STIMPSONS can cover a vast range of Hard & Soft Landscaping.
But we specialise and excel in three main areas below ...
Traditional & Modern Be-Spoke long lasting Driveways - using Blocks/Stone/Resin.
Long lasting Patios by design - using Precast/Natural stone/Porcelain & Resin paving/surfacing.
Garden design & build and associated features that combine all our skills
"WE ARE PURVEYORS OF HIGH QUALITY PAVING & GARDENS" -
"I pride myself on not only the quality of the build using only the best products available but also on my eye for detail however large or small.
I will oversee every stage of the installation process with my hardworking team and I will personally be hands-on during all the laying stages from excavation through to final finishing detail - I'm 100% committed to each and every job. Please read more on this on the home page !" T.Stimpson
All prices are subject to a FREE no Obligation site visit.
We offer a FREE concept plan for work that exceeds 10k and low cost concept plans for work that doesn't - unlike our competitors we welcome all projects Large (over £10k) & Small (under £10k)
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE FOR A LONG LIST OF INFORMATION ON OUR PRODUCTS FOR ALL TYPES OF SURFACING ...
We use 60 mm blocks rather that 50 mm as standard for our Driveways as it's superior to a 50 mm block used by most, although we now have decided to offer a 50 mm block with a limited 5-year guarantee.
60 mm block paving can take up to 10 tons of vehicle weight, whilst 50 mm is mainly for pedestrian and light traffic only depending on manufactures warranty.
STIMPSONS 60 mm block paved drives really are Built to Last and designed to take an Impressive 3500 kg or 3.5 ton (laden builder type van/pick up) - no need to worry if you change your vehicle or have a growing family ! We can still provide a reduced cost price for 50mm blocks for paths/patios and light car use but with a limited 5-year guarantee in line with most of our competitors although I would personallyrecommend a 60mm upgrade !
DRIVEWAYS.
We can provide all types of Driveway installation covering Chelmsford and surrounding Essex areas.
ALL BLOCK PAVING, PERMEABLE PAVING, GRAVEL, RESIN BOUND GRAVEL, ECONOMIC GOLDEN GRAVEL, REINFORCED GRAVEL GRID SYSTEMS, DRIVEWAYS AND PARKING AREAS., STONE CARPETS, TRADITIONAL METHODS USING A SOAK-AWAY - S.U.D.S COMPLIANT AND REINFORCED SANDSTONE DRIVEWAYS ...
A well-designed, attractive driveway provides easy, convenient and secure parking, as well as adding value to your home, Following the introduction of new legislation consideration is needed to where the surface water may drain to.
The following is being updated throughout 2020/21 - So parts may have broken links, incomplete information or pictures, but will be up and ready for 2022 - T.Stimpson..
For more photos of our work, please hover over main heading (DRIVEWAYS) or (PATIO&GARDEN) on pages at top of website page and use the drop down 'photos' tabs !
PLEASE SEE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS FOR DRIVEWAYS - STARTING WITH THE LOWEST CONSTRUCTION COST FIRST
OUR MOST BASIC AND LOWEST COST DRIVEWAY SURFACE ... SHINGLE/GRAVEL LAID LOOSE (NO INTERLOCKING GRID SUB-BASE)
THIS IS OUR CHEAPEST POPULAR METHOD FOR BUDGET DRIVEWAYS/UTILITY/PARKING AREAS
- WE WILL ALWAYS INCLUDE A BORDER TO RETAIN THE WORK AND A PART PAVED ENTRANCE TO AVOID SHINGLE/GRAVEL SPILLING OVER.
OUR NEXT LEVEL UP FROM BASIC SHINGLE LAID LOOSE ...
SHINGLE & INTERLOCKING/REINFORCING GRID SUB-BASE ALSO KNOWN AS (STABILISED GRAVEL SYSTEM)
THIS IS SLIGHTLY MORE EXPENSIVE THAN LOOSE STONE IDEAL FOR LARGE DRIVEWAYS/UTILITY/PARKING AREAS.
- WE WILL ALWAYS INCLUDE A BORDER TO RETAIN THE GRID AND STONE AND A PART PAVED ENTRANCE (APRON) TO AVOID SHINGLE/GRAVEL SPILLING OVER & ADD DETAIL.
A DECORATIVE BORDER (USING A COBBLE OR BLOCK) WILL BE SLIGHTLY MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OUR STANDARD RETAINING BORDER/EDGE BUT WORTH UPGRADING IF BUDGET ALLOWS.
The grid incorporated is a lightweight ground reinforcement system ideal for grass or gravel stabilisation. This type of surface helps to reduce the risks of potholes, rutting or grass damage if planted.
Manufactured from 100% recycled UK sourced polypropylene, the system is exceptionally lightweight and strong. The grid is suitable for a wide range of applications including paths, drives, parking areas and access routes.
The grid has been certified to 420 tonnes per square metre ! more than enough for almost any application.
In addition, the grids used within our work are over 90% porous, reducing the rate of surface water run-off and saving cost on unnecessary drainage installation.
"Although the grid is more expensive than basic 200 mm x 100 mm block paving per Sq. Meter for Materials (grid/block) - the overall saving comes from the reduced labour cost on large areas, I feel this product (Installed correctly with a new sub-base and retaining edging) is onlyeconomically viable on larger areas (around 100 sq/m +) or areas of conservation, heritage, outstanding national beauty or national parks.
Once the ground and sub base has been prepared the installation is quicker than block paving, making the product ideal for large drives, car parks or were a porous parking area is imperative and fast turnaround is needed"
A 50 square meter installation from scratch will be roughly around £1k cheaper than block paving, so a saving of roughly £2k can be expected on areas of 100 square meters - Ideal for large drives and car parks !
T.Stimpson
OUR NEXT LEVEL UP FROM THE GRID/SHINGLE ALSO KNOWN AS (STABILISED GRAVEL SYSTEM) SHOWN ABOVE - AND BY FAR THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCT IN UK DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION...
TRADITIONAL BUILT TO LAST BLOCK PAVING -
BUT WITH A DIFERANCE ... WE TREAT ALL OUR DRIVEWAYS WITH A JOINT SEALER ON COMPLETION ! DRIVEWAYS/PATIOS/PATHS/PARKING AREAS
- ALL OUR BLOCK PAVING IS BUILT TO LAST ...
A STRONG DEEP COMPACTED SUB-BASE
COMMERCIAL GRADE RETAINING EDGINGS
STRONG 60MM BLOCKS / OPTION TO DOWNGRADE TO 50MM
JOINTS STABILISED/WEED PROTECTED AS STANDARD (Since 2018) - TO HELP REDUCE WEEDS UNTIL MAINTENANCE STARTS
5- GUARANTEE THAT CAN BE EXTENDED TO 10-YEARS + WITH MAINTENANCE OFFER (LIMITED TO 5-YEARS FOR 50MM BLOCKS)
OUR TOP OF THE RANGE SURFACING AND NEXT LEVEL UP AGAIN FROM THE BLOCK PAVING METHOD ABOVE - STARTING TO BECOME A LOT MORE POPULAR IN THE UK NOW - BUT NEEDS PLANNING REGARDING UNDERLYING SERVICES (WATER/FURTHER WORKS) ...
RESIN BOUND STONE (THICKLY LAID) - NOT RESIN BONDED (THINLY SPRINKLED ON TOP OF THE RESIN)
WE ONLY INSTALL RESIN BOUND STONE NOT RESIN BONDED
RESIN BOUND IS LAID IN A THICK LAYER (SIMILAR TO THE TOP COAT FOR TARMAC)
RESIN BONDED IS SPRINKLED IN A THIN LAYER OVER THE TOP OF A SUITABLE NEW OR EXISTING BASE - WE ONLY INSTALL RESIN BOUND, AS WE CAN ONLY TRUST AND GUARANTEE OUR OWN SUB-BASE INSTALLATION AND CANT RISK OUR REPUTATION BY OVERLAYING UNKNOWN EXISTING SURFACES !
THE MAIN ISSUE TO CONSIDER WITH THIS TYPE OF PAVING IS THAT ONCE IT'S DOWN - IT'S DOWN FOR GOOD ! - AND ITS VERY HARD TO PATCH IN ANY REPAIRS TO THE RESIN TOP COAT, WITHOUT IT STANDING OUT FROM THE EXISTING.
FOR PEACE OF MIND, IF USING THIS PRODUCT FOR A DRIVEWAY I WOULD HIGHLY ADVISE THE WATER SUPPLY PIPE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO A MODERN POLYETHYLENE (BLUE) PIPE OR CHECK ITS IN PLACE - OR CONSIDER A DESIGN THAT INCORPORATES FLOWER BORDERS ON ONE OR BOTH SIDES TO GAIN ANY ACCES IF NEEDED !
AND LASTLY, ITS EXPENSIVE COMPARED TO BLOCKS TO DO CORRECTLY, YES YOU CAN GET A CHEAP JOB BY RE-SURFACING THE EXISTING SURFACE, BUT 9-10 TIMES THE EXISTING GROUND WOULD CAUSE A PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY IF THERE ANY EXISTING SURFACE CRACKS BEING COVERED OVER - WE BUILD OUR RESIN BOUND DRIVES FROM SCRATCH FOR COMPLETE PIECE OF MIND FOR YOUR INVESTMENT - !
PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL IF A CONTRACTOR IS QUOTING BLOCK PAVING PRICES FOR A RESIN PRODUCT, AS RESIN (DONE CORRECTLY) SHOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE EXPENSIVE THAN BLOCK PAVED SURFACES. "In all honesty and having laid many different paving methods over the years - you really can't beat Traditional Block Paving, installed correctly and maintained on a annual basis, or at the very least a basic weed killer applied twice a year - for reliability, Visual Impact and Value for Money ... Even better if you get us to clean and permanently seal the blocks the following year this will still work out more economical than the cost of Resin !
But we like to keep up with new trends ! bound stone can look stunning in the right setting and can be incorporated among block paving and patio slabs to bring stunning detail and curved features ! - we actually trained to install resin bound stone back in 2002 ! - way back before it 'took off' in the UK with RONACRETE (A COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE IS AVAILABLE) T.Stimpson"
*Please ask and I will send you a copy of our training certificate back from '02
DRIVEWAYS/PATIOS/PATHS/PARKING AREAS/PATIOS/SWIMMING POOL SURROUNDS/ INTERIOR & EXTERIOR THE LIST GO'S ON AND ON !
- ALL OUR RESIN PAVING/SURFACING IS BUILT TO LAST USING THE VERY BEST MATERIALS FROM A LONG TRUSTED MANUFACTURER/SUPPLIER.
A STRONG DEEP COMPACTED REDUCED FINES SUB-BASE
A UNIQUE BASE COURSE THAT ELIMINATES THE USE OF TARMAC OR CONCRETE UNDER THE RESIN & ELIMINATES DOWN TIME WAITING FOR THE BASE TO CURE
OUR BASE COURSE IS ECO FRIENDLY UNLIKE TARMAC OR CONCRETE
STRONG UV STABLE RESIN AND HIGH QUALITY AGGREGATES USED
5- GUARANTEE THAT CAN BE EXTENDED TO 10-YEARS
PAVING ADDITIONS ...
INSPECTION COVERS.
We can help to hide Inspection covers !
This include removing old cover, reducing or increasing the height to suite new surface (5 bricks +/- max), cleaning any debris caused and then replacing with a new cover set in strong concrete with the chosen paving to match the rest of the project.
RAISED EDGING TYPE TO FORM BORDERS AND DEFINE AREAS
Block edging.
Block on there side as a edging border, or Block laid flat for Features (around Lawn/planted areas)
The most economical way to provide flower border edging, can also be laid flat to form a lawn edge to aid mowing and define lawns and gravel areas . (This method will use the chosen main or border block turned on its side and set into strong concrete to form a shallow raised edge)
Kerb edging. Pointed with coloured mortar or left without This method is a upgrade from the "block on edge method" above, please use buttons below for more info. Please don't feel that you need the exact kerb type to match the paving, as using contrasting colour kerbs to the block type can enhance the look of the edging by helping it stand out, especially if using for step risers !
This method is basically a small wall, this method is the most time consuming and more expensive than the methods above, this is mainly used to create a rustic feel or to help the driveway blend into existing brickwork or walls. Works very well to create rustic landscape features and with cobble type block paving
BIG CHANGES IN LEVELS ? - PLEASE SEE SOME SOLUTIONS BELOW
Railway sleepers old or new.
We love using railway sleepers in our designs, they really help to soften hard landscape features. (ALL OF OUR SLEEPERS ARE HEAVILY COATED BEHIND & IF BUDGET ALLOWS RECOMEND SETTING ON A ORNATE MASONARY PLITH)
Can be laid Horizontal or vertical (Vertical incurs more cost due to cutting) Can also be made into planting boxes, low cost steps, water features, seating, rustic decking and pathways (site visit needed)
Brickwork and/or block and render
(vast amount of types available to suite paving or property, render can also be painted with any colour imaginable) This is the most expensive form of retaining ground but sometimes there will be no other option due to amount of ground the structure has to retain or simply to suite other existing brickwork, structures and taste . The price of brickwork and block and render will depend on access, thickness, height, type of brickwork, footing design so a site visit is always needed to price this important landscape feature.
PATIOS.
We can provide all types of patios and have experience in all the following ...
Travertine,
Granite, (Extremely robust and hardwearing)
Slate (Great substitute for black limestone)
Sandstone (Stunning natural pastel shades - recommend sealing year 2)
limestone (Do not recommend black)
Porcelain Slabs (Vast amounts of styles / sizes typically 600x600 /600x900)
Bound stone paving (Endless colour combinations & shades)
Pre-cast concrete (sadly becoming the most expensive option)
Cobble or traditional block paving, especially for court yards
We can build your dream patio ! Please also see Patio & Gardens page for Photos
"A natural way to extend your home outwards, opening up a more beautiful place to spend with family and friends".
*WE PRIME THE BACKS OF ALL OUR SLABS - OTHERS MISS THIS OUT FOR LESS COST, BUT WE WON'T - THIS WILL DESTROY THE SLABS WITH CEMENT STAINING SHOWING THROUGH ON SANDSTONE ! AND MOVEMENT ON OTHER TYPES OF STONE. We don't use dark/black limestone - only dark slate due to surface staining from acidity of the rain.
Sandstone is by far the best value for money, but needs regular cleaning or sealing in year 2 by our maintenance service
Porcelain is the most expensive product, but little to no cleaning needed !
CONCRETE BLOCK & RENDER !
This picture is a good example of using render to enhance a design, this garden would not look the same if it was done in just brickwork, the Render used instantly gives the work a contemporary feel with a paintwork to compliment the Sandstone paving.
OUR MOST ECONOMICAL PAVING TYPE FOR PATIO'S
INDIAN SANDSTONE
PATIOS/PATHS/STEPS/OFTEN USED FOR STEP SURFACE (TREAD) ON OUR DRIVEWAY DESIGNS AS WELL USING A UPRATED BASE !
- ALL OUR PAVING IS BUILT TO LAST USING ...
A STRONG DEEP COMPACTED SUB-BASE
GOOD QUALITY CEMENT MORTAR BEDDING
ALL SLABS ARE PRIMED BEFORE LAYING
STRONG HIGH QUALITY SLABS
HIGH QUALITY JOINTING COMPOUND FOR ALL JOINTS
5- GUARANTEE THAT CAN BE EXTENDED TO 10-YEARS + WITH OUR MAINTENANCE
OUR NEXT GRADE UP FOR PATIO'S
SLATE & LIMESTONE
SAME AS ABOVE INSTALLATION METHOD
OUR NEXT TYPE OF PAVING FOR PATIO'S
PRECAST CONCRETE (ONCE A BUDGET PAVING - UNFORTUNATELY
MANUFACTURING COSTS HAVE PUSHED THE PRICES HIGHER THAN SOME NATURAL STONE, BUT FOR LOW MAINTENANCE YOU CANT BEAT IT !
SOME TYPES CAN LOOK LIKE NATURAL STONE
OUR TOP OF RANGE PAVING TYPE FOR PATIO'S
PORCELAIN
PATIOS/PATHS/STEPS/WALLS FACING & COPING
VAST AMOUNT OF STUNNING TYPES AVAILABLE
INSTANT CONTEMPORY FRESH CLEAN LOOK
MOSTLY 600MMX600MM & 600MMX900MM SIZING
- ALL OUR PAVING IS BUILT TO LAST USING ...
A STRONG DEEP COMPACTED SUB-BASE
GOOD QUALITY CEMENT MORTAR BEDDING
ALL SLABS ARE PRIMED BEFORE LAYING
STRONG HIGH QUALITY SLABS
HIGH QUALITY SLURRY GROUT FOR ALL PORCELIAN SLAB JOINTS
5- GUARANTEE THAT CAN BE EXTENDED TO 10-YEARS + WITH OUR MAINTENANCE
LOOKING FOR ARTIFICIAL LAWN INSTALLATION ?
THIS HAS BEEN SO POPULAR THAT WE HAVE DEDECATED A PAGE FOR IT !
PLEASE USE THE LINK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION
Stimpsons just can't get over the quality of the lawn, see for yourself - call us and we will bring you a sample !
We are big on design and bursting with ideas, we can create all types of gardens including ...
Front, Rear, Contemporary, Cottage, Wildlife, Family and Formal gardens !
Ponds, pools, Natural swimming pools
Outbuildings & Garden Rooms - We can build it by design - Bespoke just for you !
"The growth of demand has been so strong over the last few years we are working on a dedicated design studio and web site for '21 dedicated to Garden design & build" - T.Stimpson
We love to bring our gardens to life with our Ideas and Experience. We use free hand for all our design plans.
Most of our designs use a combination of hard and soft landscape products as seen above and below combined with a design to create your dream Garden.
We are completely in-house we can design,build & Maintain your new Garden all under one roof 100% commitment and the designer is also the installer !
We welcome your own designs and any garden drawings that you have had done professionally - Let us bring your Designs & Drawings to life !