FAQs
We have gathered a range of questions that we frequently receive and have answered them in full. We hope that our FAQ page informs you about the range of products we stock and helps you to make an informed decision on the products you purchase.
Though, if you are unable to find an answer to your questions, please feel free to get in touch with our expert members of staff today on 01793 536784.
Shopping With Us
Can I Have My Goods Delivered?
Here at Sansums Sand & Gravel, we are proud to offer a highly competitive delivery service throughout the m4/m5 corridor, across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. If you would like to find out more about where we can deliver our stock, make sure to visit our locations page.
What Products Do You Stock?
Here at Sansums Sand & Gavel, you can shop for a broad range of items with us. Since we established in 1972, we have been providing decorative gravel, block paving, paving & patio slabs, edgings, fencing and other building products to both domestic and commercial customers.
Our Products
Paving & Patios
How Much Paving Do I Need?
If you are looking to pave a square or rectangular patio, then calculating how much paving you’ll need is actually quite a straightforward job. Simply just measure the width and length of the area and then multiply the two numbers together. This will give you the size of the area you are looking to pave.
Whereas if you’re working out the area of a more abstract shaped patio, then you will need to divide the abstract shape into regular shapes such as triangles, squares, rectangles and even circles. This is often easier done with a pencil and paper. Then, you can find the area of these individual shapes and add them up, to total the area you need to pave.
If you are struggling to do this, then don’t stress, get in touch with our team and they’ll be more than happy to give you the advice you need. One final tip is that it can be worth purchasing a few extra paving slabs, so you aren’t stuck just incase your maths is slightly off – it’s an easy mistake to make!
Can I Lay a Patio Myself?
A patio is actually a relatively simple space to create. The process essentially consists of digging out turf, laying a layer of hardcore, then mortar and then laying the slabs. In fact, we have compiled a guide to laying paving slabs, which can be found on our blog and goes into further detail on the process of laying a patio.
Do I Need Planning Permission for Block Paving?
You will not need planning permission to lay paving in your garden or driveway, as long as surface water is not directed to any existing drains. You will need to use a permeable surface, such as gravel and other such materials, which allows water to drain through into your lawn or border.
How Can I Maintain Garden Paving? Is It An Easy Process?
Keeping your garden paving maintained can keep up your kerb appeal outside your home and ensure that your space is looking attractive. It’s an easy process and won’t take more than a day. Here at Sansums Sand & Gravel, we have put together a guide to maintaining your garden paving.
Cement & Concrete
What is the Difference Between Cement and Concrete?
The terms cement and concrete are often used interchangeably, yet cement is actually an ingredient of concrete.
Concrete is a mixture of aggregates and paste. Aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed up stone and paste is water and cement.
How Much Concrete Do I Need?
To calculate concrete volume:
- Determine how thick you want your concrete layer to be,
- Measure the length and width of the area that you’d like to cover,
- Multiply the length by the width to determine the square footage of the area,
- Convert the thickness from inches to feet,
- Multiply the thickness by the square footage previously calculated to determine cubic feet.
- Convert cubic feet to cubic yards by calculating the figure by .037
Fencing
What is Closeboard Fencing?
Closeboard fencing is, in fact, one of the most popular fencing types available is it is very easy to see why! It is built using vertical feather edge boards that overlap to give you privacy in your garden and stability in the structure. What’s more, Closeboard fencing is also incredibly easy to repair as you can replace a single board rather than a whole panel.
Should I Consider Any Legal Issues Before Installing a Fence?
When installing a fence there are a few things you need to consider before just erecting the fencing boards. Firstly, if the fence is over two metres in height, adjoins a public road or you live in a listed property you will need planning permission. It’s also a good idea to be aware of any restrictions in place regarding boundary changes. All of this information will be in the deeds of the property.
It’s important to also remember that if you have any doubts at all, don’t put up any fencing before checking will local authorities.
How Do I Put Up a Fence Panel?
There are a number of different ways to put up a fence. However, the whole process consists of digging fence post holes, securing the posts, attaching fence panels and repeating this along the boundary of your property.
Bark
Why Choose Bark For My Garden?
Bark can be an excellent choice for a range of reasons.
A layer of bark chippings across the soil in your garden and around plants and shrubs does much more than just looking great. It will stop sunlight reaching seeds and small shoots that form when weeds are developing. It can also further help you when you are watering your flowerbeds during hot weather as it will reduce evaporation from the surface of the soil and therefore retains moisture.