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Patio cost: what it really costs in 2026
Per m², concrete to porcelain.
£80 – £160 /m²
Concrete slabs start around £80/m² laid. Indian sandstone runs about £120/m² and porcelain £160/m². A typical 20m² patio lands £1,600–£3,200.
Price by spec
| Option | What it means | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete slabs | Budget-friendly, solid | £80 /m² |
| Indian sandstone | Natural variation, classic | £120 /m² |
| Porcelain | Sharp, stain-proof, modern | £160 /m² |
What actually happens
- Area marked out and dug to depth
- Sub-base laid and compacted
- Slabs laid on a full mortar bed (not dabs)
- Cuts made around edges and features
- Pointed or jointed with compound
- Sealed if natural stone; cured before furniture
Popular choices
Large-format porcelainGrey and beige sandstone blendsPatio-to-lawn steel edging
Regulations to know
- No planning permission for back-garden patios — front gardens follow the 5m² permeable drainage rule
- Raising levels near the house must stay 150mm below the damp-proof course
Tips from the trade
- Insist on a full mortar bed — 'dot and dab' patios rock loose within a couple of years
- Porcelain needs a primer on each slab; a fitter who doesn't mention it hasn't laid much of it
Plan this project properly
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Start planning on QomePrices on this page are approximate, region-adjusted guide figures built from cross-checked UK cost data. They exist to inform you, not to bind anyone. Actual prices are whatever you and your tradesperson agree, and a difference between a Qome guide figure and a real quote is not a fault in either.