else starts digging. Getting the groundworks right from the start is always cheaper than fixing problems later. Call 07876234399 or request a free quote online.
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