Your questions answered
Everything you might want to ask.
Grouped by where you are in the decision — from early research through the build to the years after. If your question isn't here, just call and ask.
Before you call
Do you charge for a site visit or quote?
No. Stephen comes out, walks the garden, looks at access, levels and drainage, and puts a clear, no-obligation quote to it — whether it's a single patio or a full garden design and build. You're under no pressure to go ahead.
Do you design as well as build?
Yes — that's the point of WilsonJones. We plan the layout and materials and then build it ourselves, rather than handing a design to a separate crew. Because the same firm draws and delivers the job, the design is something we know we can build and cost honestly, and nothing gets lost in between.
Do you take on small jobs, or only full gardens?
Both. We cover the full range from a single patio, a run of fencing or a new lawn through to a garden completely reimagined. Small jobs get the same care and the same free, no-obligation quote as the large ones.
What areas do you cover?
We're based in Wilmslow and work across Cheshire — Alderley Edge, Wilmslow, Holmes Chapel, Chester, Warrington, Crewe and the towns and villages between. If you're just outside those, ask anyway and we'll tell you straight.
Roughly what should I budget?
It depends on the job, but we'd rather give you a sense than leave you guessing. As a broad guide for our area: a new lawn or a run of fencing is typically the smaller end; a quality patio often lands in the mid-single-figure thousands; and a full garden design-and-build scheme is priced accordingly. Every quote is free and no-obligation.
During the project
Will the same team see the whole job through?
Yes. One team carries the work from groundwork through paving, walling, fencing, decking and planting, with Stephen across it throughout. When one crew is answerable for the whole job, nothing gets lost between trades — and you always know who you're dealing with.
Do you handle the groundwork yourselves?
Yes. We carry out the excavation, sub-bases, drainage and levels ourselves before any paving, walling or turf goes down. On a patio or a terraced garden especially, that base is what decides whether the finished surface holds true or settles a season later.
Do you take a deposit, and how does payment work?
For larger jobs we typically take a deposit to cover materials once you're happy to proceed, with the balance on completion. We'll set the payment stages out clearly in writing with your quote before any work starts — clients tell us we keep them in the loop throughout.
Do you work tidily and clear up as you go?
Yes. On a garden build that runs several days that matters — we keep the site orderly, take the waste away as we go and leave the finished garden swept and clear rather than in a state.
Materials & aftercare
What paving and materials do you use?
For patios, porcelain, Indian sandstone, limestone and natural stone — from crisp contemporary greys to riven traditional finishes. For walling, brick, block and natural stone; for boundaries, timber and composite fencing; for structures, timber and steel. We'll talk through what suits your house and budget at the site visit.
Natural turf or artificial grass — which is right for me?
Each has its place. Natural turf gives a soft, living lawn but wants mowing and care; artificial grass is durable, low-maintenance and stays green all year, which suits family lawns, play areas and shaded corners where real grass struggles. Whichever you choose, the base preparation underneath is what makes it last — and that's the part we're most careful about.
How do I look after a new patio or garden?
Very little is needed. Sweep off leaves and debris and give paving an occasional wash; natural stone benefits from an occasional seal, and artificial grass just needs a brush now and then. We'll leave you with straightforward advice for whatever we've laid — and being a local Cheshire firm, we're not hard to find if you need us back.
Still wondering about something?
The quickest way to a straight answer is a quick call or a WhatsApp photo of the garden or patio. No obligation, no pressure — Stephen will talk it through.