Repointing Patio Cost

If your garden’s patio has crumbling mortar joints and has generally seen better days, it might be time to consider having it repointed. Repointing is a remedial process that involves replacing or repairing old and worn mortar joints between patio slabs to restore their appearance and stability after years of use.

Repointing is an important bit of upkeep. It helps block weed growth between slabs, keeps joints sound so water sheds properly, and extends the lifespan of your patio.

You can expect to pay around £20 per m², but this can vary due to a couple of factors.

If you'd like to get a quote from a local bricklayer to repoint your patio, we can help you with that too!

So, what’s the average cost of repointing a patio, and is it something you can fix yourself as a DIY project? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

How Much Does Repointing a Patio Cost?

The cost of repointing a patio generally costs between £15 and £25 per square metre, averaging at £20 per square metre for most patio repointing mixes. On top of the supply rate, you’ll also need to pay for your labourer’s time, costing between £150 to £250 per day, depending on their skill and experience level.

While these figures act as ballparks, actual costs will depend on the size of your patio, the material used for pointing, and local/geographical differences in labour costs.

As you’d expect, the more intricate and complex the pointing pattern, or the more damaged your original mortar is, the higher your costs will be as the project will take longer to complete.

Repointing Patio Prices

Let’s take a closer look at patio repointing costs, considering a few typical scenarios:

Repointing a basic patio with minimal existing damage will cost around £15 per square metre, while repointing a patio of the same style and layout with moderate damage will cost slightly more, at £20 per square metre.

You will likely pay closer to £25 per square metre for patios with extensive damage or more intricate designs. On top of these fees, you’ll also need to budget for labour costs, ranging from £150 to £250 per day, depending on the skill of your contractor.

Supply Costs for Repointing a Patio

You’ll need the following supplies to repoint your patio:

Your supply costs will differ depending on your pointing mix. Resin-based products are more expensive (while offering longer-lasting results), while traditional mortar mixes are cheap.

Additional Costs for Repointing a Patio

You’ll usually get the basics covered in a quote, but there are a few extras that can bump the price or time up. A few simple checks before you book a tradesperson can save bother later:

• Re-bedding any slabs that have sunk — If a slab wobbles or has dropped, it’ll need lifting and setting back on new mortar. Because that’s extra work on top of repointing, you’ll either pay per slab or cover it as additional labour.
• Waste and disposal — Old mortar and sand are classed as inert/builders’ waste (not garden waste). Small jobs are usually bagged and taken away by the contractor. You might need to hire a skip for larger jobs. Confirm what’s included in the quote (bags, skip size, any permit, disposal).
• Sealant application — Sealing helps resist stains, frost and weeds. It’s typically a separate line item and is applied after the pointing has cured. Ask which sealant they use and the re-coat cycle.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Repointing a Patio

Timings mainly come down to patio size, condition and access. Quotes usually include standard prep (raking out joints, cleaning down, basic protection) and a tidy-up.

Expect labour at £150 to £250 per day, with the top end covering intricate layouts, stubborn joints or lift-and-relay work.

For a small patio, the work will take 1 to 3 days to complete and cost between £150 and £750 in labour costs.

Larger patios can take 3 days to a week to complete, with an estimated labour charge of £450 to £1,750. Complex patterns or significant preparation work may extend these timeframes.

So, if you’re looking to reduce your outgoings, it’s worth trying your hand at some of the preparation work to trim down the time you need contractors on-site.

Patio Repointing Cost Calculator

Factors That Impact Repointing Patio Costs

Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons your patio repointing project’s budget can fluctuate:

• Size of your patio — More slabs mean more time and mix. And the larger the area, the more sheeting up and cleaning down is needed.
• Joint width and depth: Wide or deep joints will swallow more material and take longer to fill smartly.
• Pointing material — Resin compounds are pricier than sand and cement. That said, they last a lot longer and speed the job up. While traditional mortar costs a bit less, it entails a lot more labour.
• Condition of your patio — Loose or rocking slabs? They’ll need lifting and re-bedding before you can repoint. Is there heavy moss, staining or brittle mortar on your patio? That all adds to the prep time.
• Layout and pattern — If your patio features lots of curves, tight edges and decorative borders, this too will mean the repointing will take longer than straight runs of standard slabs.
• Access and handling — Does your patio have long carries, steps, or zero side access? Once again, this will slow everything down. So, expect a touch more on labour.
• Weather and curing window — If the weather’s especially wet or freezing, then this can unfortunately cause a pause in the work. Resin/mortar both need a dry spell to cure in the right way.
• Making good and tidying up — Another thing that can add a little more time at the end is brushing off, rinsing, and reinstating edges.

Types of Pointing Materials for Patios

Several different types of pointing materials are suitable for patios, giving you plenty of options when it comes to installation.

Traditional Mortar

Traditional mortar is the most common choice for rigid patios on a solid bed. It’s cost-effective and widely used, but if there’s movement or poor bedding, it can crack and crumble over time.

Resin-Based Compounds

Resin-based (polymeric) jointing compounds are popular because they’re hard-wearing, permeable and resist weed growth.

They’re not totally weed-proof (wind-blown seeds can still settle), but day-to-day maintenance is lighter than mortar. They do cost more than a sand-and-cement mix.

Dry Jointing Mixes (Sand and Cement)

Quick to apply for small areas or patch repairs, but the joints are more prone to erosion and cracking. Not ideal for larger patios or heavy-use areas.

What's Involved in Repointing a Patio

Proper preparation, the right mix, and moisture control are all critical for repointing a patio. Getting it wrong can mean crumbling joints and costly repairs.

Due to this, most homeowners choose to hire a professional for their repointing.

With MyJobQuote, you can request several quotes from repointing specialists in your local area. It's fast, free, and there is no obligation to go ahead.

Let's take a look at how a professional repoints a patio:

Before the Job Starts

• Weed Treatment — Checking for weeds is essential before work begins. Spray them a week or so before the repointing is done to make sure the area is clear and ready. Note: if you have Japanese knotweed or something similar, that's a specialist job with its own costs and guarantees.
• Prep and Protection — The contractor will rake out the joints, clean up, and sheet up any nearby walls and doors before work begins. Preparation can vary depending on the condition of your patio.

During the Job

• Joint Removal and Cleaning — The old mortar gets raked or ground out, then the joints are brushed and rinsed to give the new mix something solid to stick to. Repairing or checking tough or extra-deep joints can take more labour time.
• Applying the New Mix — The mix is worked into the cleaned joints. It needs room to breathe and cure properly before the patio is used.

After the Job

• Finishing Touches — Once the work is done, the contractor will brush off, rinse, and reinstate any edges.
• Aftercare — Hold off on pressure washing for a few weeks after the job. After that, a regular brush and gentle cleaning will stop weeds from coming back.

Alternative Patio Maintenance Options

If you're not ready to repoint your patio, you can opt for alternative maintenance methods to keep the area clean and tidy.

• Pressure Washing — Pressure washing can be a good solution to remove built-up dirt and grime from your patio. Regular pressure washing helps keep the surface clean and can delay the need for repointing. However, you need to ensure your patio is suitable for pressure washing, as the action can cause more harm than good if you use too much pressure or the wrong technique.
• Sealing — Sealing your patio is a great option to ensure long lasting results with minimal effort. Coloured sealants are available to change the aesthetic without the effort of changing the slabs, while invisible sealants are great for protecting your patio without altering the appearance.
• Resanding — If you have a block-paving patio, you can choose to re-sand the surface to restore it to its previous appearance. This helps to bind the block paving together, stopping movement underfoot as the years go by. Weeds will also be kept at bay as any gaps will be filled in, preventing further growth.

Checklist: Hiring a Bricklayer to Repoint a Patio

Consider these key points before hiring a bricklayer to repoint your patio:

• Are they TrustMark registered? Businesses registered with this government-endorsed scheme are vetted for quality workmanship, trading practices, and customer service.
• Are they a member of a recognised trade body? For bricklayers, look for FMB membership. For paving specialists, look for BALI membership. Both indicate adherence to professional standards.
• Do they have insurance? Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong during the job.
• Will they provide an itemised quote? Always request a free quote in writing, with a breakdown of the actual costs, so there are no hidden fees.
• Is waste removal included? Old mortar and debris will need to be cleared. Confirm whether disposal is included in the patio costs or charged separately.
• Are they experienced with your pointing material? Resin-based compounds and traditional mortar require different application techniques. Ensure they have plenty of experience.
• Do they have examples of similar work? Ask to see before and after photos or check their MyJobQuote profile for examples of previous jobs.
• Do they have positive reviews? Check their customer testimonials and the feedback they've received from previous customers on MyJobQuote.

Removing Old Pointing: Considerations and Costs

Proper preparation is necessary for a successful result. If you've only partly removed the old mortar, have uneven gaps between patio slabs, and have weeds growing through gaps, adding a new compound won't fix the problem. It'll just create a more expensive mess to fix in a few months.

Manual removal is usually sufficient in most patio environments, with basic equipment costing between £4 and £30. However, mechanical removal may be necessary for patios with years of built-up material.

In these instances, it's best to leave the removal to the professionals to save yourself from hiring cumbersome machinery to do the job. If an angle grinder is used, expect dust and the risk of nicking slab edges unless it's handled with care.

If carried out clumsily, this can damage surrounding patio slabs and block pavers, which will only add to your project's costs if you need to replace slabs simultaneously.

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