How much does a patio cost in the UK (headline answer)?

Typical all‑in installed patio costs (2026) range from about £50–£120 per m² for budget finishes up to £100–£180 per m² for premium porcelain or high‑end natural stone. A realistic national band most sources use is roughly £70–£180/m² once materials, groundwork and labour are included.

How do those prices convert to per ft²?

Multiply m² prices by 0.093 (or divide by 10.764). Rough conversions: budget £50–£120/m² ≈ £4.60–£11.15/ft²; typical £70–£180/m² ≈ £6.50–£16.72/ft²; high end £100–£180/m² ≈ £9.29–£16.72/ft².

What would a few common patio sizes cost (worked examples)?

Sample all‑in installed costs (low–typical–high) using £/m² bands: 3×3m (9m²): £450–£1,620 (£50–£180/m²). 3.7×3.7m (approx 10x10ft ≈14m²): £700–£2,520. 3.7×3.7m (12×12ft ≈13.4m²): similar to 13–14m². 6×6m (20×20ft ≈36m²): £1,800–£6,480. Use the per‑m² band appropriate to your chosen material/finish to create exact totals.

How are patio costs broken down (itemised)?

Typical itemised components: materials (slabs/pavers/stone) 25–45% of total; labour (laying, jointing, pointing) 20–40%; sub‑base/hardcore and consolidation (MOT Type 1) 10–20%; edging, kerbs and restraints 5–10%; drainage and falls 3–8%; waste removal & deliveries 2–6%; site prep (excavation, removal of turf) varies widely depending on access and ground condition.

What are typical material cost ranges by patio type?

Supply‑only material signals (2026 examples): concrete slabs ~£10–£35/m²; porcelain tiles £25–£65/m²; calibrated natural stone (Indian sandstone/flag) £24–£60/m²; concrete block pavers £20–£50/m². Installed costs are higher because of specialist labour: concrete/paved patios often end up ~£50–£140/m²; porcelain and premium stone often £90–£180/m².

How much does groundwork (sub‑base) usually add?

A typical domestic patio uses ~100mm compacted MOT Type 1; supplied bulk material prices are often £30–£48/tonne (bulk). Groundwork installation (supply, spreading and compacting) typically adds £10–£30/m² depending on thickness, access and whether deeper preparation or extra excavation is needed.

How Much Does a Patio Cost in the UK? Guide & Price Ranges

A typical patio in the UK costs somewhere between £70 and £180 per m² fully installed in 2026, which works out to roughly £6.50 to £16.70 per ft². For a standard 20 m² patio, that means budgeting anywhere from £1,400 (basic concrete slabs, simple groundwork) to £3,600 or more (porcelain or natural stone with proper sub-base preparation). The actual number depends on the material you choose, where you live, whether you're doing it yourself, and how much groundwork the ground needs. This guide breaks all of that down so you can build a realistic budget before you ring a single contractor.

Headline UK patio cost ranges (per m² and per ft²)

The table below gives a clear low-to-high picture of fully installed patio costs in the UK for 2026. These are all-in figures: materials, labour, a standard 100mm compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base, and basic waste removal. They don't include major drainage works, significant levelling, or glazed structures.

Cost tier	Per m² (installed)	Per ft² (installed)	What you typically get
Budget	£50–£75	£4.65–£7.00	Basic concrete pressed slabs, minimal site prep, no frills
Typical / mid-range	£75–£120	£7.00–£11.15	Block pavers, Indian sandstone, or porcelain on proper sub-base
High end	£120–£180+	£11.15–£16.70+	Premium natural stone, large-format porcelain, complex patterns, full drainage

Most homeowners end up in the £80–£130/m² range once you factor in decent materials and a professional installation. The sub-£70/m² jobs exist, but they usually involve basic grey concrete slabs and a contractor cutting corners on the sub-base, which tends to cause sinking and cracking within a few years.

Cost examples for common patio sizes

Rather than quoting abstract ranges, here are worked cost estimates for the three sizes homeowners ask about most: 10x10, 12x12, and 20x20 (in feet). I've converted those to m² and applied the low, typical, and high bands from above.

10x10 patio (roughly 9.3 m²)

Cost tier	Rate per m²	Estimated total
Budget	£50–£75	£465–£700
Typical	£75–£120	£700–£1,115
High end	£120–£180+	£1,115–£1,675+

A 10x10 (roughly 9.3 m²) is a compact sitting area, fine for a bistro table and a couple of chairs. At the typical rate you're looking at around £700–£1,100. Worth knowing: contractors often have a minimum call-out or job cost of around £500–£800 even for small areas, so the per-m² rate can feel expensive on very small jobs.

12x12 patio (roughly 13.4 m²)

Cost tier	Rate per m²	Estimated total
Budget	£50–£75	£670–£1,005
Typical	£75–£120	£1,005–£1,608
High end	£120–£180+	£1,608–£2,412+

A 12x12 (13.4 m²) is probably the most common size for a medium garden. It comfortably fits a 4-seat dining set and a small lounger. At typical rates you're budgeting around £1,000–£1,600, which is where most single-storey extension patio quotes land.

20x20 patio (roughly 37.2 m²)

Cost tier	Rate per m²	Estimated total
Budget	£50–£75	£1,860–£2,790
Typical	£75–£120	£2,790–£4,464
High end	£120–£180+	£4,464–£6,696+

A 20x20 (37.2 m²) is a substantial project: large enough for an outdoor dining area, seating zones, and a BBQ station. At typical rates you're looking at £2,800–£4,500. At this size, material savings per m² start making a real difference, so it's worth comparing stone types carefully rather than defaulting to whatever looks nice in the showroom.

How to price a patio yourself

If you want to sense-check a contractor's quote, or just understand where the money is going, here's the basic framework most patio installers use. It's not rocket science, but there are a few gotchas that catch homeowners out. For a step-by-step method and quick calculator, see our guide on how to price a patio.

Step-by-step pricing framework

Measure the area in m² (length x width). Add 10% waste for cutting and breakages, more (15%) for diagonal or complex patterns.
Choose your material and find the supply-only price per m². Budget concrete slabs: £10–£35/m². Indian sandstone: £24–£60/m². Porcelain: £25–£65/m².
Add your sub-base cost. A standard domestic patio needs 100mm of compacted MOT Type 1. Roughly 0.15 tonnes of Type 1 per m² (at 100mm depth). MOT Type 1 delivered is typically £30–£48/tonne in bulk; expect to pay more in small bags from a merchant.
Add mortar/bedding and jointing sand/compound. Budget around £5–£10/m² for these materials depending on the system (wet mortar bed vs. loose-lay on grit sand).
Add labour. Labour-only rates for laying patios run around £30–£70/m² depending on material complexity and region. Porcelain and cut-pattern work sits at the top end.
Add extras: edging, drainage channels, skip or waste collection (typically £200–£400 for a medium skip), and any delivery charges.
Total all costs and divide by m² to check whether the contractor's all-in quote is in a sensible range.

Worked example: 15 m² Indian sandstone patio, typical spec

Cost element	Calculation	Estimated cost
Indian sandstone (supply)	15 m² + 10% waste = 16.5 m² @ £40/m²	£660
MOT Type 1 sub-base	15 m² x 0.15 t = 2.25 t @ £40/t	£90
Mortar and jointing	15 m² @ £8/m²	£120
Labour (laying)	15 m² @ £50/m²	£750
Edging and finishing	Allowance	£150
Waste removal / skip	Mini-skip allowance	£250
Delivery (slabs)	Pallet delivery	£75
Total		£2,095

That's roughly £140/m² all in, which sits at the upper end of the typical range for Indian sandstone. If you get a quote around £1,800–£2,200 for a 15 m² sandstone patio, it's in the right ballpark. Below £1,400 and I'd be asking questions about the sub-base spec and whether waste removal is included.

Itemised cost breakdown: where the money actually goes

One thing I've noticed is that homeowners often focus entirely on the slab price and then get surprised by the rest of the invoice. Here's what a fully itemised patio cost looks like, with realistic ranges for each line.

Cost element	Low	Typical	High	Notes
Materials (slabs/paving)	£10–£25/m²	£30–£50/m²	£55–£90/m²	Concrete, sandstone, porcelain respectively
Labour (laying)	£30/m²	£45–£55/m²	£65–£70/m²	Higher for porcelain/complex cuts
Sub-base (MOT Type 1)	£5–£8/m²	£10–£15/m²	£18–£25/m²	Depends on depth needed and ground condition
Excavation / groundwork	£5–£10/m²	£12–£18/m²	£20–£30/m²	More for poor/clay ground or large level change
Mortar / bedding / jointing	£4–£6/m²	£7–£10/m²	£12–£15/m²	Wet mortar vs. dry or resin joint systems
Edging restraints	£5–£10 per linear m	£12–£18 per linear m	£20–£35 per linear m	Concrete haunching or decorative edging
Drainage (basic channel)	Nil (if not needed)	£150–£350	£400–£800+	Linear drainage channel and connection
Waste disposal / skip	£150–£200	£250–£350	£400–£500+	Depends on volume of excavated material
Materials delivery	£50–£75	£75–£150	£150–£300+	Pallet/lorry delivery; big-and-bulky charges apply

The hidden cost that catches people most often is excavation and waste. If your ground needs digging out 150mm+ for sub-base plus slab depth, you're generating a lot of spoil. A 20 m² patio excavated to 250mm depth produces around 5 m³ of material, which fills a medium skip quickly. Make sure any quote you get explicitly covers waste removal, because some contractors exclude it to make the headline number look lower.

Cost by patio type: which material fits your budget?

Different materials carry very different price tags, maintenance demands, and lifespans. The right choice depends on your budget, how much you want to maintain the thing, and what the garden looks like. Here's an honest comparison.

Material	Supply-only (per m²)	Installed (per m²)	Typical lifespan	Maintenance
Concrete slabs	£10–£35	£50–£90	15–25 years	Low: brush and occasional pressure wash
Block pavers (concrete)	£20–£45	£80–£140	20–30 years	Low-medium: re-sand joints every few years
Indian sandstone	£24–£60	£80–£160	20–30 years	Medium: seal annually, re-point periodically
Porcelain paving	£25–£65	£90–£180	25–40+ years	Low: frost-proof, stain-resistant, easy to clean
Brick paving	£25–£50	£85–£150	25–35 years	Medium: re-pointing needed, moss management
Flagstone (natural)	£35–£80	£100–£180+	30–50+ years	Medium-high: irregular surface, needs sealing

Concrete slabs

Concrete pressed slabs are the budget staple. Supply-only prices at big merchants like B&Q, Wickes, and Travis Perkins commonly run £10–£35/m² depending on size and finish. Installed, you're looking at £50–£90/m². They last 15–25 years before cracking becomes an issue, and they're easy to replace individually. The trade-off is that grey concrete slabs can look a bit utilitarian, though coloured and textured options have improved a lot. Good choice if budget is the primary concern.

Block pavers

Concrete block paving is popular for driveways and patios alike. Installed costs typically run £80–£140/m². Individual blocks can be lifted and relevelled if the surface settles, which is genuinely useful. The jointing sand needs topping up every few years to prevent weeds and keep the surface locked. Brands like Marshalls (their Argent range, for example) sit in the mid-market and offer good longevity.

Indian sandstone

Indian sandstone is probably the most popular natural stone for UK gardens at the moment. Calibrated (machine-cut to uniform thickness) sandstone is much easier to lay than uncalibrated, and it's what most installers quote for. Supply-only prices from stone retailers commonly run £24–£60/m²; installed you're looking at £80–£160/m². It does need sealing when new and re-sealing periodically, and the joints need re-pointing after a few years. But it looks warm and natural in a way concrete never quite manages.

Porcelain paving

Porcelain is the premium choice. Material prices from UK specialist merchants commonly run £25–£65/m² (depending on thickness, format, and brand), but installation costs are high because the slabs need specialist cutting, a very flat sub-base, and adhesive bedding rather than traditional mortar. Installed costs typically run £90–£180/m². The upside: porcelain is frost-proof, stain-resistant, and extremely low maintenance. It looks sharp in contemporary gardens. The downside: if you get one wrong (a cracked slab, a poorly levelled section), repairs are trickier and more visible than with natural stone.

Brick paving

Traditional brick gives a warm, classic look and works well with older or Victorian-era properties. Installed costs run £85–£150/m². Bricks are durable but the jointing mortar can crack and allow moss ingress over time, so budget for re-pointing every 5–10 years. Reclaimed brick can add authenticity but increases material costs and labour time significantly.

Flagstone (natural stone flags)

Natural flagstone: York stone, slate, limestone, and similar materials deliver a premium, unique finish. Supply-only costs from £35–£80/m² or more for premium/reclaimed stone; installed you'll often be at £100–£180/m² or beyond. Lifespans of 30–50 years are realistic with proper installation. The uneven surface texture requires careful sub-base preparation and is not suitable for flat, precision-cut designs. Worth the investment if you want something genuinely premium that will outlast the house.

Glazed and glassed-in patio costs

A glazed or glassed-in patio (sometimes called a garden room, verandah, or glass canopy) is a different beast from a standard laid patio. You're adding a structural overhead element, glazing, possibly side panels, and often an element of building control consideration. Costs rise substantially compared to a plain patio. For a detailed breakdown of glazing, structure, and base costs, see our guide on how much does a garden glass patio cost.

What a glazed patio structure typically costs

Structure type	Typical installed cost	Notes
Glass canopy / lean-to roof (basic)	£1,500–£4,000	Aluminium frame, polycarbonate or basic glass panels, fits to house wall
Timber or aluminium pergola with glass roof	£3,500–£8,000	More substantial framing, toughened glass panels, optional LED lighting
Full glass verandah (aluminium frame, toughened glass)	£6,000–£15,000+	Includes side glazing, guttering, integral drainage, foundation work
Fully enclosed garden room / glazed room	£12,000–£40,000+	Structural frame, thermally broken glazing, insulation, electrics; often needs planning permission

The base patio itself still needs to be included in your budget on top of the glazing structure. A properly laid patio beneath a glass canopy will need a slight fall (around 1:80 gradient) to drain rainwater away from the structure and the house. If you're considering this route, it's worth reading up on the specific costs of glassing in a patio separately, as the structural and glazing elements have their own cost drivers that are quite different from standard paving.

Glazing-specific extras to budget for

Building regulations submission or permitted development check: £200–£600 depending on council and complexity
Structural engineer sign-off if the canopy fixes to the house wall: £400–£800
Integrated guttering and downpipe connection to drainage: £300–£600
Thermal break upgrades (important for condensation control in year-round use): adds £500–£2,000 depending on structure size
Electrical supply for lighting and sockets within a glazed structure: £400–£1,200 typically
Any upgraded flooring under a glazed space (often owners choose porcelain for its weatherproof/easy-clean qualities here)

DIY vs hiring a professional: honest cost comparison

The honest answer is that DIY saves money on labour but is harder, slower, and riskier than it looks on YouTube. Labour typically accounts for 40–55% of the total installed cost, so the saving is real if you get it right. But a poorly laid patio (inadequate sub-base, wrong falls, poor jointing) will move, crack, and hold water within a few years.

Factor	DIY	Professional installation
Labour cost	Nil (your time)	£30–£70/m² typically
Total cost on a 20 m² patio	£800–£1,800 (materials + hire)	£1,900–£4,500+ (all-in)
Time required (20 m²)	3–6 days for a novice	1–3 days for an experienced team
Skill level needed	Moderate-high: requires accurate levelling, compaction, cutting	Professional
Tools required	Plate compactor hire (~~£60/day), wet saw hire (~~£70/day), levels, etc.	Contractor supplies all
Risk of poor outcome	Higher: sub-base errors and drainage mistakes are common for first-timers	Lower if contractor is vetted
Guarantee / warranty	None (your own work)	Reputable contractors offer 1–5 year workmanship guarantee

When DIY makes sense

DIY works well for smaller, simpler patios: concrete slabs on a reasonably flat, well-drained surface, basic rectangular shapes, no complex cuts. If you're confident using a plate compactor and have a long spirit level (or laser level), a 10 m² concrete slab patio is genuinely achievable. The sub-base is the critical step: 100mm of compacted MOT Type 1 laid correctly is what separates a patio that lasts 20 years from one that sinks in 5.

When to hire a contractor

Hire a professional for porcelain (specialist cuts, adhesive bedding, very unforgiving to mistakes), natural stone on uneven ground, anything involving significant groundwork or drainage, and any size above around 20 m² where small errors compound. For glazed structures, always use a specialist installer with structural experience and appropriate insurance.

Common DIY pitfalls

Insufficient sub-base depth: 100mm compacted MOT Type 1 is the minimum for normal domestic use; skimping is the single most common cause of patio failure
Incorrect falls: patios need a minimum 1:80 gradient away from the house to drain; a flat patio will hold water and cause damp problems
Underestimating material quantities: always order 10–15% extra to account for cuts, breakages, and pattern waste
Not haunching edging slabs in concrete: unrestrained edges creep outward over time
Grouting too early: jointing compound or mortar applied before slabs have fully bedded can crack; typically wait 24–48 hours
Overlooking cable and pipe routes: check for underground services before you dig, especially near the house

Regional price variations across the UK and Ireland

Where you live has a meaningful impact on what you'll pay, primarily through labour rates. Regional labour multipliers reported in Patio Laying Cost 2026 | Less (regional commentary on labour/day rates) show London & South East day rates for skilled landscapers around £300+/day, with Midlands, North, Scotland and Wales lower by varying margins. Materials are fairly consistent nationally (pallet delivery charges vary, but slab prices don't differ wildly by region), but contractor day rates and labour-only m² costs can vary by 30–40% between London and rural Scotland or Wales.

Region	Typical installer day rate	Labour-only rate (per m²)	All-in cost premium/discount vs. national average	Notes
London & South East	£300–£450/day	£55–£70/m²	+20–30% above national average	Highest demand, highest wages, parking/access surcharges common
South West & East Anglia	£220–£320/day	£45–£60/m²	Broadly at national average	Some rural access/delivery surcharges
Midlands	£180–£280/day	£38–£55/m²	Around national average or slightly below	Competitive market, good contractor availability
North West & North East England	£160–£260/day	£32–£50/m²	5–15% below national average	Yorkshire and Lancashire particularly competitive
Scotland	£160–£270/day	£32–£52/m²	5–15% below national average (Central Belt); higher in rural areas	Highland/island locations can attract significant travel/delivery premiums
Wales	£150–£250/day	£30–£48/m²	10–20% below national average	Some of the most competitive labour rates in the UK
Northern Ireland	£150–£250/day	£30–£50/m²	10–20% below UK national average	Material imports can add cost; good local contractor availability
Republic of Ireland	€55–€90/m² (labour)	€90–€160/m² (installed)	Priced in EUR; typically comparable to UK Midlands in EUR terms	VAT at 13.5% on construction services; separate guide covers Ireland costs in detail

What this means in practice

To put the regional variation in concrete terms: a 20 m² Indian sandstone patio that costs £2,800 in the East Midlands might cost £3,500–£3,800 for the same specification in inner London. That's not the contractor being greedy; it genuinely reflects higher wages, higher overheads, and often difficult access and parking logistics in urban areas. In Wales or the North East, that same job might come in at £2,400–£2,600. If you're in Scotland outside the Central Belt, get delivery costs confirmed upfront as pallet surcharges to rural postcodes can add £100–£300 to material costs alone.

Ireland-specific notes

For the Republic of Ireland, costs are denominated in euros and VAT at 13.5% applies to construction labour. Installed patio costs in Ireland broadly track UK Midlands rates when converted at current exchange rates, though imported stone (much Indian sandstone and Chinese porcelain is shipped via UK merchants) can carry additional freight cost. A separate detailed breakdown of Irish patio costs covers local rates, VAT treatment, and regional variation across Dublin, Cork, and rural counties. For a detailed breakdown of Irish pricing, VAT treatment, and regional variations, see how much does a patio cost Ireland.

Questions to ask any contractor before you sign

Getting three quotes is standard advice, but three bad quotes are no help. Here's what to ask to separate a professional from someone who'll disappear after the deposit clears.

Is your quote all-in? Confirm it includes materials, labour, sub-base, waste removal, and any delivery charges. If any of these are excluded, ask for a written breakdown.
What sub-base specification will you use? The answer should include depth (minimum 100mm compacted MOT Type 1 for domestic use) and whether they'll compact it mechanically.
What falls will you build into the patio, and which direction? The answer should reference a minimum 1:80 gradient away from the house.
Are you VAT registered, and will you provide a VAT invoice? Reputable trades are VAT registered above the threshold (~£90,000 turnover).
What workmanship guarantee do you offer, and is it in writing? Aim for a minimum 1-year guarantee on workmanship.
Can you provide references or show me recent local jobs? Most solid tradespeople are happy to do this.
What is your waste and spoil disposal plan, and is it included in the quote?
Who will be on site doing the work? Know if it's the person quoting or a sub-contracted team.
Do you carry public liability insurance, and can you show me the certificate?

Patio vs decking: a quick cost trade-off

Some homeowners are choosing between a patio and a timber or composite deck. Decking typically costs £80–£160/m² installed for composite (low-maintenance) or £60–£120/m² for pressure-treated timber. That puts decking broadly in the same ballpark as a mid-range patio, but with different maintenance requirements. Timber decking needs annual oiling or staining; composite decking needs very little but costs more upfront. A stone or porcelain patio generally outperforms decking for longevity and fire resistance, and requires less ongoing maintenance. Decking is often preferred where the garden slopes significantly, as building up a level deck on joists avoids expensive groundwork. On flat ground with normal drainage, a patio is usually the better long-term value.

Your next steps before getting quotes

Before you start calling contractors, spend 20 minutes getting your ducks in a row. Measure your space accurately (length x width in metres). Decide on a material type based on the cost and maintenance trade-offs above. Set a realistic budget range using the per-m² figures and the worked examples for your approximate size. For a quick cost estimate, try our how much to patio garden guide for a simple calculator and example budgets. Use a patio cost calculator to get a quick sense-check estimate before you speak to anyone. Then get at least three written quotes that clearly itemise materials, labour, groundwork, and waste, and use the contractor checklist above to compare them properly. Going into that conversation with a realistic budget and the right questions gets you much better results than calling blind. For a clear answer to how much does a garden patio cost, check our detailed cost guide.