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Cost of Laying a Patio

Written by Heather Barrigan

Heather Barrigan

Writer

I am a seasoned copywriter from Liverpool - who after graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in English Media and Cultural Studies - went on to specialise in the creation of business and lifestyle copy for a wide range of industries across the UK and USA.

18th February, 2026

How we get our data

We gather our data from real quotes given by UK tradespeople to UK homeowners on the MyJobQuote platform.

At a Glance

The average new patio costs around £1,200 in the UK.
This job takes around 2 days for specialists to finish.

In this guide:

Typical patio installation costs and what impacts prices you're quoted in 2026.
What's involved in the job, material pros and cons, and expert advice from tradespeople.
How to find a local patio installer using MyJobQuote.

Get free estimates Are you a trade? Get more work today!

Wondering how much it costs to lay a patio?

This guide covers everything you need to know about the cost of laying a patio in the UK. You'll find a breakdown of the prices by material (including patio costs per square metre) how much a patio builder costs in 2026, and much more!

Even if you're exploring your options, it's a smart move to get a few quotes. It gives you the full picture about what patio installation is possible in your space with the budget you have.

With MyJobQuote, you don't need to commit to anything — all quotes from patio installers are fast, free, with no obligation to go ahead.

Find our full patio cost guide below.

Average Cost to Lay Patio (Supply & Labour):

Depending on the complexity of the job, it usually takes: 2 days

£1,200

How Much to Lay a Patio?
Types of Patio Installations
How Much Does a Patio Builder Cost?
Timescales for Laying a Patio
What Impacts Patio Installation Costs?
What's Involved in Laying a Patio?
Patio Repair Costs
Cost of Patio Removal
What Alternatives to a Patio Are There?
Building Regulations and Planning Permission
Patio Maintenance and Cleaning
How to Find and Hire a Patio Installer
FAQs
Sources

How Much to Lay a Patio?

The cost to lay a patio in a standard 20 square metre area...

...is typically around £900 to £2,500. This price includes the cost to excavate and lay foundations, as well as the supply and installation of your paving slabs.

What factors impact the patio costs you're quoted?

Prices vary depending on materials:

Budget options such as concrete and brick patio slabs cost around £900 to £1,600
Premium slate patios cost between £900 and £3,800
Premium stone patio can cost up to £4,200

Which is better for a family garden: decking or a patio?

"In my opinion, a patio would be better. Decking looks good but in wet weather and the winter it is extremely slippery and near impossible to walk on. It also needs a little more looking after than a patio"

V Bennett Gardening Services

Calculate the Cost of Laying a Patio

Want a better idea of how much it costs to lay a patio?

Try out our patio cost calculator.

You'll need the length and width (in metres) of the area you'd like to install a patio on.

While this calculator is a great starting point, getting quotes from local patio layers is the best way to understand the total patio cost for your specific project.

Quotes you get through MyJobQuote are fast, free, with no obligation to proceed.

New Patio Prices

Below are some estimated costs of hiring a landscape gardener to build a patio.

These prices represent the total cost of your patio project, including supply and professional installation.

Small Patio Costs (10m²)

Patio Type	Avg. Cost
Stone	£800 – £1,350
Brick	£550 – £900
Slate	£900 – £1,200
Concrete	£550 – £1,100

Medium Patio Costs (20m²)

Patio Type	Avg. Cost
Stone	£1,400 – £2,500
Brick	£1,000 – £1,600
Slate	£1,600 – £2,200
Concrete	£900 – £2,000

Large Patio Costs (40m²)

Patio Type	Avg. Cost
Stone	£2,400 – £4,600
Brick	£1,500 – £2,200
Slate	£2,800 – £4,000
Concrete	£1,400 – £3,600

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Types of Patio Installations

The type of patio you choose will depend on your budget and what's possible in your outdoor space.

Here's a breakdown of the different patio types, along with their average costs:

How Much Does a Patio Builder Cost?

Day rates for gardeners are around £100.

You'll typically need two for professional installation, bringing your labour costs closer to £200 a day.

Labour tends to swallow up around 25% to 35% of the total project cost. Broken down, that’s around £20 to £40 per m² just for manpower before you add materials, preparation, and waste removal.

It's good to know that: Most installers will give you a total cost for the whole patio, rather than charging by the day. It’s handy to know the average cost per square metre to check you’re not being overcharged.

Typical all-in costs (materials + labour) usually sit around £60 to £120 per m². Use that when comparing fixed prices.

What is the approximate cost to lay porcelain paving slabs over an area of 16 x 16 feet, excluding the cost of the slabs? Additionally, how much would it cost to lay a concrete slab measuring 10 x 13 feet?

"Roughly £750 for the patio and £800 for the concrete base."

Adams Maintenance Services

Timescales for Laying a Patio

How long a patio takes depends on the size, ground conditions, and weather.

Here are typical scenarios:

Patio Size	Typical Timescale	Assumptions
Small (≈10m²)	~2 days	Level ground, easy access
Medium (≈20m²)	~3 days	Standard prep and laying
Large (≈40m²+)	~4 – 5 days	May need extra prep/edging

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What Impacts Patio Installation Costs?

There isn’t one single price driver. It’s a mix of size, materials, prep, and how fiddly the job is.

Here’s how to double-check the overall cost and see where the money goes.

Patio Size

Bigger areas mean more excavation, more sub-base, more slabs, and more time.

As a rough sense-check, small patios (~10m²) often land around £800 to £1,100, while large (~40m²) can reach ~£4,600, depending on spec and access.

Slab Type and Quality

The cost to lay your patio depends on the quality of your materials.

Budget concrete starts from about £15 per m², but cheaper mixes can fail sooner (air pockets and freeze/thaw). You'll pay more for quality materials, which is why natural stone and better-made concrete can cost up to £95 per m².

Patio Type	Avg. Cost per m² (supply only)
Stone	£40 – £95
Brick	£15 – £50
Slate	£50 – £80
Concrete	£15 – £55

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Ground Prep and Sub-Base

Most patio designs need excavation plus a compacted sub-base (e.g., Type 1 MOT). Softer ground or areas that take more weight need more depth and time.

If you’re flagging, allow £15 to £60 per m² for the flags, plus £75 to £100 per m² as the cost to lay.

Falls and Drainage (SuDS)

Patios are laid to a gentle fall away from the house. Surface water should go to a permeable ground or a soakaway, not the foul system.

If there’s nowhere for runoff, you may need channels/gullies or a soakaway — the cost of installing a soakaway is around £750.

Access and Site Constraints

Narrow side passages, steps, and roots will slow things down.

Removing an existing patio will add to your overall waste costs (often ~£100+ depending on volume). If there’s a lot to clear during site preparation, a single skip hire cost can be more efficient than multiple trips.

Pattern, Edging and Extras

Simple stretcher bond is quickest. Intricate patterns, tight curves, steps, brick edging, recessed manholes, lighting, or planters all add labour time and materials.

Labour Rates by Region

London and the South East trend higher due to overheads and parking.

As a ballpark on larger jobs: Bigger firms in London ~£2,400 to £2,600, while the in the north ~£2,000 to £2,200.

Seasons and Weather

Wet and frozen ground slows excavation and affects mortar. Most installers avoid laying in heavy rain or frost, which can stretch timelines.

Remember: Ask for an itemised, written quote that shows excavation depth, sub-base build-up, drainage/falls, laying pattern, jointing, waste removal, and any extras. It makes comparing like-for-like much easier when hiring professionals.

Should I use concrete or paving slabs for a patio area in my garden?

"I’d go with flagging as you have so much more choice, and with concrete, there is a lot of maintenance to keep it looking as good as the day it was installed! It’s also very slippery during the winter months."

Smartdriveways

What's Involved in Laying a Patio?

How much work is involved in laying a patio?

It's one of the bigger landscape gardening jobs, even for a relatively small patio area of 25 square metres.

Here's what to expect when you get your new patio installed:

Before the Job Starts

Survey, Measurements, and Drainage — The installer checks access, measures up, and confirms where any services (cables/pipes) run. Drainage will be considered, and if a runoff needs managing, your professional installer may add a channel drain or a soakaway.
Spec and Materials Chosen— Sub-base (Type 1 MOT), full mortar bed, and your chosen slabs. Porcelain/smooth stone usually needs a slurry primer on the back for good adhesion.

During the Job

Strip Out, Prep, Build Sub-base — Lift any old surface and excavate to the right depth for sub-base, bed and slab thickness. Lay Type 1 MOT in layers and compact thoroughly (garden patios often allow ~100mm compacted, adjusted for ground/loads).
Lay the Bed — A full mortar bed is laid (typically ~30mm to 50mm). Porcelain/smooth stone gets a slurry primer before it goes down.
Lay the Slabs — Start from string lines, tap each slab level with a rubber mallet and keep the fall consistent. Once the bed has firmed up, joints are filled (mortar or resin/compound to suit the slab), and the surface is cleaned.

After the Job

Curing and First Use — Keep off heavy furniture/loads until bedding and joints have cured (often 24 to 72 hours, weather dependent).
Snagging — Check edges, levels and water run-off; tidy any small imperfections.

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Patio Repair Costs

The average cost of repairing a patio tends to be significantly lower than the cost of replacing one.

However, this will depend greatly on the scale of repair work required. Patio repairs are usually completed within one day, so you should expect to pay around £100 for professional repairs, or up to £200 per day if a general labourer is working alongside them.

The most common patio problems include:

Sinking Slabs — Caused by sub-base compaction or erosion, typically costing £100 to £200 per day for professional repair.
Surface Cracking — Often due to age or ground movement, with materials costing £26 to £125.
Loose or Wobbly Slabs — If your garden paving or blocks start to become loose, this may be because the jointing mortar has failed. Patio repointing costs are typically £20 per sqauare metre.

What would it cost to relay an existing patio? Slabs are 18" by 18".

"It all depends on how the current patio was laid. It may need a better sub base installation and many other factors that will determine the cost.

But a guide you can use is a rough cost of between £130-£180 per m2. Just find out the area size and work it out with those numbers and that will give you your minimum and maximum.

Also an extra cost of £250-£400 per manhole cover if they are needed. That is all inclusive of labour and materials."

Lzr Tree Surgery Fencing Landscape Ltd

Cost of Patio Removal

Taking up an old patio is normally priced as labour – you’ll also want to cover waste removal. A couple of workers will run to roughly £200 a day.

Take a look at a few patio removal scenarios to give you a clearer picture:

Patio Size	What’s Included	Typical Removal Cost	Approx. Cost per m²
Small (≈10m²)	Lift slabs/break out light concrete, load out, waste	£250 – £500	£25 – £50 per m²
Medium (≈20m²)	As above, more waste volume	£400 – £700	£20 – £35 per m²
Large (≈40m²)	As above, 2 – 3 labour days and larger skip	£700 – £1,000	£18 – £25 per m²

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What Alternatives to a Patio Are There?

Already have a patio sorted? Here are some complementary ideas for your outdoor space:

Gravel Paths

Gravel paths are quick to put down and easy to tweak later.

Want an uncluttered finish that lasts? Lay down a firm sub-base along with a weed membrane. Then, use edging to keep stones from wandering onto lawns or beds.

Best for: Quick, budget-friendly paths and relaxed seating areas.

Material cost: £20 to £50 per m²

Pros

✔ Quick to install and hard-wearing when you lay it over a firm sub-base and membrane
✔ Lots of colours and sizes

Cons

✖ You’ll need to tidy it up regularly to keep it looking good
✖ Trickier to clear in snow and ice — scraping will move the stones

Bark Mulch Paths

Bark gives you a natural, soft finish underfoot. However, it'll compress and break down, so be sure to top it up now and then.

It works best on top of a breathable membrane with edging to keep it in place. If you’re clearing a lot of old borders or green waste, a skip is worth having.

Planning a bigger garden project? Typical landscaping costs vary by materials, access, and drainage.

Best for: Natural-looking garden paths and borders.

Material cost: £90 to £180 per bulk bag (coverage varies by depth)

Pros

✔ Helps suppress weeds
✔ Soft underfoot and easy to top up

Cons

✖ Not great for heavy foot traffic — it shifts about
✖ Leaf blowers and strong jets can scatter it

Garden Decking

Installing garden decking is brilliant for levelling awkward spots and creating a clean seating area fast. Timber needs periodic care, while composite costs more up front but is lower-maintenance.

Best for: Level seating space on uneven ground.

Material cost: £15 to £90 per m² (timber or composite)

Pros

✔ Warm, natural look with flexible designs for small or large spaces
✔ Hardwood can last decades if cared for

Cons

✖ Cheaper boards may only last 10 to 15 years
✖ Needs ongoing maintenance to avoid rot and wear

Resin-Bound Surfaces — Costs and Considerations

Resin-bound gives you a smooth, modern look that drains surface water through the mix when laid on a suitable base. It wants solid prep and neat edging, so get itemised quotes.

Best for: Smooth, modern finish with good drainage.

Material cost: £60 to £90 per m²

Pros

✔ Permeable, so it helps with surface water
✔ Clean look and comfortable underfoot

Cons

✖ Can encourage weed growth if not maintained
✖ Resin-bonded (not bound) options aren’t permeable, and can pool water

Building Regulations and Planning Permission

Do you need planning permission to lay a patio? In most cases, no.

Planning Permission

Patios are considered permitted development if:

It's built at ground level and doesn't alter your overall land levels (e.g., isn't a raised platform)
The new patio doesn't cover more than 50% of the total land around your property

However, planning permission will be required if:

The patio will be raised more than 300mm above ground level, or if you're significantly changing the ground levels (e.g., in a steep garden)
You live in a listed property, flat, or maisonette

Building Regulations

You won't often need to comply with Building Regulations for a ground-level patio.

However, they will apply if:

Your patio affects your property's drainage system, or working near to damp-proof courses
Your patio design includes steps or retaining walls
You're planning on laying a patio over inspection chambers/drains

Patio Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular cleaning and maintenance will help your patio last longer and keep it looking its best. Here are the key things to know:

General Patio Cleaning

You should brush your patio to remove any debris and pull out any weeds at least once a week.

To remove dirt, use dish soap and water, applying it with a brush. Avoid a wire brush and for stone patios, avoid acidic products on calcareous stone (e.g., limestone) as they can etch the surface. You should also hose it regularly and use a brush or leaf blower, which costs around £30 to £90, to prevent dirt build-up.

Removing Stubborn Stains

You can use a deck cleaner or a degreaser, which should be rubbed onto the surface with a nylon brush, then rinsed with water. Power washing is also effective, but should be conducted two or three times a year.

Patio Protection

For brick patios, you may want to add a sealant, which costs around £3 to £6 per square metre. Professionals also advise covering your patio with a surface protector in the winter to prevent moss and dirt build-up.

If you would prefer to hire a professional to clean your patio, you should expect to pay around £150 to £400 for jet washing, although the price will vary depending on the size of your patio.

How to Find and Hire a Patio Installer

Who you choose to lay your patio can make or break it. A good installer will make sure your patio looks good and stands the test of time.

Before starting your patio project, make sure you:

Do they offer written quotes? Get at least 3 quotes from patio installers near you. Make sure they're itemised so there are no hidden fees.
Do they have experience in laying your patio material? Go for someone who’s laid plenty of patios before – five years plus in the trade is a decent marker.
Do they have plenty of positive customer reviews? Spend a few minutes scrolling reviews, or check their MyJobQuote profile to see all their feedback from other homeowners.
Do they have insurance? Professional installers should have public liability insurance.
Do they offer a guarantee? Decent installers will usually back their work, especially if it sinks or the joints give way.

FAQs

How Long Should a Patio Last?

A professionally laid patio can last several decades if it's properly maintained. Regular cleaning and fixing minor problems early will help extend its lifespan.

What Weather Is Best for Laying a Patio?

Patio work is best done in dry, mild weather. Heavy rain, frost, or freezing conditions can delay the job because mortar won’t set properly, and wet ground makes excavation and compaction harder.

What Is the Best Patio Cleaner?

The best types of patio cleaners are ones that combine intense cleaning with biodegradable and non-acidic ingredients. A biodegradable and non-chemical cleaner is much safer for the environment.

What Sand to Use When Laying Patio Slabs?

For block paving with very narrow joints (typically ~2mm to 5 mm), use kiln-dried silica (“silver”) sand brushed into the joints. For slab paving with wider joints, use an appropriate jointing mortar or a resin jointing compound. Always follow the slab manufacturer’s guidance (porcelain usually needs a proprietary primer and jointing product).

Can You Lay a New Patio over an Existing Patio or Concrete?

You can sometimes lay a new patio over an existing patio, but it's not always a good idea. The old surface needs to be level and in good condition, and laying on top will also raise the height of your patio, which could cause drainage problems or issues with doorways.

How Much Type 1 Do I Need for a Patio?

Begin by measuring the size of your patio. As a guide, 1 tonne of MOT Type 1 typically covers roughly 10m² to 12m² at about 50mm compacted depth. Actual coverage varies with moisture and compaction. Use this as a starting point alongside your measured area and specified layer depth.