Building a patio can completely transform your garden into a beautiful and functional outdoor space. However, understanding the cost involved is crucial for proper planning. The price of a new patio can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the type of paving material, the size of the area, and the complexity of the design. Having recently gone through the process myself, I’ll sprinkle in some personal tips and caveats along the way, ensuring you know what to expect when planning your patio project.

Average Costs for Garden Paving in the UK

1. Material Costs

The cost of materials is one of the largest factors when calculating the price of a new patio. Here’s a breakdown of some common paving materials and their price ranges:

Material	Price per Square Metre
Concrete Slabs	£15 – £30
Indian Sandstone	£25 – £45
Porcelain Paving	£25 – £60
Natural Stone (Slate)	£25 – £90

Note: Remember, these are just estimates and the actual cost can vary depending on the quality of the materials and the independent landscaper you hire. Premium options or locally sourced stone can increase the price, while sales or discounts might bring it down .

Concrete slabs are the most affordable option, with prices ranging from £15 to £30 per square metre. Indian sandstone offers a natural look and costs between £25 and £45 per square metre. Natural stone options like slate or granite, on the other hand, are premium choices, reaching as high as £90 per square metre. These are ideal if you’re going for a luxurious finish.

2. Labour Costs

Labour costs for laying a patio typically range from £35 to £70 per square metre. However, this can vary significantly based on your location and the complexity of the job.

Caveat: These labour prices are general guidelines—factors like regional rates and the design intricacy of your patio will also influence the final cost. Always get multiple quotes from local tradespeople for an accurate figure .

If you opt for a simple layout, you might be on the lower end of the scale. More intricate designs, such as herringbone or circular patterns, may push costs up due to the higher skill level required.

3. Additional Costs

Sub-base Construction: This is crucial for patio stability and will generally add £40 to £80 per square metre to your project’s overall cost.
Excavation and Site Preparation: Depending on the current state of your garden, you may need additional site prep, such as removing old paving or levelling ground, which can further increase costs.

Note: Extra site preparation, such as excavation, can cause unexpected expenses. For example, when I built my patio, I uncovered old concrete foundations underneath the lawn, which required removal and pushed the budget up. Always factor in a contingency budget for surprises like this.

Total Patio Installation Costs

Patio Size	Material	Total Cost (Materials & Labour)
Small (10 sqm)	Concrete Slabs	£800 – £1,200
Small (10 sqm)	Indian Sandstone	£1,200 – £1,500
Large (30 sqm)	Concrete Slabs	£2,400 – £3,600
Large (30 sqm)	Indian Sandstone	£3,600 – £4,800

For a small patio of 10 square metres, total costs including materials and labour could range from £800 to £1,200 for concrete, and up to £1,500 for Indian sandstone. For larger patios of around 30 square metres, the price can range from £2,400 to £4,800 depending on the materials used.

Note These are rough estimates—actual costs will depend on several factors, including the type of stone, the supplier, and the contractor you choose. High-end materials or additional features like steps or raised beds can quickly add to the total.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a New Patio

Several factors affect the overall cost of your patio, including:

Material Choice: Premium materials like natural stone will cost significantly more than concrete slabs.
Patio Size: Larger patios require more materials and labour, but bulk discounts from suppliers may help lower costs per square metre.
Design Complexity: If you’re going for a simple rectangular design, your costs will be lower than a complex, multi-level patio with intricate patterns.
Location: Labour and material prices fluctuate by region, with areas like London and the South East tending to have higher costs.

Cheapest Materials for Garden Paving

If you’re working on a budget, here are some cost-effective materials to consider:

Concrete Slabs: At £15 to £30 per square metre, concrete is durable, cost-effective, and a popular choice for budget patios .
Gravel: A cheap and informal option, gravel is ideal for pathways and costs significantly less than solid paving.
Reclaimed Paving: Using second-hand or reclaimed paving slabs is eco-friendly and often cheaper than new materials, though availability and condition can vary.

Premium Patio Options: Sandstone and Porcelain

If budget isn’t your primary concern, both sandstone and porcelain are excellent premium materials:

Sandstone Paving: Prices range from £18 to £38 per square metre depending on the quality and finish.
Porcelain Paving: Mid-range porcelain costs £45 to £50 per square metre, while premium versions can reach £80 per square metre.

Porcelain paving is especially popular for modern gardens due to its sleek look and minimal maintenance.

Notes: High-end materials like sandstone and porcelain can be costly, but their durability and aesthetic appeal often make them a worthwhile investment if you plan on staying in your home long-term.

Fun Fact: Did you know that porcelain paving is not only stylish but also frost-proof and less likely to stain compared to natural stone?

How to Reduce the Cost of a New Patio

1. Choose Affordable Materials

Opting for cost-effective options like concrete slabs can keep your budget manageable. Reclaimed paving slabs are another excellent way to reduce costs.

2. Simplify the Design

Stick to straightforward layouts. Complex designs like circular patios or intricate patterns will increase labour costs. My patio used a simple grid pattern, which saved me money while still looking fantastic.

3. Plan for Maintenance

While natural stone like sandstone may require sealing and regular cleaning, choosing non-porous options like porcelain can save you time and maintenance costs in the long run.

Conclusion

The cost of building a new patio in the UK can vary significantly depending on the materials, size, and complexity of your project. Concrete slabs offer a budget-friendly option, while natural stones like sandstone or porcelain are more luxurious but come at a higher price. Make sure to factor in additional costs such as excavation, sub-base construction, and unforeseen surprises.

Caveat: Always remember that these figures are estimates, and the final cost will depend on your specific project requirements, material quality, and the contractor you choose.

References:

Top Tradespeople. “Garden Paving Costs in the UK.”
My Job Quote. “How Much Does a New Patio Cost?”
Prime Thorpe Paving. “Best Budget Patio Paving Options.”
Stone Superstore. “Porcelain and Sandstone Paving Costs.”
Paving Shopper. “Limestone Paving Collection.”
Paving Shopper. “900 x 600 Paving Range.”
Bradstone. “Choosing the Best Paving Materials for Your Garden.”