A patio is one of the more forgiving garden projects to budget for, since the price scales almost entirely with two things you control directly: the material and the size. Get the groundwork right and even a budget patio lasts decades, which makes this one area where spending a bit more on prep rather than the paving itself usually pays off.
This guide covers realistic 2026 UK patio costs by material, size and what actually drives the price up or down.
A patio in the UK typically costs £1,200 to £4,500 for an average 20 square metre area, depending on material. Budget concrete slabs run around £60 per square metre fitted, mid-range porcelain or textured concrete £90 to £130 per square metre, and natural stone such as Indian sandstone £110 to £180 per square metre fitted. Groundwork and base preparation typically make up 30 to 40 percent of the total cost regardless of material.
Patio Costs by Material
Material is the single biggest factor in price, with a wide range between budget and premium options.
| Material | Cost per m² (fitted) |
|---|---|
| Gravel (non-paved) | £25 to £40 |
| Standard concrete slabs | £50 to £70 |
| Textured/riven concrete | £70 to £95 |
| Porcelain paving | £90 to £130 |
| Indian sandstone | £80 to £120 |
| Limestone or granite | £110 to £180 |
| Block paving/brick | £70 to £110 |
Porcelain has become the popular mid-to-premium choice in recent years for its low maintenance and consistent colour, while Indian sandstone remains the most common natural stone choice on value grounds, though it needs periodic sealing that porcelain does not.
Total Cost by Patio Size
| Size | Budget (concrete) | Mid-range (porcelain) |
|---|---|---|
| 10m² (small seating area) | £600 to £900 | £1,100 to £1,600 |
| 20m² (standard garden patio) | £1,200 to £1,800 | £2,200 to £3,200 |
| 35m² (large patio/dining area) | £2,100 to £3,150 | £3,850 to £5,600 |
What Affects the Price Beyond Material
- Groundwork and site access. A sloped garden, poor drainage, or removing an old patio first all add labour hours before a single slab goes down.
- Base depth and quality. A properly compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base is non-negotiable for longevity and typically makes up 30 to 40 percent of the total job cost.
- Pattern and cutting complexity. A simple grid pattern is cheapest; herringbone, random layouts, and curved edges all add cutting time and waste.
- Edging and steps. Retaining edges, raised borders or steps between levels are priced separately from the flat paved area.
- Drainage provision. UK building regulations generally require permeable paving or a drainage solution if the patio is over 5 square metres and connects to a house, adding cost if not already accounted for.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
A competent DIYer can lay a small, simple patio and save significantly on labour, which typically makes up 40 to 50 percent of a professionally fitted job. However, the base preparation is the part most likely to go wrong without experience, and a poorly prepared base leads to sinking, cracking and pooling water within a few years, which costs more to fix than doing it properly the first time.
For anything beyond a small, flat, simple-shaped patio, most homeowners find hiring a professional landscaper worthwhile, particularly where drainage, levels or retaining structures are involved.
How to Get the Best Price
- Get at least three quotes. Patio labour pricing varies significantly between local landscapers for identical specifications.
- Ask what's included in the quote. Some quotes exclude old patio removal, waste disposal or base preparation, which then appear as costly extras later.
- Consider porcelain over natural stone if budget is tight but low maintenance matters. It closes much of the gap to natural stone on appearance without the sealing upkeep.
- Time the job outside peak season. Landscapers are often busiest March to August, and pricing can be more competitive in autumn and winter for a spring-ready garden.
- Do not skimp on the sub-base to save money. This is the single biggest cause of patio failure and the most expensive mistake to fix after the fact.
A patio in the UK typically costs £1,200 to £4,500 for a standard 20 square metre area, with material choice driving most of the variation and proper groundwork making up 30 to 40 percent of the total regardless of what's on top. Get multiple quotes, confirm what's included, and never cut corners on the sub-base. If you are planning wider garden work, our guide on garden landscaping costs covers the bigger picture too.