Driveways, Patios & Landscaping in Margate, Ramsgate & Broadstairs

Building in Thanet: what to know

Many Thanet homes are bungalows on level plots, which lend themselves to wide driveways and low-maintenance gardens. Near the seafront, we pay particular attention to materials and fixings that cope with salt spray and constant wind.

• An island of chalk

  Thanet was once a true island, separated from mainland Kent by the Wantsum Channel, and its high ground is almost entirely chalk. That makes most gardens free-draining — good for permeable driveways and soakaways. Around the old Wantsum at Minster, Sarre and Monkton, and in the low ground near Pegwell Bay, it changes to alluvium that stays wet. On chalk, excavation can be tough and flinty; on the alluvium we plan extra drainage.

• Seafront conservation areas

  Ramsgate has one of the largest conservation areas in the south east, and Margate's old town, Cliftonville, Broadstairs and Westgate-on-Sea have their own. Front walls, railings and paving in these streets should suit their Regency and Victorian character.

• Salt air and wind

  Few places in Kent are as exposed as the Thanet coast. We use concrete posts and gravel boards, stainless or galvanised fixings, and dense porcelain or natural stone that won't flake in salt spray. Mortar and jointing are chosen to cope with exposure.

• Flint and local character

  Flint walls, often with brick, are common across Thanet, and you'll also see Dutch-style gables on older houses in the towns. Where we work next to old flint or brick walls, we match materials and pointing.