Why is most of the work underground?
Because paving is only as good as what it sits on. The visible surface is the last and quickest stage; before it come excavation, removal of unsuitable soil, a compacted sub-base built in layers and a bedding layer shaped to the falls. Owners are often surprised by how much soil leaves the garden before any paver arrives.
That hidden work is also where the difference between a lasting job and a disappointing one lies. A path or terrace that looks perfect on the last day can develop dips within a few seasons if the base was skimped. Our sister site's guide to layers and base shows what each layer does.
What might you find when the digging starts?
On older properties, digging regularly reveals things nobody mentioned: irrigation lines laid without a plan, garden lighting cables, old drains, buried rubble from previous works, tree roots or the remains of an earlier patio. None of it is unusual, but each item needs a decision.
- Irrigation pipes: move them, sleeve them or replace them before paving over.
- Cables for lights or gates: protect them in ducts so they can be replaced later.
- Buried rubble or old concrete: remove it, because it settles unevenly.
- Roots: decide whether the tree stays and how far the paving should keep from it.
- Old drains: check whether they still work and connect them if useful.
Telling us what you know about buried services before the quote helps, and so does asking your gardener or pool maintenance person, who often knows where the lines run. Even so, expecting a few surprises is realistic. We always discuss them with you before deciding.
Why do door thresholds matter so much?
Thresholds set the highest point of the paving. The finished surface must stay below the doors and fall away from them, so on many houses the old surface and part of the ground have to come out deeper than the owner imagined, simply to fit the new layers under the threshold.
Where the garden is higher than the house, the falls cannot run away from the doors naturally, and a channel drain along the façade becomes necessary. Our guide to a patio without puddles explains how levels and outlets are planned.
What happens to plants and lawn?
Plants in the way have to be moved, protected or removed, and lawn edges will change. Roots from trees near the new paving can lift it over time, so it is worth deciding early whether a tree stays and how much space it gets.
Good edging keeps soil and mulch off the paving and the paving out of the beds. Planting beds next to paths and terraces should be finished slightly below the paving so that watering does not wash soil across the surface. Our guide to designing paths and edges covers these junctions in detail.
How disruptive is the work for the household and neighbours?
Paving work is noisy and dusty at certain stages, especially when breaking out old concrete, compacting and cutting. Deliveries of sub-base material and pallets need space near the property, and in some streets or urbanisations that requires coordination.
- Cutting and breaking produce dust; windows and doors nearby are best kept closed.
- Compaction is noisy and transmits vibration for short periods.
- Materials need a storage spot close to the work area.
- Communities and urbanisations may have rules on working hours and deliveries.
- Telling neighbours beforehand avoids most friction.
Safety on site is governed by Royal Decree 1627/1997, which applies to construction works with or without a project, and in practice it means keeping children, guests and pets away from the work area while machines and saws are in use.
Does a garden paving job need paperwork?
Sometimes. In Andalusia, minor works without a project are generally handled by a responsible declaration under Law 7/2021 (LISTA), but each town hall's ordinance decides exactly which procedure applies. For a particular garden in Mijas, Benalmádena or Torremolinos, the route depends on that town's current ordinance, which the local planning office can confirm.
If the work touches the public pavement or the kerb outside, for example to create a vehicle crossing, separate municipal authorisation is needed, on the terms each town hall's ordinance sets. We carry out the works; we do not prepare projects or applications, but we describe the job clearly for whoever files the paperwork.
What about the rubble?
Old paving, concrete and excavated soil have to go somewhere authorised. Construction and demolition waste is governed by Royal Decree 105/2008 and Law 7/2022, and the typical waste codes when lifting paving include 17 01 01 for concrete, 17 01 07 for mixed concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramics without hazardous substances, and 17 05 04 for soil and stones.
In practice, the quote should say how rubble is removed and transported. If you would rather keep some soil for raised beds, tell us beforehand so it can be set aside. The volume of material leaving a garden is often larger than owners picture, because old concrete and the excavation for the new sub-base add up quickly, so it helps to agree early where a skip or a lorry can stand.
Is it still worth paving the garden?
For most owners, yes. A well-built terrace or path changes how a garden is used, makes maintenance simpler and links the house, pool and garden. Knowing what the work involves simply means fewer surprises and better decisions.
Our services for garden paths, paved terraces and BBQ and gazebo areas describe how we approach each space. For the sequence of a typical job, read our post on how a terrace or garden paving job works. Send us a photo and the approximate m² – free, no-obligation quote.
Frequently asked questions
Why does paving need so much digging?
Because the paving needs room for a compacted sub-base and a bedding layer underneath, and the finished level must stay below the door thresholds. Unsuitable soil and old rubble also have to be removed. The visible paving is only the top layer.
What if you find pipes or cables while digging?
We stop and discuss them with you. Irrigation lines can be moved or sleeved, cables protected in ducts and old drains checked. Finding services is common in older gardens, and handling them properly avoids damage and future access problems.
Will the paving damage my trees?
Excavating close to a tree can damage roots, and roots can later lift paving. Deciding early whether a tree stays, and how much space it is given, avoids both problems. Sometimes a different edge or a gap around the trunk is the answer.
Is garden paving very noisy?
Some stages are, especially breaking out concrete, compaction and cutting. Those stages are not continuous. Telling neighbours in advance and respecting community or urbanisation rules on working hours avoids most friction.
Do I need permission to pave my garden?
It depends on the town hall. In Andalusia minor works without a project are generally under a responsible declaration (Law 7/2021, LISTA), but each ordinance sets the exact procedure. The council's planning office can tell you which route your job follows under the ordinance in force.
Can I keep the excavated soil?
Yes, if you tell us beforehand. Good topsoil can be set aside for raised beds or levelling elsewhere in the garden. Rubble and unsuitable fill are removed and taken to an authorised destination.
Why must the paving be lower than my doors?
So that water runs away from the house and never against the thresholds. If the paving were level with or above the doors, rain and washing water would find their way inside. Where the garden is higher, a channel drain is usually needed.
What waste codes apply when lifting a patio?
Typical European List of Waste codes are 17 01 01 for concrete, 17 01 07 for mixtures of concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramics without hazardous substances, and 17 05 04 for soil and stones other than 17 05 03.
Can I stay in the house during the work?
Usually yes. Expect dust and noise at certain stages, and keep children, guests and pets away from the work area while machines and saws are used. Access to the house may change temporarily while the area by the doors is being built.
How do I start if I am abroad?
Ask whoever looks after the property to send photos and a short video of the garden, plus the approximate square metres. We reply with questions, prepare a written quote and, if the work goes ahead, send photo updates in English.