How much does a patio cost in the UK?
Patio pricing is dominated by three things: the paving you choose, the build-up beneath it, and how materials and spoil get in and out of the garden.
A patio quote that names the product, states the area and describes the bedding is straightforward to compare. One that says 'supply and lay new patio' is not, however reasonable the price turns out to be.
Porcelain has become common in the UK and usually costs more to lay than sandstone, because it needs a full mortar bed and slurry priming rather than a quick spot bed.
Indicative UK cost ranges
QuoteCheck does not hold a live UK pricing feed. The figures below are indicative planning ranges, assembled from commonly published UK ranges and typical job structures, and they are deliberately wide. Treat them as a starting point for questions, not as a valuation. Real prices depend on specification, access, ground conditions, region, season and how each firm prices its own labour and overheads.
| Item | Unit | Indicative range |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete paving slabsBudget option, widely available. | per m² | £70 – £120 |
| Indian sandstonePopular mid-range natural stone. | per m² | £90 – £150 |
| PorcelainHigher material cost and slower to lay correctly. | per m² | £130 – £220 |
| Composite deckingSub-frame and ventilation affect the figure. | per m² | £120 – £220 |
| Excavation and disposalHeavier for clay or existing concrete. | per m² | £20 – £40 |
| Steps or small retaining wallDepends on height, material and foundation. | per item | £350 – £1,500 |
What moves the price
- Area
- Measured m², including any awkward cuts around the house or borders.
- Bedding method
- Full mortar bed versus spot bedding — a genuine quality and cost difference.
- Jointing
- Resin or mortar jointing costs more than brushed sand but performs better.
- Falls and drainage
- Surface water must run away from the building.
- Access
- Barrow-only rear gardens add handling days.
- Waste
- Spoil is heavy; disposal is usually charged by load.
Worked example — 30m² sandstone patio (illustrative only)
- Excavation and spoil removal
- £900
- Sub-base and mortar
- £750
- Sandstone paving, 30m²
- £1,350
- Labour, 6 days, 2 operatives
- £2,400
- Jointing, edging, sundries
- £400
- Indicative total before VAT
- £5,800
Fictional figures used to show the structure of a patio price, not a quotation.
What your quote should show
- Area in m² and a rough layout
- Excavation depth and sub-base
- Named paving product, size and finish
- Bedding and jointing method
- Falls and any drainage channel
- Labour days and team size
- Waste removal
- VAT treatment
Frequently asked questions
How much does a patio cost per square metre in the UK?
As an indicative range, roughly £70–£220 per m² fully laid, depending mainly on the paving material and ground conditions. Access and waste can push a small patio well above the per-m² average.
Is porcelain worth the extra cost?
It is harder wearing and less prone to staining, but it must be laid on a full bed with primer. If a quote prices porcelain like sandstone labour, ask how it will be bedded.
Do I need planning permission for a patio?
Usually not for a ground-level patio, though raised terraces and listed or conservation-area properties can be different. Check locally if in doubt.
Already have a quote?
Check whether the price looks reasonable with QuoteCheck. Based on the information provided, you get an independent second opinion with an estimated reasonable range — an estimate, not a guarantee.
Check my quote — £9.99One-off payment · No subscription