Patio Cost Calculator (UK)

Looking to find out how much a new patio costs in the UK?

Use our patio cost calculator to get a quick estimate of the total cost of a new patio in the UK.

Just enter your patio size in square metres, choose the material you'd like to use, and select how much ground preparation work is needed. Our calculator uses average patio prices, labour costs, and installation costs in 2026 to give you an accurate estimate.

In just a few clicks, our patio price calculator can get you an estimate of what you can expect to be quoted by patio builders near you.

With just a minute or two of your time, you’ll have an estimate of patio laying costs in the UK. If you're also comparing options for installing it yourself, see our guide on how to lay a patio.

Laying a Patio Cost Calculator

How This Patio Cost Calculator Works

This garden patio cost calculator estimates the total cost of your project based on:

• Patio area
• Material choice
• Level of ground preparation

It uses typical UK patio prices per square metre to provide a general cost range, including approximate labour costs, materials, and preparation work such as excavation or sub base installation, giving you a simple cost breakdown.

Keep in mind that this patio calculator is only intended to give you an approximate cost for laying a new patio in the UK. Patio prices quoted by tradespeople will vary depending on your specific needs. For example, repair work such as repointing a patio will be priced differently from a completely new installation.

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How to Use This Patio Cost Calculator

This patio cost calculator helps you estimate the likely cost of your project in 2026.

Here's how each question impacts how your estimate is calculated.

Measure the Patio Area

The main detail you’ll need is an approximate idea of the length and width of the area you want to have a new patio installed.

We use this to calculate the total area in square metres. This helps estimate how many materials are needed, how many patio slabs may be required, and how long the work is likely to take.

If you don't have a measuring tape, you can get a rough idea by thinking about the size of the area in terms of how many cars it could fit.

For example, a standard-sized car in the UK requires about 4.5m x 2m of space. If the area you want to put a new patio on could fit around 3 cars, this means it would be about 4.5m x 6m.

We also ask about the shape of your patio, as sloped or rounded areas can be more complex to build on than a simple, flat rectangular area, so costs increase accordingly.

Choose What Material You Want

The material you select will have a direct impact on the cost per square metre, the total cost, and the long-term maintenance of your patio.

Our patio quote calculator includes several common options, each with their own supply costs:

• Concrete — This is one of the most popular choices among homeowners in the UK. It's an affordable, durable, and versatile option which takes less time to install and doesn’t need much maintenance.
• Brick — Select this option if you’re looking for a traditional look and feel. Material costs are comparable to concrete, but installation takes longer, and more maintenance will be needed.
• Slate — Patios made with this type of material have a high-end, natural look and feel. However, it usually comes at a higher cost per square metre and may require more maintenance over time.
• Stone — This is the premium option that costs the most to get installed — but it’s also the most durable and high-end option. It can be customised according to the aesthetic you’re looking to get in your garden, too.

Drainage Requirements

We also ask about the drainage requirements for your project.

Patios need somewhere for rainwater to drain away, otherwise you can end up with puddling, staining, or water running back towards the house. Whether you need additional drainage installed depends on your garden's existing setup.

You'll likely need additional drainage if:

• The patio will be laid close to the house, where water needs to be directed away from the walls and foundations
• The garden already has poor natural drainage, or water tends to pool in that area after rain
• The patio is on a slope or low point where rainwater will naturally collect
• You're replacing an old patio that already had drainage problems

You probably won't need it if the area drains well naturally, is on relatively level ground away from the house, or already has an existing drainage system (like a soakaway or connection to a drain) that can be reused.

Assess the Condition of the Patio Area

Next, we need an approximate assessment of the area in which you’re looking to lay a new patio.

This is an important consideration which requires patio builders to spend more time working on your project. This increases the patio cost per square metre that our patio cost calculator uses to provide you with an estimate.

Here are your options:

• No Preparation Needed — This is what you should choose if the area is clear and is ready for a patio to be installed on.
• Minimal Preparation — A minimal amount of clearing, levelling, and ground adjustments might be required, but nothing significant.
• Excavation and Levelling — Select this option if you think there’s more significant preparation work required, such as levelling the ground, adding drainage systems, or sub base installation.
• Old Patio Removal Needed — This will take the most extra time, as it requires extra work before the excavation and levelling work can be done and incurs higher waste removal costs.

Your Location

Labour costs vary in different regions of the UK, with Wales and Scotland generally being cheaper, and London and the South of England typically above the national average. By inputting your location, we can give you a more accurate estimate of the labour costs for your project in your area.

Not sure which material is right for you, or how much preparation is needed? Post your question on our site, and tradespeople will be in touch with their thoughts on what best suits your project.

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How Many Patio Slabs Do I Need?

The number of patio slabs required for your project will depend on the total area of your patio and the slab size you choose. Larger slabs will cover more space, so fewer will be needed, whereas smaller slabs will require more to cover the same area.

To work out how many slabs you’ll need:

• Measure the patio area in square metres
• Check the size of each slab (typically 600mm by 600mm, or 0.36m² per slab)
• Divide the total area of the patio by the size of each slab — this is how many slabs you will need

For an 18m² patio, you'd need around 50 paving slabs. It’s recommended to allow for extra slabs to account for cuts, waste, and any future repairs.

If you are working with an irregular shaped patio area, break the space into smaller sections. Calculate each area separately, then add them together to get the total area.

What Affects the Total Cost of a Patio Project?

• Size — The size of the patio will affect the amount of materials and labour required.
• Materials — The materials you choose will also have an impact. Concrete slabs tend to be more affordable, while natural stone and slate can cost more per square metre.
• Labour — Labour costs will vary depending on access, layout, and the complexity of the patio design. Steps, curves, or an irregularly shaped patio can increase the duration of the job. Your location in the UK also affects labour costs.
• Groundwork — The level of groundwork preparation will also affect the total cost. If excavation, levelling, or a new sub base are required, costs will increase. This is especially true if your project forms part of wider landscaping work or a full garden renovation.

How Installation Affects Patio Costs

The way your patio is installed can have a direct impact on labour costs and the overall total cost of the project.

Ground Preparation and Quality

DIY patio installation can reduce upfront costs, but it can also lead to issues if the ground preparation or laying process is not done correctly.

Experienced installers understand how to prepare the ground, install a stable sub base, and lay patio slabs evenly. This helps reduce the risk of problems such as sinking or uneven surfaces, which may lead to additional repair costs later on.

Time and Labour Costs

Installing a new patio often involves excavation, levelling, and groundwork preparation. These steps can increase labour time, especially if the area is uneven or difficult to access.

More complex jobs take longer to complete, which can increase labour costs. Professional installers can often complete the work more efficiently, helping to keep the project within the expected time frame.

Planning and Design Choices

The layout and design of your patio can also affect installation costs. Features such as steps, curves, or an irregular shaped patio may take longer to install, which can increase the total cost.

Ready For Patio Quotes?

Make getting a new patio stress-free. Submit some basic details about what you’re after, and we’ll connect you with local tradespeople for free, no-obligation quotes.

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