Summer may seem like a distant memory, but you can keep that memory alive by planning your perfect outdoor setup. Whether you're dreaming of summer barbecues, somewhere to enjoy your morning coffee, or simply a more practical space for the kids to play, a patio can make a huge difference to how you use your garden. And with so many paving materials, layouts and designs to choose from, there's plenty of scope to create something that works for your home, lifestyle and budget.
However, installing a patio involves a little more than picking some attractive paving slabs and deciding where to put them. Getting the groundwork right, choosing suitable materials and thinking carefully about drainage can make all the difference between a patio that looks great for years and one that starts causing problems after its first winter.
If you're thinking about giving your garden a makeover, here's what you need to know.
Planning your new patio
Before you start looking at paving samples, think about how you want to use your patio. A small seating area for two will have very different requirements from a large entertaining space with an outdoor dining table and barbecue. Start by considering where your patio will go: a patio immediately outside your back door will be a natural extension of your living space and makes it easy to carry food and drinks between the house and garden, but it isn't necessarily the sunniest spot. If your garden gets the evening sun at the far end, you might prefer to create a separate seating area there instead.
You'll also need to think about size and shape. Rectangular patios tend to work well with modern homes, while curved edges can soften the appearance of a garden with lots of straight lines. And don't forget the practicalities: consider where garden furniture will go and how people will move around it. It's much easier to make these decisions beforehand than to discover afterwards that your dining chairs can't be pulled out without ending up on the lawn!
Choosing the right materials
One of the biggest decisions you'll make is what to use for your patio. Different materials offer different finishes, maintenance requirements and price points, so it's worth weighing up your options.
Porcelain patios - Porcelain paving is a popular choice for contemporary gardens, thanks to its clean appearance and wide range of finishes. It's low-porosity, which means it absorbs very little water and is relatively resistant to staining. However, porcelain requires careful installation, so choose someone with experience of working with it. You'll also need outdoor-rated, slip-resistant paving rather than ordinary indoor tiles.
Natural stone patios - If you prefer a traditional or rustic appearance, natural stone is worth considering. Sandstone, limestone, slate and granite can all create attractive patios, although their characteristics vary. Indian sandstone is particularly popular in British gardens, with its natural colour variations giving each patio a slightly different appearance. Some natural stones are more porous than others, so ask your installer about maintenance and whether sealing is recommended.
Concrete paving slabs - Concrete paving is often one of the more affordable options, making it a practical choice if you're working to a tighter budget. Don't be put off by memories of plain grey slabs, either; modern concrete paving comes in a variety of colours and textures, including products designed to resemble natural stone.
Brick and block paving - Brick and block paving can work particularly well in traditional gardens. Herringbone patterns add visual interest, while contrasting borders can help define seating areas.
Individual blocks can also be replaced if they're damaged, although joints may need attention over time to prevent weeds and moss becoming established.
How much does a patio cost?
The cost of installing a patio depends on its size, the paving material you choose and how much groundwork is required. As a broad guide, professional patio installation might cost £80 to £180 per square metre, including materials and labour, although premium materials and complicated installations can cost considerably more.
For a typical 20m² patio, that could mean a budget of approximately £1,600 to £3,600, but several factors can influence the final price:
- Materials: Basic concrete slabs generally cost less than premium porcelain or natural stone.
- Ground preparation: Removing existing paving, excavating soil or levelling uneven ground will increase costs.
- Drainage: Additional drainage measures may be needed to prevent water collecting.
- Design: Curved edges, steps and intricate patterns can increase installation time.
- Access: Restricted garden access can make moving materials and equipment more difficult.
Always get a detailed written quotation explaining what's included. A cheaper quote isn't necessarily better value if it leaves out essential groundwork or waste removal.
Getting the foundations right
It's tempting to focus on the paving itself, but what goes underneath your patio is just as important if you want to enjoy your patio for years to come. A properly installed patio generally needs a suitable excavated base, compacted sub-base and appropriate bedding layer as without these, paving slabs can become loose or uneven, particularly after heavy rain or frost.
Drainage is just as important. Patios should normally have a slight fall to direct rainwater away from the house, while finished paving levels need to be considered in relation to the property's damp-proof course. A professional installer should assess these issues before starting work and explain how they intend to deal with them.
Patio design ideas for different gardens
Not sure what would work in your garden? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Modern and minimalist: Large-format porcelain or smooth concrete paving creates a contemporary finish, particularly when paired with simple planting and understated furniture.
Traditional cottage garden: Natural sandstone, reclaimed-style bricks and softer edges work beautifully alongside established borders and climbing plants.
Small garden patios: Built-in seating and raised planters can help you make the most of limited space without making it feel cluttered.
Split-level patios: If your garden slopes, different levels can create separate areas for dining and relaxing, although you'll need to factor in steps, retaining structures and drainage.
Patios and planning permission
In many cases, you won't need planning permission to install a straightforward ground-level patio in your back garden. However, raised patios, significant changes to ground levels and projects involving retaining walls may require further checks, and additional restrictions can also apply to listed buildings. If you're unsure, check with your local planning authority before work begins, particularly if your plans involve substantial landscaping.
When is the best time to install a patio?
Spring is a popular time for patio installations, as homeowners start getting their gardens ready for summer. However, it's also when landscapers tend to be busy, so leaving everything until the first warm weekend could mean a longer wait than you'd hoped. Autumn can be a good alternative, provided weather and ground conditions are suitable and winter installations are also possible, although heavy rain and freezing temperatures can affect groundwork and installation so you’ll need to be patient and progress will probably be dictated by the weather.
If you're hoping to enjoy your patio next summer, it's worth contacting installers to book them in advance or get started over the cooler months.
Keeping your patio looking its best
Once your patio is installed, a little regular maintenance will help keep it looking good: sweeping away leaves and debris reduces the build-up of dirt, while occasional cleaning helps prevent algae and moss from making the surface slippery. You may also need to remove weeds from joints, particularly on older patios. Pressure washing can keep your patio looking clean, but excessive pressure can damage some paving materials or dislodge jointing, so check the manufacturer's guidance first. It's also worth keeping an eye out for loose slabs or areas where water collects. Dealing with small problems early can prevent more expensive repairs later.
Choosing the right patio installer
Although laying paving slabs might look straightforward, installing a patio properly requires experience, particularly when it comes to groundwork and drainage. When comparing installers, ask to see examples of previous work and check exactly what's included in their quotation. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the proposed installation method, especially if you're choosing porcelain paving or your garden has drainage problems.
Remember, the cheapest quotation isn't always the best. Good groundwork and careful installation are worth paying for when you consider how long you want your patio to last.
Ready to transform your garden?
A new patio can make your garden feel like an extension of your home, giving you somewhere comfortable to spend time outdoors. Whether you're planning a simple seating area or a more ambitious landscaping project, getting the design and installation right will help you make the most of your investment.
At TrustATrader, you can find reviewed and vetted local patio installers and landscapers to help bring your plans to life. Browse trusted tradespeople in your area, compare their previous work and find someone who can help you create an outdoor space you'll enjoy for years to come. Ready to get started? Find trusted patio installation specialists on TrustATrader or check out our Facebook, Insta or Tiktok for inspiration.