For a fairly standard 20m² patio, homeowners should usually budget around £1,500 to £4,000. A smaller 10m² seating area may cost around £700 to £1,500, while a larger 30m² to 40m² patio using porcelain or premium natural stone can cost £4,000 to £8,000+.
The paving material makes a big difference. Budget concrete slabs can cost around £50 to £90 per m² installed, while Indian sandstone often falls around £80 to £140 per m². Porcelain paving commonly costs around £100 to £180 per m², and premium natural stone can go considerably higher. Current UK pricing guides put mainstream patio installation broadly in the £70 to £180 per m² range, with higher costs in London and the South East.
However, the slabs themselves are only part of the job. Excavation, waste removal, a compacted sub-base, mortar, drainage, cutting and pointing all contribute to the final price.
Typical garden patio installation costs
The following figures provide a useful starting point.
| Patio project | Typical UK cost |
|---|---|
| Small 10m² patio | £700 to £1,500 |
| 15m² patio | £1,000 to £2,500 |
| Standard 20m² patio | £1,500 to £4,000 |
| 25m² patio | £2,000 to £4,500 |
| 30m² patio | £2,400 to £5,500 |
| Large 40m² patio | £3,000 to £7,000+ |
| 50m² patio | £4,000 to £9,000+ |
| Concrete paving installed | £50 to £90 per m² |
| Indian sandstone installed | £80 to £140 per m² |
| Porcelain paving installed | £100 to £180 per m² |
| Limestone patio | £100 to £180+ per m² |
| Premium natural stone | £120 to £250+ per m² |
| Patio labour only | £30 to £50+ per m² |
| Old patio removal | £20 to £50 per m² |
| New sub-base | £25 to £50 per m² |
Actual patio quotations and price will vary according to paving choice, garden access, excavation depth and the amount of cutting required.
How much does patio paving cost per square metre?
For most straightforward UK garden patios, an all-in figure of around £70 to £180 per m² is realistic.
Current 2026 pricing data suggests approximate installed costs of:
- concrete paving: £50 to £90 per m²
- Indian sandstone: £80 to £140 per m²
- porcelain: £100 to £180 per m²
- block paving: £80 to £140 per m²
- limestone or slate: £110 to £200 per m²
- granite or premium stone: £140 to £250+ per m²
These prices generally assume excavation, a suitable sub-base, bedding material, laying and jointing.
Therefore, a quote for paving slabs alone should not be compared directly with a fully installed price.
How much does a 10m² patio cost?
A small 10m² patio can provide enough space for a table and several chairs.
Typical cost
£700 to £1,500
Concrete paving will usually sit towards the lower end.
Natural stone or porcelain can raise the total towards £1,200 to £2,000, particularly if access is difficult.
Small patios often cost more per square metre because the installer still has fixed setup, travel and machinery costs.
How much does a 15m² patio cost?
A 15m² patio suits many smaller UK gardens.
Typical cost
£1,000 to £2,500
A straightforward concrete slab installation may come in near the lower end.
Meanwhile, sandstone or porcelain may push the cost above £2,000.
How much does a 20m² patio cost?
Around 20m² is a useful benchmark for an average garden seating and dining area.
Typical cost
£1,500 to £4,000
For example:
- budget concrete: £1,000 to £1,800
- Indian sandstone: £1,600 to £2,800
- porcelain: £2,000 to £3,600
- premium natural stone: £2,400 to £5,000+
Current UK market data places many 20m² patio installations at roughly £2,000 to £4,500, depending mainly on material choice and groundwork.
How much does a 25m² patio cost?
A 25m² patio gives enough room for a larger table, barbecue and outdoor seating.
Typical cost
£2,000 to £4,500
Porcelain or premium stone may increase the total above £5,000.
The price can also rise if the patio has several corners, borders or steps.
How much does a 30m² patio cost?
Typical cost
£2,400 to £5,500
A 30m² area is large enough to create separate dining and seating zones.
At this size, material choice has a much bigger effect on the overall bill.
For example, changing from a £30 per m² paving product to a £70 per m² product adds around £1,200 in slab cost alone.
How much does a 40m² patio cost?
Typical cost
£3,000 to £7,000+
A large porcelain or natural stone patio could reach £7,000 to £9,000+, especially in London or where significant landscaping accompanies the work.
How much does a 50m² patio cost?
Typical cost
£4,000 to £9,000+
Large terraces require significant quantities of:
- aggregate
- mortar
- paving
- jointing compound
- waste disposal
However, the cost per square metre can sometimes fall slightly because the contractor can spread setup charges across a larger area.
What is included in patio installation?
A proper paved patio normally involves much more than placing slabs on the ground.
A typical installation may include:
- marking out the patio
- removing turf
- excavating soil
- removing waste
- installing geotextile membrane where appropriate
- laying a compacted sub-base
- setting levels and falls
- preparing a mortar bed
- laying paving slabs
- cutting edge slabs
- installing borders
- jointing or pointing
- installing drainage where needed
- cleaning the finished paving
Some installers also include sealing.
Therefore, ask exactly what a quotation covers.
Cost of concrete paving slabs
Concrete slabs remain one of the most affordable patio materials.
Typical installed cost
£50 to £90 per m²
Basic concrete slabs may cost only around £15 to £30 per m² to buy, although decorative and stone-effect products cost more.
A 20m² concrete patio might therefore cost around:
Typical total
£1,000 to £1,800
Concrete works well for homeowners who want a practical patio without paying for natural stone or porcelain.
Cost of Indian sandstone patio installation
Indian sandstone remains popular in British gardens because every slab has slightly different colours and markings.
Typical installed cost
£80 to £140 per m²
A 20m² sandstone patio may cost around:
Typical total
£1,600 to £2,800
Common colour blends include:
- buff
- grey
- brown
- green-grey
- mixed autumn colours
Natural variation gives sandstone its character, although slabs can also vary in thickness.
That can make installation slightly more labour-intensive than calibrated porcelain.
Porcelain patio installation cost
Porcelain paving has become increasingly popular for contemporary gardens.
Typical installed cost
£100 to £180 per m²
A standard 20m² porcelain patio may therefore cost:
Typical total
£2,000 to £3,600
Premium products can take the cost higher.
Porcelain offers several advantages:
- consistent thickness
- low water absorption
- stain resistance
- wide range of colours
- modern appearance
- relatively low maintenance
However, the slabs are dense and need suitable cutting equipment.
Installers also normally use a specialist bonding slurry on the underside of porcelain slabs.
Limestone patio cost
Limestone provides a softer natural stone appearance.
Typical installed cost
£100 to £180 per m²
Dark limestone can look particularly striking when first installed.
However, some limestone colours can fade or weather over time, so sealing may be worth considering.
Slate patio cost
Typical installed cost
£100 to £200 per m²
Slate provides strong colour variation and a distinctive natural texture.
Some types can flake or delaminate if the stone quality is poor. Therefore, suitable exterior-grade paving should be used.
Granite patio cost
Granite is one of the more expensive paving materials.
Typical installed cost
£140 to £250+ per m²
It is extremely durable and works well for:
- premium patios
- paths
- borders
- steps
- setts
However, the material itself and the labour required to cut it both increase the project price.
Yorkstone patio cost
Genuine Yorkstone sits towards the premium end of natural stone paving.
Typical installed cost
£150 to £300+ per m²
Reclaimed Yorkstone can cost even more.
Homeowners often choose it for:
- period homes
- cottages
- listed properties
- traditional garden designs
Its high material cost means it is rarely the budget option.
Block-paved garden patio cost
Concrete or clay blocks can also be used for garden patios.
Typical cost
£80 to £150 per m²
Blocks offer:
- many colour choices
- defined patterns
- easy edge detailing
- straightforward replacement of damaged blocks
However, weeds can establish in the joints if the surface is neglected.
Patio slab supply cost
If you want to separate material prices from installation, typical paving supply costs might look like this:
| Paving material | Typical supply cost |
| Basic concrete slabs | £15 to £30 per m² |
| Decorative concrete | £20 to £45 per m² |
| Indian sandstone | £25 to £50 per m² |
| Porcelain paving | £30 to £80 per m² |
| Limestone | £40 to £70 per m² |
| Slate | £45 to £90 per m² |
| Granite | £50 to £100+ per m² |
| Yorkstone | £80 to £200+ per m² |
Current market data broadly supports these material ranges, with the completed installed cost increasing substantially once labour and groundwork are added.
Patio laying labour cost
Labour commonly costs around:
Typical rate
£30 to £50+ per m²
Alternatively, a patio installer or landscaper may charge around £200 to £300 per day, with a labourer adding another £120 to £180 per day.
London rates can be considerably higher.
Labour costs increase where the patio requires:
- intricate cutting
- mixed slab sizes
- circles
- curves
- several levels
- steps
- retaining walls
- restricted access
Cost of excavating a patio
Most new patios need the existing soil or lawn removing.
Typical cost
£15 to £35 per m²
For a 20m² patio, excavation might therefore cost around:
Typical total
£300 to £700
Deep excavation or difficult soil can increase the price.
Heavy clay is particularly awkward because it is difficult to dig and expensive to dispose of when wet.
Cost of removing an old patio
An existing patio may need breaking up before the new paving can go down.
Typical cost
£20 to £50 per m²
For a 20m² patio:
Typical total
£400 to £1,000
Removal costs depend on whether the existing surface consists of:
- slabs on sand
- slabs on mortar
- concrete
- block paving
- old stone
Thick reinforced concrete normally costs the most to remove.
Patio waste disposal cost
Excavation creates a significant amount of soil and rubble.
Typical cost
£250 to £800+
Contractors may use:
- skips
- grab lorries
- tipper vehicles
- waste collection services
Access matters.
If all rubble needs carrying through the house by hand, labour can increase significantly.
Patio sub-base cost
A good sub-base helps prevent settlement and movement.
Typical cost
£25 to £50 per m²
For a 20m² patio, allow approximately:
Typical total
£500 to £1,000
MOT Type 1 aggregate is commonly used.
The installer normally lays and compacts the material thoroughly before the paving bed goes down.
Poor groundwork can lead to:
- sinking slabs
- cracked joints
- rocking paving
- uneven levels
- standing water
Therefore, it is usually better to save money on the paving choice than on the foundations.
How deep should a patio sub-base be?
A typical domestic patio may use approximately 75mm to 100mm of compacted sub-base, depending on ground conditions and expected loading.
The installer then adds a mortar bed above it.
Soft or unstable ground may require a deeper foundation.
By contrast, an existing sound concrete slab might sometimes remain as part of the base.
Patio mortar bed cost
Most traditional stone and concrete patios use a full mortar bed.
Typical cost
£15 to £30 per m²
The mortar usually consists of sand and cement.
A continuous full bed provides much better support than isolated blobs of mortar.
Spot bedding can leave hollow areas beneath slabs, increasing the risk of movement and cracking.
Patio pointing cost
Once the paving has been laid, the joints need filling.
Typical cost
£10 to £25 per m²
Options include:
- traditional sand and cement
- brush-in jointing compound
- resin-based jointing
- specialist slurry grout
Porcelain paving often uses purpose-made jointing products.
Patio drainage cost
A patio needs a slight fall so rainwater drains away rather than collecting in puddles.
Minor drainage may simply involve careful levels.
More complex projects may need:
- channel drains
- soakaways
- drainage pipes
- gravel strips
- rain gardens
Typical additional cost
£300 to £1,500+
Drainage becomes especially important where a patio sits against the house.
Patio drainage channel cost
Typical cost
£50 to £100+ per linear metre
A channel drain can help protect:
- patio doors
- conservatories
- extensions
- low thresholds
However, the drain still needs somewhere suitable to discharge.
Patio soakaway cost
Typical cost
£600 to £1,500+
A soakaway allows rainwater to disperse into the ground.
The price depends on:
- excavation
- soil type
- distance from the patio
- size of soakaway
- drainage pipe length
Clay-heavy soil may reduce infiltration, so a soakaway is not suitable everywhere.
Patio levels next to the house
Patio paving should normally sit below the property’s damp-proof course.
Installers commonly aim to maintain approximately 150mm of clearance below the DPC where practical.
Poor patio levels can contribute to:
- bridging of the damp-proof course
- splashback
- damp problems
- water entering door thresholds
Therefore, the installer needs to consider existing ground levels carefully.
Raised patio installation cost
A raised patio may be needed where the garden slopes away from the house.
Typical cost
£100 to £250+ per m²
The extra cost comes from:
- retaining walls
- additional foundations
- filling material
- steps
- drainage
- edge protection
A simple raised terrace may add £1,000 to £3,000+ to the project.
Patio step installation cost
Changes in garden level may require steps.
Typical cost per step
£250 to £700+
Wide stone or porcelain-clad steps can cost considerably more.
The installer must also create stable foundations beneath them.
Patio retaining wall cost
A raised patio may need retaining walls.
Typical cost
£150 to £350+ per m² of wall
Brick, rendered blockwork and natural stone all have different costs.
Drainage behind retaining walls is also important.
Patio edging cost
Edging creates a neat border and can help hold the paving in place.
Typical cost
£20 to £70 per linear metre
Options include:
- concrete edging
- brick
- block paving
- granite setts
- stone kerbs
- steel edging
Decorative borders can substantially change the appearance of a simple patio.
Patio paving patterns and cost
Straightforward layouts generally cost the least.
More complicated patterns require additional setting out and cutting.
Examples include:
- random layouts
- mixed-size slab packs
- diagonal paving
- circles
- curves
- contrasting borders
Typical extra cost
5% to 20%
Simple rectangular patios therefore provide good value.
Cutting patio slabs cost
Some cutting is included in normal installation.
However, projects with lots of:
- corners
- curved edges
- drain covers
- manholes
- narrow strips
take longer.
Porcelain and granite also need specialist diamond cutting equipment.
Patio sealing cost
Some homeowners seal their paving after installation.
Typical cost
£5 to £15 per m²
For a 20m² patio:
Typical cost
£100 to £300
Sealing can help protect certain surfaces against:
- staining
- algae
- oil
- food spills
However, not every material needs sealing.
Porcelain, for example, has very low water absorption and often requires less treatment than sandstone.
Patio cleaning after installation
A newly laid patio should normally receive a final clean once appropriate.
Additional specialist cleaning may cost around:
Typical cost
£150 to £400
Care is particularly important with acid-based cleaners because some natural stones can react badly to them.
Patio lighting cost
Adding lighting while the patio is under construction can save disruption later.
Typical cost
£300 to £1,500+
Options include:
- wall lights
- recessed step lights
- spike lights
- LED strip lighting
- low-voltage garden lights
Electrical work outdoors should use equipment suitable for external conditions.
Outdoor sockets near a patio
Typical cost
£150 to £400 each
Outdoor sockets are useful for:
- lawn equipment
- patio heaters
- lighting
- pressure washers
- garden appliances
Installing them while landscaping work is underway can be more convenient.
Patio pergola cost
Many patio projects include a pergola or covered seating structure.
Basic timber pergola
£800 to £2,500
Larger bespoke pergola
£2,000 to £6,000+
Aluminium louvred pergola
£4,000 to £15,000+
This would normally be priced separately from the paving.
Patio installation with garden landscaping
A patio often forms part of a broader landscaping project.
Possible additional work includes:
- new lawn
- flower beds
- fencing
- raised planters
- paths
- garden steps
- retaining walls
- drainage
Typical combined project
£5,000 to £15,000+
Large garden redesigns can easily exceed this.
Patio and lawn combination cost
A popular project involves replacing part of an old lawn with a patio while returfing the remaining area.
For example:
- 20m² sandstone patio: £1,600 to £2,800
- turf preparation and laying: £500 to £1,500
- edging and planting: £300 to £1,000
Likely combined total
£2,400 to £5,300
Patio installation in a small garden
Small gardens can actually be relatively expensive per square metre.
Why?
Access is often more difficult.
Contractors may need to carry materials:
- through the house
- down narrow side passages
- through alleys
- over neighbouring access routes
As a result, a 10m² urban patio can sometimes cost more per square metre than a 40m² suburban patio with direct driveway access.
Difficult garden access cost
Restricted access may add around:
Typical extra cost
£300 to £1,500+
Hand-moving several tonnes of hardcore, sand and slabs takes considerable labour.
A garden with rear vehicular access will usually be cheaper to work on.
London patio installation cost
London generally sits towards the top of UK patio prices.
A straightforward installed patio may cost around:
Typical London cost
£90 to £200+ per m²
Restricted access, parking, congestion and higher labour costs can increase the price further.
Current 2026 market pricing suggests London and South East patio work can cost roughly 20% to 35% more than comparable work elsewhere in the UK.
Regional patio installation prices
For a typical 20m² mid-range paved patio:
| UK region | Typical cost |
| London | £2,500 to £4,500+ |
| South East England | £2,200 to £4,000 |
| South West England | £1,800 to £3,500 |
| Midlands | £1,600 to £3,300 |
| North of England | £1,500 to £3,000 |
| Wales | £1,500 to £3,000 |
| Scotland | £1,600 to £3,300 |
| Northern Ireland | £1,500 to £3,000 |
Material choice can have a greater effect than location alone.
What affects patio installation cost?
Several factors can move the final price substantially.
1. Patio size
Larger patios require more materials and labour.
However, their cost per square metre may be slightly lower.
2. Paving material
Concrete costs much less than premium porcelain or Yorkstone.
3. Existing ground
Excavating lawn is easier than removing thick reinforced concrete.
4. Garden access
Direct access for machinery lowers labour costs.
5. Ground conditions
Soft, wet or unstable soil can require deeper groundwork.
6. Drainage
Soakaways and channels increase the bill.
7. Patio shape
Straight edges cost less than curves and complicated patterns.
8. Slab size
Large heavy slabs may need two installers to handle safely.
9. Levels
Raised patios, retaining walls and steps add significant labour.
10. Location
Labour generally costs more in London and parts of the South East.
Is concrete paving cheaper than sandstone?
Usually, yes.
A concrete patio may cost around:
£50 to £90 per m²
Sandstone generally costs:
£80 to £140 per m²
For a 20m² patio, that difference could amount to several hundred pounds.
However, sandstone usually provides more natural colour variation.
Is porcelain paving more expensive?
Yes.
Porcelain commonly costs around:
£100 to £180 per m² installed
The material price is higher, and specialist cutting and bonding products increase labour costs.
Nevertheless, porcelain requires relatively little maintenance and resists staining well.
Patio versus decking cost
A basic timber deck can have a similar initial cost to budget paving.
Typical prices might be:
| Surface | Typical installed cost |
| Concrete patio | £50 to £90 per m² |
| Sandstone patio | £80 to £140 per m² |
| Porcelain patio | £100 to £180 per m² |
| Softwood decking | £70 to £120 per m² |
| Composite decking | £100 to £180+ per m² |
Paving generally requires less ongoing treatment than timber decking.
Patio versus resin cost
Resin-bound surfaces can cost approximately:
Typical cost
£100 to £160+ per m²
Therefore, concrete or sandstone paving may cost less.
Porcelain and premium resin often sit within similar price ranges.
How long does patio installation take?
A standard patio normally takes around 3 to 7 working days.
A simple small concrete patio may take only two or three days, while a larger porcelain or natural stone installation can take more than a week. Current UK pricing guidance also places many standard patio installations within a several-day timescale.
A typical project might look like this:
Day 1
Excavation and waste removal.
Day 2
Sub-base installation and compaction.
Days 3 to 5
Mortar preparation and paving installation.
Day 5 or 6
Cutting, pointing and finishing.
Weather can extend the schedule.
Can patios be installed in winter?
Yes, although conditions matter.
Heavy rain, frost and very low temperatures can cause delays.
Mortar and jointing products also need suitable temperatures to cure properly.
Spring through early autumn generally offers more predictable conditions.
However, installers may have more availability outside peak summer months.
Does a garden patio need planning permission?
For most houses, a normal rear garden patio laid at or near ground level does not usually require planning permission, and there is generally no restriction on the area of rear garden that can be covered with hard surfacing.
However, substantial raised terraces, embanking or significant changes in level can require permission. Listed buildings and properties with restricted permitted-development rights can also have additional requirements.
Different rules apply to paving front gardens, particularly where impermeable surfaces affect rainwater drainage.
Does a patio need to be permeable?
A rear garden patio does not generally need to use permeable paving simply because it is paved.
However, good drainage remains important.
The finished surface should direct rainwater safely rather than:
- towards the house
- onto neighbouring property
- into unsuitable drains
- creating large puddles
Government drainage guidance for hard landscaping also promotes measures such as permeable surfaces, soakaways and rain gardens where appropriate.
Can you lay new patio slabs over old slabs?
Sometimes, but it is not always advisable.
An existing patio may provide a usable base if it is:
- solid
- level
- well drained
- free from movement
- structurally sound
However, laying over an old patio raises the final surface level.
That can cause problems around:
- damp-proof courses
- door thresholds
- air bricks
- drains
- steps
For that reason, many installers prefer to remove unstable existing paving first.
Can patio slabs be laid directly on soil?
No, not for a long-lasting installation.
Slabs placed directly on soil are likely to:
- sink
- rock
- become uneven
- crack
- collect water
A properly prepared compacted base provides much better support.
Can patio slabs be laid on sand?
Loose sand alone is generally not the preferred base for traditional large patio slabs.
Many UK patios use a full mortar bed over compacted hardcore.
Certain block paving systems use compacted sand differently, but they have their own installation specification.
How long should a paved patio last?
A professionally installed paved patio can commonly last 20 to 30 years or more.
Premium stone and porcelain may last considerably longer.
Longevity depends on:
- foundation quality
- drainage
- paving quality
- joint maintenance
- ground movement
- installation workmanship
Poorly prepared patios may develop problems after only a few years.
Common patio problems
The most common problems include:
- sinking slabs
- loose paving
- cracked slabs
- failed pointing
- standing water
- weeds in joints
- algae
- drainage issues
Most of these problems relate either to the foundations or water management.
Patio repair cost
Not every damaged patio needs complete replacement.
Repointing
£15 to £30 per m²
Replacing individual slabs
£100 to £300+
Relaying a small sunken area
£200 to £700
Full patio relaying
£50 to £100+ per m²
If the entire sub-base has failed, full replacement may offer better value.
Patio extension cost
Extending an existing patio can create additional seating or barbecue space.
Typical cost
£80 to £180 per m²
Small extensions may have a higher per-square-metre rate because of minimum labour and material charges.
Matching discontinued paving can also be difficult.
Replacing an old patio cost
Replacing an existing paved patio typically costs more than installing onto a prepared garden area because the contractor needs to remove the old slabs first.
Typical cost
£90 to £200+ per m²
A 20m² replacement might therefore cost:
Typical total
£1,800 to £4,000+
Premium porcelain can push the total higher.
How can you reduce patio installation costs?
Several choices can help keep the budget under control.
Choose standard paving sizes
Simple square or rectangular slabs generally need fewer cuts.
Keep the patio rectangular
Curves and complicated borders increase labour.
Use concrete slabs
Concrete is normally the cheapest paving material.
Avoid unnecessary level changes
Raised patios and retaining walls add substantial cost.
Make access easier
Clearing side passages before contractors arrive can help.
Compare several quotations
Make sure each quote includes the same specification.
However, avoid saving money by removing the sub-base or reducing drainage quality.
DIY patio installation versus professional laying
A competent DIYer can install a small patio.
Potential savings mainly come from labour.
However, the work involves:
- excavation
- moving heavy aggregate
- compaction
- accurate levels
- mixing mortar
- cutting slabs
- drainage planning
- jointing
A 20m² patio may involve moving several tonnes of material.
Therefore, larger porcelain or natural stone patios are generally better suited to professional installation.
How to compare patio installation quotes
Ask each installer:
- Does the quote include excavation?
- How deep will you dig?
- What sub-base will you use?
- How deep will the sub-base be?
- Is waste removal included?
- Are paving slabs included?
- Does the quote include mortar?
- Is pointing included?
- Will you use a full mortar bed?
- How will you handle drainage?
- Are cuts included?
- Are edge restraints included?
- Are steps included?
- Does the price include VAT?
- How long will installation take?
- What workmanship guarantee do you offer?
- Do you carry public liability insurance?
A quote simply stating “20m² patio – £2,000” tells you very little about the actual construction.
Example patio installation budgets
Example 1: small 10m² concrete patio
- excavation: £200 to £350
- waste disposal: £150 to £250
- sub-base: £250 to £400
- concrete slabs: £200 to £350
- laying and pointing: £400 to £600
- likely total: £1,200 to £1,950
Small projects can carry minimum contractor charges, so very small patios do not always match simple square-metre calculations.
Example 2: 20m² sandstone patio
- excavation: £300 to £600
- waste: £200 to £400
- sub-base: £500 to £800
- sandstone slabs: £500 to £1,000
- mortar and jointing: £250 to £450
- laying labour: £700 to £1,000
- likely total: £2,450 to £4,250
Example 3: 20m² porcelain patio
- excavation and waste: £600 to £900
- sub-base: £500 to £800
- porcelain slabs: £700 to £1,600
- bonding slurry, mortar and grout: £300 to £500
- cutting and laying: £900 to £1,300
- likely total: £3,000 to £5,100
Example 4: 30m² patio with decorative border
- excavation and disposal: £800 to £1,200
- sub-base: £750 to £1,200
- paving: £900 to £2,000
- decorative edging: £400 to £800
- laying and jointing: £1,200 to £1,800
- likely total: £4,050 to £7,000
Example 5: replacing a 25m² old patio
- remove existing slabs: £500 to £900
- waste disposal: £300 to £500
- rebuild sub-base: £600 to £1,000
- new paving: £700 to £1,500
- laying and pointing: £900 to £1,400
- likely total: £3,000 to £5,300
Is a new paved patio worth the cost?
For many homeowners, a patio is one of the most useful garden improvements.
It can create space for:
- outdoor dining
- barbecues
- seating
- entertaining
- children’s furniture
- pots and planters
A good patio also needs relatively little maintenance compared with timber decking.
For a standard garden, a budget of around £2,000 to £4,000 can often create a good-quality 15m² to 25m² paved area.
The most important part of the project, however, is often hidden underneath the slabs.
Proper excavation, a compacted sub-base, a full bedding layer and sensible drainage will normally have a bigger effect on the patio’s lifespan than choosing the most expensive paving.
FAQs about paved garden patio installation costs
How much does a paved patio cost in the UK?
A new paved garden patio typically costs around £70 to £180 per square metre. A standard 20m² patio will usually cost around £1,500 to £4,000, depending on the paving and groundwork.
How much does a 10m² patio cost?
A small 10m² patio generally costs around £700 to £1,500, although premium paving or difficult garden access can increase the price.
How much does a 20m² patio cost?
A 20m² patio normally costs around £1,500 to £4,000. Concrete sits towards the lower end, while porcelain and natural stone cost more.
How much does a 30m² patio cost?
A 30m² paved patio typically costs around £2,400 to £5,500. Premium materials and complicated designs may take the total higher.
How much does concrete patio paving cost?
Concrete paving normally costs around £50 to £90 per square metre installed, making it one of the most affordable patio options.
How much does an Indian sandstone patio cost?
Indian sandstone typically costs around £80 to £140 per square metre installed.
How much does a porcelain patio cost?
Porcelain paving commonly costs around £100 to £180 per square metre installed, depending on slab price, cutting and groundwork.
How much does patio laying labour cost?
Patio laying labour commonly costs around £30 to £50+ per square metre, although complicated designs and London rates can be higher.
How much does it cost to remove an old patio?
Removing an old paved patio typically costs around £20 to £50 per square metre, depending on how difficult the existing surface is to break up and dispose of.
Do patios need a sub-base?
Yes, most traditional paved patios need a properly compacted sub-base. Without adequate preparation, slabs can sink, move and develop cracked joints.
Does a garden patio need drainage?
Yes. A patio should have suitable falls and drainage so water does not collect against the house or form standing puddles.
Does a patio need planning permission?
A normal rear garden patio at or near ground level usually does not require planning permission for a house. However, raised terraces, major changes in level, listed buildings and properties with restricted development rights may have additional requirements.
How long does patio installation take?
Most standard patios take around 3 to 7 working days. Larger or more complicated projects can take longer.
How long does a paved patio last?
A properly installed patio can commonly last 20 to 30 years or more. Natural stone and porcelain can last considerably longer when laid on good foundations.
What should homeowners budget for a paved patio?
For an average 15m² to 25m² UK garden patio, a budget of around £2,000 to £4,000 provides a useful starting point. Budget concrete may cost less, while porcelain, natural stone, drainage work and difficult access can push the project above £5,000.
When comparing quotes, look beyond the price of the slabs. Excavation depth, sub-base construction, mortar bedding, drainage and jointing will have a major influence on how the patio looks several years after installation.