Trades · Updated 2026
Patio cost
Typical range£20–£15,000· Average patio installation (25m², mid-range)
Patio installation prices per m² for 2025 — all materials compared. In the UK, expect to pay between £20 and £15,000, with the typical project around £2,500 (average patio installation (25m², mid-range)). Regional variation, specification tier and site access conditions all shift the final quote.
Quick answer: Patio cost in the UK typically costs between £20 and £15,000 (Average patio installation (25m², mid-range)). London and the South East run 20–35% above this range; the North, Wales and most of Scotland sit 5–15% below.
Homeowners researching this typically also price up garden landscaping cost. For wider context, browse our bathroom pricing, kitchen pricing and boiler & heating costs.
Cost table
Indicative price ranges (UK, GBP)
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Concrete slabs (budget) — Per m² — basic slabs, low maintenance | £20–£40 |
Porcelain / ceramic paving — Per m² — durable, modern, low maintenance | £45–£90 |
Natural stone (sandstone/slate) — Per m² — premium look, needs sealing | £60–£120 |
Porcelain patio (20m²) — Typical suburban garden patio | £1,200–£2,500 |
Large patio (40m²) — Feature patio with seating area | £3,000–£8,000 |
Labour costs
Labour typically accounts for 50% of the total project cost in the UK.
Labour line items
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Excavation & sub-base | £8–£15/m² |
Paving installation | £20–£45/m² |
Jointing (pointing) | £5–£12/m² |
Skip hire | £200–£450 |
Materials costs
Materials and fittings make up the remainder of the budget, with specification tier driving most of the variation.
Materials & fittings
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Concrete slabs (per m²) | £8–£18/m² |
Porcelain paving (per m²) | £20–£60/m² |
Sandstone (per m²) | £20–£50/m² |
Slate paving (per m²) | £30–£70/m² |
MOT Type 1 sub-base | £35–£45/tonne |
Mortar / adhesive | £5–£12/m² |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Region — London and the South East run 15–30% above national averages.
- ·Specification tier — premium materials and finishes can double the base cost.
- ·Access and site conditions — flats, restricted parking and listed buildings add time.
- ·Scope changes mid-project — late design decisions are the biggest cost overrun driver.
- ·Trade availability — quotes rise 10–20% in peak spring and summer months.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Choose porcelain over natural stone — comparable look, faster lay, lower maintenance.
- ·Buy slabs direct from importers like Stonemarket or Bradstone via builders' merchants.
- ·Lay a standard rectangular shape rather than circles or curves.
- ·Phase patio with a planned garden room or extension to share spoil removal.
- ·DIY the base prep and pay only for the slab laying.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best low-maintenance patio material?
- Porcelain paving is the UK's most popular low-maintenance choice: very hard-wearing, frost-resistant, stain-resistant, and doesn't need sealing. Natural stone looks beautiful but needs annual sealing and can stain.
- What is the cheapest patio option?
- Concrete paving slabs are the cheapest option at £8–£18/m² for materials. With basic fitting, a 20m² patio could cost as little as £800–£1,200. Ready-to-lay DIY slabs from B&Q or Wickes start from around £8/m².
- How deep should a patio sub-base be?
- For pedestrian use, a 75–100mm compacted Type 1 MOT sub-base is standard, laid over a weed membrane. For areas where vehicles may park, increase to 150mm sub-base.