ISM Groundworks

ISM Groundworks Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from ISM Groundworks, Construction Company, London.

Sussex based company specialising in brickwork, porcelain patios, patios, fencing, garden rooms, block paving, artificial grass, drainage, and groundwork. 🏡 Imagine Something More.

24/06/2026

Yesterday in the soaring heat I headed to Birmingham NEC for the installer show and for an added bonus, the regional finals for the Super Trowel 2026 competition, where I saw Ash Mahoney win with 820 bricks laid in 60 mins! Also met Paul Merson (ex footballer for Arsenal), darts legend Russ Bray, the two bald builders from Fix radio.

🌦️ Don’t Let the British Weather Ruin Your Garden Plans! 🌦️How many times have you planned a BBQ, family gathering, or r...
11/06/2026

🌦️ Don’t Let the British Weather Ruin Your Garden Plans! 🌦️

How many times have you planned a BBQ, family gathering, or relaxing evening outdoors, only for the weather to have other ideas? ☔

The good news is that you can enjoy your garden in almost any weather with the right outdoor shelter.

✅ Stylish gazebos
✅ Retractable awnings
✅ Covered seating areas
✅ Pergolas with roofing options
✅ Garden rooms for year-round use

Adding a sheltered space not only extends the time you can spend outdoors but also protects your furniture, creates a comfortable entertaining area, and can even add value to your home.

Imagine enjoying your morning coffee while listening to the rain, hosting friends without checking the forecast, or creating a cosy outdoor retreat that works all year round.

💬 What would your dream weatherproof garden include?
🏡 A gazebo
☀️ An awning
🔥 A covered seating area
🌿 A pergola

Let us know in the comments!

Pointing (also known as jointing) is the process of filling the gaps between the paving slabs or stones on a patio. It s...
14/03/2026

Pointing (also known as jointing) is the process of filling the gaps between the paving slabs or stones on a patio. It serves two main purposes: structurally binding the stones together to prevent movement and creating a weather-resistant seal to stop w**ds from growing and water from undermining the sub-base.

Here are the most common types of patio pointing, along with their pros and cons:

♦️ Sand and Cement Mortar

This is the traditional method where a mix of sharp sand and cement (usually a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio) is pushed into the joints. It can be applied as a "dry mix" or a "wet mix."

✅ Pros:
Very cost-effective; extremely strong and durable when done correctly; provides a classic look.

❌ Cons:
Time-consuming to install; prone to cracking if the patio settles; can stain paving slabs if not cleaned off immediately; not permeable (water sits on top).

♦️ Polymeric Joining Sand

This is a fine sand combined with additive polymers. You sweep it into the joints, mist it with water, and the polymers activate to harden the sand into a flexible "glue."

✅ Pros:
Very easy and fast to install; prevents w**d growth and insect infestations; flexible enough to resist cracking during freeze-thaw cycles.

❌ Cons:
More expensive than standard sand/cement; requires the patio to be completely dry during installation; can leave a "haze" on the surface if not swept perfectly clean before wetting.

♦️ Brush-in Resin (Jointing Compound)

These are pre-mixed compounds that you simply brush them into the joints, often while the patio is wet.

✅ Pros:
Extremely fast to apply; can be used in the rain; permeable (allows water to drain through to the ground); very resistant to salt and frost.

❌ Cons:
The most expensive option; has a shorter lifespan than mortar (typically 2-5 years from experience of ones I’ve been asked to repair); can feel slightly "grainy" or soft compared to cement.

♦️ Exterior Tile Grout

Specific porcelain or stone grouts are used for modern, high-end patios. These are similar to indoor grouts but formulated for outdoor weather resistance.

✅ Pros:
Provides a very smooth, contemporary finish; available in many colors to match stone; highly waterproof and resistant to mold.

❌ Cons:
Expensive; requires professional skill to apply without ruining the stone surface; joints must be very clean and of a specific depth to bond correctly. Ideally for optimum longevity, the patio needs be laid on a concrete base and not on MOT type 1.

♦️Kiln-Dried Sand

This is only used for block paving (like driveways) rather than stone slabs. It is a very fine sand that is swept into tight joints to lock it all together.

✅ Pros:
Cheapest method; easy to DIY; allows for easy repair of individual blocks.

❌ Cons:
Not suitable for wide-jointed flagstones; washes away over time; does not stop w**ds or ants.

When considering real grass versus artificial grass in the UK, there are several factors to weigh up.♦️Real Grass✅ Pros:...
07/03/2026

When considering real grass versus artificial grass in the UK, there are several factors to weigh up.

♦️Real Grass

✅ Pros:

• Natural Aesthetic and Feel: Real grass provides a natural look, feel, and smell that many people prefer. It blends seamlessly with the environment and offers a softer surface.

• Environmental Benefits: It contributes to biodiversity, supports insect life, helps filter air, and absorbs carbon dioxide. It also helps cool the surrounding area.

• Cost-Effective (Initial): The initial cost of laying real turf or sowing seeds is generally lower than installing artificial grass.

• Improved Drainage: A well-maintained natural lawn can help with water drainage, reducing surface water runoff.

• Increased Property Value (Potentially): A well-maintained natural lawn can enhance curb appeal and potentially add value to a property.

❌ Cons:

• High Maintenance: Real grass requires regular mowing, watering (especially during dry spells), w**ding and fertilising. This can be time-consuming and expensive.

• Weather Dependent: Its appearance is heavily influenced by the weather. It can become muddy and waterlogged in winter, and turn brown and dry in summer.

• Allergies: For some people, pollen from grass can trigger allergies.

• Wear and Tear: High-traffic areas can quickly become worn, patchy, and muddy, particularly with children or pets.

• Limited Usability: It can be unusable during very wet or very dry periods.

♦️Artificial Grass

✅ Pros:

• Low Maintenance: No mowing, watering, w**ding, or fertilizing is required, saving time and money on upkeep.

• Year-Round Greenery: It maintains a pristine, green appearance regardless of the weather or season.

• Durability: Artificial grass is highly durable and can withstand heavy use, making it ideal for families with children or pets.

• No Allergies: It eliminates grass pollen, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers.

• Cleanliness: No mud means no muddy footprints or paw prints brought into the house.

• Water Conservation: Reduces the need for watering, which is good for the environment and your water bill.

❌ Cons:

• High Initial Cost: The upfront cost of purchasing and installing artificial grass is significantly higher than real grass.

• Heat Retention: Artificial grass can get very hot in direct sunlight, making it uncomfortable to walk or sit on during warm weather. Not ideal if you have pets.

• Environmental Concerns (Microplastics & Disposal): Made from plastics, it contributes to microplastic pollution over time and is difficult to recycle at the end of its lifespan. It also doesn't support local ecosystems.

• Unnatural Feel and Look: While improving, it still doesn't replicate the exact feel and natural look of real grass.

• Drainage Issues (Potentially): If not installed correctly, it can lead to poor drainage and standing water.

• Odour Build-up: Pet urine can lead to odour build-up if not regularly cleaned.

• Lifespan: While durable, it eventually degrades and will need replacing, typically after 10-15 years, contributing to landfill waste.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities, lifestyle, budget, and how you intend to use your outdoor space.

We install and refresh artificial grass, so please do reach out if this is something that you are thinking of installing.

Have you recently bought a new build? Congratulation! 🙌🏼We regularly help homeowners turn muddy plots into:* Patios & pa...
04/03/2026

Have you recently bought a new build? Congratulation! 🙌🏼

We regularly help homeowners turn muddy plots into:

* Patios & paths
* Shed bases
* Fencing & privacy
* Raised gardens

Let me know if you would like to discuss options to suit your needs and budget.

Want to smarten up your garden with a patio? Undecided what type of patio would suit your needs? Read my post comparing ...
27/02/2026

Want to smarten up your garden with a patio?

Undecided what type of patio would suit your needs? Read my post comparing porcelain and sandstone slabs or reach out to me for a chat and I can help you decide.

Undecided which to choose? There are pros and cons for each, but it’s all down to personal preference. Below are some th...
24/02/2026

Undecided which to choose? There are pros and cons for each, but it’s all down to personal preference. Below are some things to consider:

♦️ Porcelain Slabs

✅ Pros:

◦ Durability: Exceptionally hard-wearing, resistant to scratches, stains, fading, and harsh weather, suitable for high-traffic areas.

◦ Low Maintenance: Non-porous; resists moss, algae, and stains, requiring only occasional cleaning.

◦ Aesthetic Variety: Offers a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures, including options that mimic natural stone or wood for a modern look.

◦ Weather Resistance: Does not absorb water, preventing freezing damage and ensuring quick drying, with textured finishes enhancing slip resistance.

❌ Cons:

◦ Higher Cost: Generally more expensive upfront than sandstone due to manufacturing processes.

◦ Installation Challenges: Heavy and dense, making it harder to cut and install; professional installation is recommended.

◦ Potential Slipperiness: Smooth finishes can be slippery when wet, though textured options mitigate this.

◦ Artificial Look: Some may find the uniform appearance less appealing than natural stone.

♦️ Sandstone Slabs

✅ Pros:

◦ Natural Beauty: Unique textures and colour variations give a rustic, earthy charm, with each slab being one-of-a-kind.

◦ Cost-Effective: Typically more affordable upfront than porcelain, especially mid-range options like Indian sandstone.

◦ Slip Resistance: Naturally non-slip, particularly with riven or textured finishes.

◦ Eco-Friendly: A natural material that is biodegradable and has a lower initial environmental footprint when responsibly sourced.

◦ Versatility: Easy to shape and lay in various patterns, suiting both traditional and contemporary designs.

❌ Cons:

◦ Porosity: Absorbs water leading to staining and discoloration.

◦ Weathering: Prone to erosion and cracking over time, especially in damp climates or with poor maintenance.

◦ Higher Long-Term Upkeep: Requires regular cleaning to maintain appearance.

◦ Inconsistencies: Natural variations in size, shape, and colour can make installation more complex.

22/02/2026

Spent the day researching new technology and systems, some of which are pretty impressive, and environmental friendly 🌱

This lovely customer had a garden remodelled including: ✅ New fence ✅ Patio✅ Driveway✅ Sleeper raised bed✅ New gate“ISM ...
21/02/2026

This lovely customer had a garden remodelled including:

✅ New fence
✅ Patio
✅ Driveway
✅ Sleeper raised bed
✅ New gate

“ISM groundworks have been fantastic. Very impressed with the level of care and dedication shown by Ian and his team. Ian followed up on his quote and arrived on time. I found him to be very professional about his standards and was reassured when checking his material costs. He has a great relationship with suppliers so made sure I got trade rates.

During the project I changed my mind on a few details and Ian was more than happy to accommodate. The service was brilliant and I couldn't recommend ISM groundworks enough.

I hope to use then again for more work in the summer.

Thanks ISM !!!!”

- Ian

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