Projects #1
Outdoor Kitchen
What to Consider When Designing an Outdoor Kitchen in Your Garden
An outdoor kitchen is one of the most exciting and practical additions you can make to a garden, transforming it into a true extension of your living space. At Chris J Wilson Building and Landscape, we help clients bring their outdoor kitchen ideas to life with functional, stylish designs that suit their garden and lifestyle. But before work begins, there are several important factors to consider.
1. Location and Layout
Choosing the right spot is key. You’ll need to consider sunlight, wind direction, and proximity to the main house — especially for access to electricity, water, and drainage. The layout should allow for smooth movement between cooking, preparation, and dining areas, just like an indoor kitchen.
2. Utilities and Services
Outdoor kitchens often need plumbing, electrics, and sometimes even gas. Integrating these safely and effectively into a garden setting requires careful planning and coordination. We ensure all services are installed professionally and comply with building regulations.
3. Weatherproof Materials
Outdoor kitchens must withstand the elements all year round. From durable stone worktops to weather-resistant units and sheltered cooking zones, we use materials built to last without sacrificing style.
4. Cooking Equipment and Features
Whether you’re installing a built-in BBQ, pizza oven, or full cooking station, it’s important to choose appliances that are suited for outdoor use. We help design a layout that accommodates your preferred equipment while keeping it safe, functional, and easy to use.
5. Storage and Surfaces
Storage is often overlooked in outdoor kitchen design. We include smart, weatherproof storage solutions for utensils, fuels, and ingredients, as well as worktops with enough space for food prep and serving.
6. Drainage and Groundworks
Good drainage is essential to prevent water pooling around units and seating areas. We assess the ground levels and soil conditions to create a solid base and flow that works with the rest of your garden.
7. Lighting and Ambience
Outdoor lighting not only improves safety but helps create the perfect atmosphere for evening entertaining. We offer options like integrated LED lighting, path lights, and ambient overhead fixtures to complete the space.
8. Style and Integration
The outdoor kitchen should feel like a natural part of your garden — not an afterthought. We focus on blending hard landscaping, materials, and planting to create a cohesive and inviting design.
At Chris J Wilson Building and Landscape, we bring together craftsmanship, practicality, and creative design to build outdoor kitchens that enhance your garden and lifestyle. Whether it’s a simple BBQ area or a fully-equipped entertaining space, we work with you to create something truly special.
Projects #2
Dry Stone Retaining Wall & Steps
The Challenges of Building Drystone Walls in Gardens
Drystone walls are a beautiful and traditional feature that can add structure, character, and charm to any garden. But while they may look simple, building them requires experience, patience, and a deep understanding of the craft. At Chris J Wilson Building and Landscape, we specialise in creating drystone walls that are not only attractive but built to last — and we know the challenges that come with working in garden settings.
1. Space Constraints
Gardens often come with limited working space, making it difficult to manoeuvre large stones or use machinery. Every wall must be carefully planned and built by hand, often in tight corners or sloped areas where precision is essential.
2. Ground Conditions and Levels
Unlike open fields or rural settings, garden ground is rarely uniform. Uneven levels, poor drainage, and soft or clay soils can all affect how a drystone wall settles. We assess and prepare the site carefully to ensure stability and longevity.
3. Aesthetic and Functional Balance
In gardens, drystone walls serve both a practical and decorative role — acting as retaining walls, raised beds, or boundary features. The challenge lies in blending strength with a natural look that complements planting schemes and overall garden design.
4. Stone Selection and Sourcing
Finding the right type and size of stone is crucial, especially when trying to match existing materials or fit within a specific landscape style. Each stone must be hand-picked and positioned for both structure and appearance.
5. Drainage and Retaining Loads
Many garden drystone walls are used to hold back soil or create terraces. These types of walls must be built with proper drainage behind them to relieve pressure and avoid collapse — a process that requires both skill and planning.
6. Environmental Impact
We aim to build with minimal disruption to the garden’s existing plants, features, and wildlife. Protecting established areas while carrying out heavy work adds another layer of complexity to the job.
At Chris J Wilson Building and Landscape, we combine traditional craftsmanship with thoughtful design to overcome these challenges. Whether you’re looking for a rustic boundary, a raised bed, or a retaining wall, our drystone walling enhances gardens with lasting beauty and structure.
Projects #3
Feature Boundary Wall
What to Consider When Building a Long Boundary Brick Wall
Building a long brick wall may seem straightforward, but it requires detailed planning, precision, and the right expertise to ensure strength, durability, and visual appeal. At Chris J Wilson Building and Landscape, we understand the key factors that go into a successful brick wall project — whether it’s for privacy, security, or a decorative boundary.
1. Foundations Matter
A solid, level foundation is crucial — especially for longer walls, where even slight imperfections can lead to leaning or cracking over time. Proper ground preparation and the right depth of footing are essential to support the weight and length of the structure.
2. Planning for Expansion and Movement
Bricks expand and contract with temperature changes. For longer walls, it’s vital to include movement joints at regular intervals to prevent cracking and structural issues. These joints allow the wall to “breathe” while maintaining integrity.
3. Drainage and Ground Conditions
Poor drainage can weaken a wall over time. We assess the surrounding ground conditions to ensure water is directed away from the base and won't lead to frost damage or subsidence.
4. Wall Height and Purpose
Whether you're building for privacy, security, or simply marking a boundary, the purpose of the wall affects its design. Taller walls may require reinforcement, thicker sections, or piers for added stability.
5. Matching Materials and Finish
For projects near existing brickwork, matching the colour, texture, and bond pattern of the bricks is key to achieving a seamless look. We work closely with suppliers to find the right materials for a professional finish.
6. Legal Considerations and Boundaries
Before work begins, it’s important to confirm property lines, planning permissions, and local regulations — especially for walls over a certain height. We help ensure everything is in place to avoid issues down the line.
At Chris J Wilson Building and Landscape, we bring a combination of skill, experience, and attention to detail to every brickwork project. From the first trench to the final capstone, we build long-lasting walls that look great and stand strong.
Projects #4
Dry Stone Wall Repair
The Challenges of Repairing a Drystone Wall
Repairing a drystone wall is a skilled task that requires precision, experience, and a deep understanding of traditional building techniques. At Chris J Wilson Building and Landscape, we specialise in restoring these timeless structures, and we know first-hand the unique challenges involved in maintaining their strength and beauty.
1. Matching Original Stonework
One of the primary challenges is sourcing and selecting stones that match the existing wall in size, shape, and type. Each stone must fit seamlessly with its neighbours to maintain the wall’s original appearance and structural integrity.
2. Preserving Traditional Methods
Drystone walls are built without mortar, relying on expert placement and balance. Repairs must honour this tradition, requiring careful dismantling and rebuilding rather than quick fixes. This craftsmanship ensures the wall remains true to its original construction.
3. Stability and Structural Safety
A wall may appear only slightly damaged on the surface, but hidden instability can compromise the entire structure. Proper assessment is essential to identify underlying issues and avoid further collapse or erosion.
4. Working with Weathered Materials
Older walls often feature weathered stones that are irregular or fragile. Handling these materials demands care and technique to avoid breakage while ensuring a secure rebuild.
5. Environmental and Ground Conditions
Every location brings different environmental challenges — from uneven ground to shifting soils. Repairs must account for these factors to ensure long-term durability and prevent future movement.
At Chris J Wilson Building and Landscape, we combine traditional craftsmanship with a practical approach, ensuring every drystone wall repair is completed to the highest standard. Whether restoring a boundary wall or preserving a piece of rural heritage, we take pride in every stone we lay.
