BUILD COST CLINIC
How much does a patio cost?
Whether you’re building one from scratch or want to upgrade or enlarge your existing paved space, this is how much you should budget for different materials
TIM PHILLIPS Is a quantity surveyor and runs Quantiv. uk, with 30 years experience across the commercial and residential sector.
@timphillips71
Awell-designed patio frequently takes centre stage in one’s imagination when picturing the ideal outdoor area. The attractiveness of a new patio is evident —whether it’s used as a bustling gathering place for weekend barbecues or as a peaceful hideaway for morning coffees and a good book. By doing this, you will be able to enjoy your garden even on occasions when the grass is too wet or uneven to use patio furniture —in addition to adding another attraction to the garden. But as with any building project, there is, of course, always the nagging question of how much it will actually cost for you to achieve that goal…
SUBTLE TONES These smart Wexford Blue limestone cobbles from Ca’Pietra have an inky, blue-black colouring that varies beautifully depending on the light.
WHAT FACTORS IMPACT COST?
A basic patio can be built for between £50 and £80/m2, but the price can rise significantly to £150/m2 with more intricate designs, higher-quality materials, and added features like lighting, heating or landscaping. Many factors can affect a patio’s cost, so taking these into account will help you understand the complete picture. Here are a few crucial influencing factors:
New vs replacement Building a brand-new patio typically requires more preparation and work than renovating an old one. Costs may increase with the removal of outdated materials and site preparation for a new installation.
Foundations Costs can be considerably impacted by the general condition of the ground and the requirement for preparation and costs may increase if the site needs a lot of excavation, levelling or further groundwork.
Drainage In order to avoid water collecting – which can shorten the patio’s lifespan and create added maintenance – proper drainage is crucial. Aco drainage, gravel joints and a soakaway are ideal. Additional steps – such as modifying the design – might be required if the location has inadequate drainage, which would raise the entire cost.