How Much Does a Patio Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)

A new patio costs £900–£7,200 in the UK depending on size and material. See 2026 prices per m² for porcelain, sandstone, and concrete, plus what to ask your installer.

Photo by Elise Brown / Unsplash

A new patio is one of the most popular garden projects in the UK — and one of the most variable in price. Depending on the material, size, and condition of your ground, costs can range from around £1,500 to well over £6,000. This guide breaks down realistic 2026 prices, what drives costs up, and what to watch out for when hiring a patio installer.

Quick Answer: Patio Cost at a Glance

Patio Size	Estimated Cost (All-In)	Notes
Small (10–15m²)	£900 – £1,800	Typical for terraced gardens
Medium (20–30m²)	£1,800 – £3,600	Most common project size
Large (40m²+)	£3,600 – £7,200+	Including full groundwork

All-in costs include excavation, sub-base, bedding, slabs, and labour. The average cost per m² across mainstream materials sits at £90–£160 in 2026.

Patio Cost by Material

Material	Cost Per m² (Supply & Lay)	Lifespan
Concrete slabs	£50–£90 per m²	10–20 years
Sandstone / natural stone	£80–£150 per m²	20–30 years
Porcelain	£100–£180 per m²	30+ years
Block paving	£80–£130 per m²	20–25 years
Brick	£50–£80 per m²	25+ years
Resin bonded	£70–£120 per m²	15–25 years

Porcelain is the most popular premium choice in the UK right now — low maintenance, frost-resistant, and available in a wide range of finishes. Concrete slabs are the most budget-friendly but require more upkeep over time.

What Affects the Cost of a New Patio?

Material choice — As the table above shows, there's a significant price difference between basic concrete and premium porcelain. Material alone can double the cost of a project.

Ground conditions — Heavy clay soil requires deeper excavation and more sub-base material. This adds both time and cost. Rocky ground can also increase groundwork fees.

Sub-base depth — A proper patio needs a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base of 75–150mm. Cutting corners here leads to sinking and cracking within a few years.

Access — If your garden is narrow, accessed through the house, or difficult to reach with machinery, labour costs increase.

Design complexity — Intricate patterns, diagonal laying, or curved edges take longer and cost more than a standard square layout.

Drainage — If your patio is near the house or on a slope, proper drainage must be incorporated. This adds cost but is essential to avoid water ingress issues.

Regional rates — Labour costs run roughly 20% higher in London and the South East compared to the rest of the UK.

Detailed Cost Breakdown for a 20m² Patio

Cost Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Excavation & removal	£200–£400	Depends on depth and ground type
Sub-base (MOT Type 1)	£100–£200	Essential for a lasting result
Sharp sand / mortar bed	£50–£100	Bedding layer for slabs
Slabs (mid-range sandstone)	£400–£800	At ~£20–40 per m² material cost
Labour (laying)	£400–£700	Two tradespeople, 2–3 days
Waste disposal	£100–£250	Skip hire or skip bag
Edging & pointing	£100–£200	Finishing the joints
Total (approximate)	£1,350 – £2,650	20m², sandstone, including all works

DIY vs Hiring a Professional

A small patio (up to 10m²) with good ground conditions is achievable for a competent DIYer — especially with concrete or simple paving slabs. However, the sub-base preparation is where most DIY patios fail. Poorly compacted or shallow sub-bases lead to sinking and cracking within two to three years. For anything over 15m², or where drainage is involved, professional installation is the safer investment.

How to Get the Best Price on a New Patio

Get three quotes minimum — patio pricing varies significantly between contractors. Always ask what the quote includes, specifically sub-base depth and waste removal.

Separate materials and labour — buying your own slabs direct from a merchant and supplying them to a paving contractor can save 15–30% on materials. Check the contractor is happy with this arrangement first.

Avoid the summer peak — late spring and early autumn tend to be slightly quieter for paving contractors. You may get a better price or faster turnaround.

Check for TrustMark or BALI membership — these accreditations indicate a contractor who works to industry standards and carries adequate insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need planning permission for a patio?

Generally no. Most residential patio work falls under permitted development rights. The main exception is front garden paving over 5m² with impermeable materials — in that case you'll need to use permeable materials or apply for permission. Always check if your property is in a conservation area.

How long does it take to lay a patio?

A typical 20–30m² patio takes two to four days for a professional team, including groundwork and laying. Allow an additional day or two if significant excavation is needed.

How long will a new patio last?

A properly installed patio with an adequate sub-base should last 20–30 years. Porcelain can exceed 30 years with minimal maintenance. Concrete typically needs partial replacement after 10–20 years.

Can I lay a patio on existing concrete?

Sometimes, if the existing slab is level, structurally sound, and without significant cracks. In many cases it's better to remove the old base to control the final height and ensure proper drainage. A professional assessment is worth getting before deciding.

What's the cheapest type of patio?

Concrete slabs are the most affordable option, typically coming in at £50–£90 per m² installed. They're not the most attractive but are durable and low-maintenance if properly laid.

Final Word

For a typical 20m² patio using mid-range sandstone or porcelain, budget £2,000–£3,500 all-in including groundwork. That figure drops to £1,500–£2,000 for basic concrete. Get itemised quotes, confirm the sub-base specification, and don't cut corners on the foundations — a cheap patio that sinks or cracks in year two will cost more to fix than it saved.

For more garden project pricing, see our guide to how much turfing a garden costs in the UK.