Cost of Laying a Patio in the UK

Quick Cost Breakdown

• A standard patio costs between £50 and £180 per m² for materials.
• Labour typically runs £200 to £360 per day for a professional installer.
• Hidden costs include drainage, groundworks, and waste removal.
• A well-designed patio can add 5 to 10% to your home's value.

Laying a Patio Cost Guide

In this cost guide we will talk about:

1. Laying a Patio Quick Cost Breakdown
2. Cost Of Hiring A Professional Patio Installer
3. Different Patio Designs and their Costs
4. Hidden Costs: Planning Permission, Drainage and Groundworks
5. How Slab Size and Layout Affect Patio Costs
6. How To Save Money On Your New Patio
7. Find Patio Installers Near You On Mybuilder
8. FAQ: Common Questions About Laying A Patio

Laying a Patio Quick Cost Breakdown

When you are budgeting for a new patio, it helps to start with a rough idea of how much you might pay per square metre. For a typical patio in the UK, prices can range from around £50 per m² for basic concrete slabs to £180 per m² or more for higher‑end options such as porcelain or natural stone.

These figures reflect the surface material alone; add in sub‑base work, edging, labour, and any decorative detailing, and the total cost per m² can rise noticeably.

Understanding where your chosen material sits within this range helps you set a realistic budget, align your expectations, and spot when a quote is high or low for the spec you’re getting.

Here’s the average price for different types of patio material:

Patio Type	Cost per m²
Concrete	£50–£120
Brick	£80–£140
Natural Stone	£120–£475
Porcelain/Slate	£130–£180

If you are not sure which material will best suit your home, it’s important that you talk to a professional who knows what they’re talking about. Just post your job on MyBuilder today, and a verified patio installer near you will get in touch. Whether you’re looking for some simple advice, or a full patio installation.

Cost Of Hiring A Professional Patio Installer

Professional labour is essential in patio installation, ensuring the project's durability and quality. Hiring a professional helps you avoid common pitfalls such as improper drainage or uneven surfaces, which can lead to costly repairs down the line.​

• Daily rates: Landscapers or paving professionals typically charge between £200 and £360 per day, depending on their experience and the project's complexity.​

• Hourly rates: If you prefer hourly pricing, expect to pay around £25 to £45 per hour.​

• Per square metre: Labour-only costs usually work out at £35 to £70 per m² for standard installations.​

To ensure your patio project is completed to a good standard, it's important to hire a professional. MyBuilder is the easy and quick way to find verified patio installers near you who can help you get the patio you’re looking for. Just post your job today.

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Different Patio Designs and their Costs

Choosing the right patio material is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, affecting how much you spend, how long your patio lasts, and how it looks in your garden.

Below is a quick, easy-to-scan overview to help you compare the main options and the extra costs to factor into your budget.

Paving stones

• Durable, long-lasting option that gives a classic, timeless look, with lots of colours, shapes and textures to choose from.

• Expect to pay around **£20 - £100 per m², depending on the type and quality of stone.

Concrete patios

• Great value choice if you want a modern, low-maintenance finish on a tighter budget.

• Typical costs are £50 - £120 per m², with price influenced by slab thickness, finish, and how complex the design is.

Wooden patios

• Wood decking adds warmth and a natural feel, making it ideal if you want a softer, more relaxed look.

• Budget around £60 - £190 per m², depending on the type of timber and any treatments or finishes.

• Remember that timber needs regular cleaning, sealing and repairs to prevent rot and keep it looking its best.

If you want to discuss what patio will suit your home best, post your job to find a verified local patio installer through MyBuilder.

Or explore options like our crazy paving cost guide if you’re after a more distinctive but still affordable finish.

Hidden Costs: Planning Permission, Drainage and Groundworks

While the visible costs of materials and labour are easier to estimate, there are several hidden expenses that can catch homeowners off-guard.

Factoring in these potential costs early on in your budget, can help you avoid delays or legal complications.

Here are some common unseen costs to consider:

Planning permission or permits: Not all patios require planning permission, but when needed, fees typically range from £50 to £250, depending on your local council and project scope.

• Building regulations compliance: If your project affects drainage or access, you may need approval under building regulations. Expect to pay £200 - £500 for inspections or professional assessments.
• Drainage modifications: Altering or adding drainage can involve groundworks and specialist labour, costing £300 - £1,000+, depending on the complexity.
• Waste removal: Hiring a skip for excavation waste can cost £150 - £300, and additional landfill or disposal fees may apply depending on location and volume.
• Land preparation or levelling: Clearing and levelling uneven ground or adding retaining structures can add £200 - £800 to your total, depending on garden condition and materials needed.
• Utility checks and rerouting: Surveying for underground services can cost around £10 £250, while rerouting cables or pipes may run between £300 - £1,000+, depending on the service and scope.

For even more detailed advice on budgeting for garden projects, refer to this garden landscaping cost guide. This guide can provide valuable insights into potential additional costs you might face.

How Slab Size and Layout Affect Patio Costs

The size of the slabs you choose and the way you lay them can have a real impact on both material and labour costs.

Larger slabs often mean fewer joints and quicker installation, while small or irregularly sized slabs create more cutting, more joints, and higher labour time on site. Matching slab size to your layout can reduce waste and keep the build‑up more efficient.

Typical slab sizes and their impact on cost:

Slab size (approx)	Material cost per m² & labour effect
600 × 400 mm	£40-£70 per m²
600 × 600 mm	£50-£80 per m²
300 × 300 mm	£30-£60 per m²
1200 × 600 mm	£80-£150+ per m²

Choosing a slab size that fits your design rather than forcing the layout into a cheaper off‑the‑shelf size helps control overall cost while improving the long‑term appearance and stability of your patio.

How To Save Money On Your New Patio

Creating and maintaining a patio doesn’t need to strain your budget, but saving money works best when you target the right areas.

The biggest opportunities lie in material choice, layout efficiency, and how much work you’re prepared to manage yourself, rather than simply cutting back everywhere at once.

Use these more targeted cost‑saving strategies:

Choose cost‑efficient but durable materials: Concrete slabs and reclaimed stone often deliver a solid performance at a lower price point than porcelain or high‑spec natural stone, without sacrificing longevity if laid correctly.

Optimise the layout for the slab size: Design your patio to match standard slab dimensions so you minimise cutting and wastage; fewer off‑cuts mean less material to buy and dispose of.

Break the project into phases: If funds are limited, build a core usable area first (such as an eating zone) and add extensions or feature bands later, rather than stretching the budget too thin.

Shop smart and local: Smaller suppliers or local building‑material yards sometimes offer over‑run or end‑of‑batch slabs at a discount; these can be ideal if you’re flexible on exact colours or batches.

Plan details up front: Agreeing levels, drainage fall, and kerb/edging details early avoids last‑minute changes and extra work that can quietly inflate the final price. By setting a clear brief and sharing your plans, and any images when you post your job on MyBuilder, you can get more accurate quotes and reduce the risk of mid‑project surprises.

Find Patio Installers Near You on MyBuilder

It only takes a few clicks to post your job on MyBuilder today. Whether you’re looking for a wooden or paved patio, you can find verified patio installers near you who are ready to take on the job.

You can also view our directory of installers, see their customer reviews and images of their past work, so you can make the hire with more confidence than before.

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FAQ: Common Questions Readers Ask About Laying a Patio

What Is The Cheapest Patio To Lay?

The cheapest patio to lay generally involves gravel or pea shingle, costing around £20 to £30 per square metre, including labour and materials. Other affordable options include concrete or basic paving slabs, which may cost £40 to £60 per square metre. These materials are straightforward to install, keeping both material and labor costs low.

How Can I Extend My Patio Cheaply?

To extend your patio affordably, consider using cost-effective materials like gravel or basic paving slabs. Reusing existing materials from your current patio can also reduce expenses. Another strategy is to do the work yourself or hire a handy local tradesperson at a lower cost than larger companies. Keeping the design minimal without intricate patterns or borders will further reduce expenses.

Does A New Patio Add Value To A House?

Yes, a new patio can add value to a home by enhancing both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. It provides an attractive outdoor space for entertainment and relaxation, potentially increasing the property's marketability. Although the precise increase in value varies, experts suggest that a well-designed patio can add 5% to 10% to the home's value.

How Long Does It Take To Lay A Patio?

The time required to lay a patio depends on its size, design complexity, and ground conditions. Generally, a simple patio of about 20 square metres with minimal complications can take 2 to 3 days. In contrast, larger or more intricate projects involving additional features like steps or lighting might extend the timeline to a week or more.

What Type Of Patio Lasts The Longest?

Natural stone patios, especially those made from granite, slate, or sandstone, are known for their durability and longevity, often lasting 30 years or more.Porcelain paving is another robust option, offering resistance to weathering and wear. Regular maintenance, such as sealing and cleaning, can extend the life of any patio type significantly.

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Lay A Patio?

The best time to lay a patio in the UK is typically late spring to early autumn, when ground conditions are drier and temperatures are milder. This allows mortar and kiln‑dried sand to set properly and reduces the risk of frost affecting newly laid slabs in the first few weeks. Laying a patio during consistently wet or very cold weather can increase the chances of movement, puddling, and long‑term issues, which may raise both initial and future repair costs.