Planning a new patio? Before you get started, it’s worth taking a closer look at the full range of costs involved. That way, you won’t find yourself running short of budget halfway through the project.
Key Facts
Average costs for laying a patio can range from £85 – £500+ per m²
Labour costs for a single tradesperson range from £250-400 per day
Laying a patio usually takes more than two days to complete
How much does patio laying cost in Cornwall 2025?
The price of laying a new patio can vary widely, typically falling between £85 and £500 per m². On top of that, you’ll need to budget for labour charges and any extras that may crop up along the way.
Patios can be created using a variety of materials and can be designed in almost any shape or layout to suit your garden. Naturally, the type of material and overall design you choose will have a big influence on the final price.
To give you a clearer idea, here are some average patio installation costs in Cornwall.
| Type of patio | Average cost per m² + VAT |
|---|---|
| Budget paving slabs | £85 - £100 |
| Gravel patio | £80 - £120 |
| Flagstone patio | £120 - £500 |
| Concrete patio | £85 - £120 |
| Brick patio | £80 - £140 |
| Last updated: 25 August 2025 | |
Average cost of a new patio in Cornwall
On average, the cost of a new patio starts at around £1,700, but the final price will largely depend on the size of your garden, the type of materials you choose, and how much preparation work is needed beforehand.
As a rough guide, laying a 20m² patio typically takes three to four days. With labour costs averaging around £300 per day, you could expect to pay between £1,080 and £2,160 just for the installation.
Patio installation prices by type
Costs can vary significantly depending on the type of material you choose. Generally, manufactured paving slabs (often made from concrete) are the most affordable option, while natural stone such as Indian sandstone or porcelain pavers sit at the higher end of the price range.
Budget pavers cost
Budget paving slabs are one of the most affordable options for creating a patio. These are typically made from concrete and come in simple shapes and colours, making them a cost-effective choice for homeowners who want a clean and functional outdoor space without breaking the bank. Prices for budget pavers usually range from £85 – £100 per m², depending on the supplier and finish. While they may not offer the same premium look as natural stone, they’re durable, practical, and ideal for projects where cost is the main priority.
Gravel patio cost
Opting for a gravel patio, such as one using 14mm golden gravel, offers substantial savings over paved or raised designs. This is due to the lower material costs and often simpler preparation. While site-specific factors apply, a gravel patio installation generally falls within the range of £80 – £120 per square metre.
Flagstone patio cost
The cost of a flagstone patio can vary widely, depending on the type of slabs you choose, the overall size of the area, and the complexity of the design. On average, prices for flagstone patios usually fall between £120 – £500+ per m². While this makes them a more premium option, many homeowners choose flagstones for their natural look, durability, and timeless appeal.
Concrete patio cost
Concrete patios are also one of the most budget-friendly options when it comes to outdoor paving. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £85 – £120 per m² for a standard concrete patio. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners who want a durable surface without the higher price tag of natural stone or porcelain.
Brick patio cost
A brick patio is a mid-to-upper-range investment in landscaping, valued for its durability and classic appeal. The installation process is meticulous, which contributes to the overall cost. Prices can vary based on the brick style and pattern complexity, but a standard installation usually falls within £80 to £140 per square metre.
Factors affecting the cost of laying a patio
Remember, your patio’s final price isn’t just about the stones or slabs you choose. Several key elements can significantly influence the total budget, such as:
Design Intricacy: A simple square is one thing, but does your dream design include built-in seating or decorative retaining walls? These complex features require more skilled labour and time.
Clearing the Site: Don’t forget to account for the removal of old landscaping, rubble, and soil. Hiring a skip is a common but necessary expense for most projects.
Garden Access: Is your back garden easy to reach? If tradespeople have to carry everything through your house or over a fence, it will add time and labour costs to the quote.
Professional Labour: The expertise of a skilled tradesperson is a major part of the investment. We’ll break down labour costs more thoroughly in the next section.
Hidden costs to consider
Even with careful planning, unexpected issues can arise once work begins, potentially adding to your overall budget. This is a common scenario when replacing an old patio, as the condition of the base underneath is often unknown until the existing slabs are lifted. Be prepared for potential hidden costs such as:
Installing Drainage Solutions: Water runoff may require the addition of new drainage channels or a soakaway to protect your property and the new patio’s foundation.
Sub-base Remediation: The existing ground might be unstable or poorly compacted, necessitating significant extra work to add a new, deeper sub-base or to level the area properly.
Ground Preparation: Unforeseen problems like persistent weeds or poor soil quality might mean you need to install a robust weed membrane or other stabilizing layers.
Labour costs to lay a patio
For a professional patio installation, you should budget around £320 + VAT per day for labour. This comprehensive fee generally covers all essential tasks: digging out the site, preparing and compacting the foundation with hardcore, laying a levelling layer of sand, and finally, setting the paving stones in place.
How much does patio laying cost per day?
Providing a single all-inclusive daily figure for a patio is challenging, as the total cost is a sum of several variable components. However, for budgeting purposes, you can expect a full professional installation to range from approximately £250 to over £500 per day.
This wide range accounts for the three primary cost factors that make up your total daily outlay:
1. Labour (£160 – £360 per day): This is the most consistent daily cost. It covers the team on site and can vary based on skill:
General Labour: Around £160/day for preparatory work.
Skilled Landscaper: £200 – £360/day for the entire installation.
2. Materials (Variable Daily Cost): The cost of materials is spread across the project’s timeline. The daily expenditure depends entirely on your choice:
Budget (e.g., Gravel): Adds a lower daily material cost.
Mid-Range (e.g., Concrete Pavers): Adds a moderate daily cost.
Premium (e.g., Porcelain, Natural Stone): Significantly increases the daily material spend.
3. Ancillary Costs & Contingencies (£ Variable): A prudent budget includes a buffer (e.g., 10-15%) for daily incidentals or unforeseen issues that may arise, such as:
Waste skip hire.
Additional sub-base or mortar.
Solving drainage problems or poor ground conditions discovered during excavation.
In summary: While a landscaper’s labour might be £350/day, the true total daily cost must include that day’s share of material deliveries and potential extras. On a multi-day project, a realistic all-in daily budget sitting between £300 – £450 is a common average for a standard patio, with costs soaring higher for complex designs or premium materials. The most accurate method is to get itemised quotes based on your specific project plans.
Patio laying cost per m²
If your project site is already fully prepared with a solid, level base and you simply need a professional to lay the paving slabs, your costs will be significantly lower. This “supply and lay” service, where the contractor only handles the final installation of the paving onto a ready-made foundation, typically falls within a range of £45 to £110 per square metre.
This price is primarily for the skilled labour of meticulously setting, aligning, and pointing the slabs to ensure a perfect, lasting finish.
Cost of hiring a landscaper vs DIY
For a straightforward slab-laying job on an existing, well-prepared base, your costs will be at the lower end of the scale. This service, which focuses solely on the skilled work of installing and finishing the paving, typically costs between £45 and £100 per m².
How much to lay a 20m² patio?
To bring all these elements together, let’s calculate a total project cost using our example of a standard 20m² (5m x 4m) patio.
Patio Installation (@ £130/m²): £2,600
Ground Preparation (@ £40/m²): £800
Skip Hire for Waste Removal: ~£450
Estimated Total Project Cost: £3,850
Please remember, this is a calculated example. For a precise figure tailored to your specific project, we highly recommend obtaining detailed quotes from several vetted landscaping professionals in your area.
New patio cost checklist
Ultimately, the investment for a new patio can start from around £1,700, with the final figure heavily influenced by your chosen materials, the project’s scale, and the condition of your garden.
Remember, an accurate quote must account for all aspects of the job: skilled labour, essential groundworks, and logistical costs like waste removal.
A well-laid patio is not a simple DIY task; it demands significant expertise to achieve a stable, level, and attractive finish that will last for years.
Cost to lay a patio: FAQs
How long does it take to lay a patio?
The timeline for completing your patio project isn’t fixed; it’s directly influenced by the paving material’s complexity, the overall square metreage, the intricacy of the design, and the amount of preparatory work needed.
A reputable contractor will provide a projected schedule during the quoting process. It’s always prudent, however, to build in some flexibility for potential unforeseen challenges, such as poor soil conditions or adverse weather, which can impact the original completion estimate.
How long does it take to replace a flagstone patio?
When planning a patio replacement, remember that the project timeline must include the demolition and removal of the old surface. For a standard-sized flagstone patio, you should generally allocate two to three days for the entire removal process before new paving can even begin. This same timeframe is a reliable benchmark for the additional construction work required for a raised patio, such as building retaining walls.
How can I get an accurate patio quote?
Preparing a few key details before you speak to landscapers will ensure you receive accurate, comparable quotes for your project. Here’s how to get started:
1. Calculate Your Patio’s Size
Grab a tape measure and calculate the length and width of your planned area. Multiplying these two numbers gives you the total square metreage (m²), which is the essential starting point any installer will need to provide an estimate.
2. Choose Your Paving Style in Advance
Have an idea of the material you want, whether it’s classic Indian sandstone, modern porcelain, or budget-friendly concrete. Your choice significantly impacts the overall cost. If you can, find examples online or note down the specific product name to share with tradespeople—this helps them provide the most precise quote.
3. Outline Any Specific Design Features
Think beyond the flat surface. Will your design include steps, built-in seating, raised planters, or drainage solutions? Mentioning these extras during the initial conversation ensures the quote encompasses the entire scope of your vision, preventing surprises later on.
Why Multiple Quotes Matter
We always recommend obtaining at least three detailed quotes. This allows you to compare not just the bottom-line cost, but also the breakdown of services, projected timelines, and the professionalism of each landscaper. It’s the best way to ensure you receive fair value for your investment.
Simplify Your Search
Ready to get your new patio laid? Fill out our free request a quote form.
Can I get a handyman to lay patio slabs?
While a skilled handyperson may be capable of laying a basic patio, it’s crucial to thoroughly vet their experience with this specific type of project before hiring. For a simple, functional space, this can be a cost-effective option.
However, if you envision a patio that serves as a true extension of your home—a space with aesthetic appeal, intricate design, and expert finishing—then investing in a professional garden landscaper is highly recommended. A qualified landscaper brings expertise in design, drainage, material selection, and construction techniques that ensure a beautiful and long-lasting result.
