Guide

How Much Does It Cost to Lay a Patio?

A patio is a big-ticket garden project, and the cost spans a wide range depending on the paving you choose. Here's how it breaks down.

The paving

Budget concrete slabs are the cheapest, while natural stone like sandstone, limestone and porcelain paving cost considerably more per square metre. The paving is usually the largest single cost, so the material choice drives the whole budget.

The base and sundries

Under every good patio is a sub-base of compacted hardcore or MOT type 1, plus sharp sand and cement for the bedding mortar, and jointing compound for the gaps. These aren't glamorous but they're essential, and they add up across a larger patio.

Labour

Laying a patio well is hard, skilled work — excavation, levelling, falls for drainage and neat cutting. Hiring a landscaper adds significant labour cost, often rivalling the materials. A confident DIYer can save that, but it's heavy work over several days.

Estimating materials

Work out your patio area, then price the paving per square metre and add the base materials. For the bedding mortar and any concrete edging, our concrete calculator helps size the quantities. Always order 5 to 10% extra paving for cuts and breakages.