Kailyn Wolf
Concrete patios are a great, affordable option for those looking to extend their living space outdoors. The cost of a concrete patio in the UK depends on several factors, including the size of the patio, the complexity of the design, and any additional features.
On average, concrete patio installation costs between £30 and £120 per square metre in the UK. For a typical 20-square-metre concrete patio, expect to pay between £900 and £2,500. This includes excavation, laying foundations, purchasing patio slabs, and installation.
The labour cost for installing a concrete patio is approximately £280 per day for one tradesperson, and the work usually takes about two to three days to complete.
When budgeting for a concrete patio, it's important to consider additional costs such as ground preparation, skip hire, concrete pouring, and any desired finish. These factors can significantly impact the overall price of your concrete patio project.
What You'll Learn
Concrete pouring costs
The complexity of the design will also affect the overall cost. A simple concrete slab patio will be on the lower end of the price range, while a patio with a more customised and complex design will be more expensive.
The cost of concrete varies. Concrete patios range between $4 and $30 per square foot, and concrete patio builders charge anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour for their services. Patio installation labour costs around $5 to $15 per square foot, about 4% of the total project cost.
The average cost for a concrete patio in the UK is between £30 and £40 per m². The cost of labour for patio installation depends on where in the UK you live and whether you choose to work with a landscape gardener or a bricklayer. A landscape gardener typically charges an average of £250 a day, or approximately £30 per hour. A bricklayer may charge slightly more, approximately £270 a day on average or £40 per hour.
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Ground preparation
Clearing the Area
Firstly, it is necessary to clear any existing structures, shrubs, or waste from the area where the patio will be installed. This step is particularly important if you are removing an old patio or decking. The cost of waste removal can vary depending on the amount of waste produced and the method of disposal. Skip hire is a common method for waste disposal, and the cost of skip hire can range from £60 to £400, depending on the size of the skip required. It is important to note that concrete removal can be labour-intensive and may involve equipment hire, so it is advisable to factor this into your budget.
Excavation
Once the area is cleared, the ground needs to be excavated to create a level surface for the concrete patio. The depth of excavation will depend on the thickness of the concrete patio you plan to install. Standard concrete patios are typically around 4 inches thick, but if you anticipate placing heavy items on the patio, such as a hot tub or outdoor kitchen, it is recommended to excavate to a depth of 6 inches to provide adequate support. Additionally, if you live in an area with cold winters and freezing temperatures, it is advisable to excavate below the frost line to prevent the concrete from heaving due to freezing and thawing cycles.
Sub-base Installation
After excavation, a sub-base needs to be installed to provide a stable foundation for the concrete patio. The sub-base typically consists of a layer of compacted gravel or crushed stone, ensuring proper drainage and a strong base for the concrete. The cost of the sub-base will depend on the size of the patio and the type of material used. For a large patio, the sub-base installation can cost anywhere from £1,500 to £2,500. It is crucial to ensure that the sub-base is compacted properly and slopes slightly to allow for adequate drainage.
Ground Levelling and Grading
To ensure a smooth and level surface for the concrete patio, the ground needs to be levelled and graded. This process involves filling any depressions or holes in the excavated area and creating a slight slope to facilitate water runoff. Ground levelling and grading can be a labour-intensive process, and the cost will depend on the size of the patio and the complexity of the terrain. In some cases, additional costs may be incurred if significant regrading or levelling is required.
Drainage Considerations
Proper drainage is essential for the long-term durability of your concrete patio. If your patio is located in an area with poor drainage or is particularly large, you may need to install drainage channels or a soakaway to direct surface water away from the patio and prevent pooling. The average cost of installing a soakaway typically ranges from £700 to £1,000. Additionally, if your patio is near your home, you may need to consider installing a drainage system to direct water away from the foundation to prevent water damage.
Final Preparations
Before pouring the concrete, it is crucial to ensure that all the necessary measurements and markings are in place. String lines or guide strings should be used to mark out the edges of the patio and ensure straight lines. Any grass or plants within the marked area should be removed, and the soil should be dug down to accommodate the concrete. It is also essential to consider the slope or fall of the patio to ensure proper drainage. The concrete should be poured onto a compacted gravel base or a purpose-built concrete form, ensuring it is distributed evenly and smoothed out using a screed board.
Labour Costs
The ground preparation process can be labour-intensive, and the cost of labour will depend on the size of the patio, the complexity of the job, and your location. In the UK, the average daily rate for a landscape gardener is around £100, while a bricklayer may charge slightly more at approximately £120 per day. If additional labourers are required to speed up the process, this will further increase the labour costs. It is worth noting that labour rates can be higher in London and the southeast of England.
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Labour costs
The cost of labour also depends on the type of tradesperson you hire. A landscape gardener typically charges an average of £250 a day, or approximately £30 per hour, while a bricklayer may charge slightly more, at approximately £270 a day on average or £40 per hour. If you require two tradespeople to work together on the project, this will increase the daily labour cost to around £400.
To calculate the total labour cost for your concrete patio project, you can multiply the daily labour rate by the number of days the project is expected to take. However, it is recommended to get quotes from different patio installers to get an accurate estimate of the labour costs.
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Size of patio
The size of your patio will be one of the biggest factors in determining the overall cost. The bigger the patio, the more materials and labour will be required, driving up costs. A patio for a small urban garden is typically 15-25 square metres, while a larger suburban or rural patio could be 40-60 square metres.
For example, a small patio of around 10 square metres can range from £800 to £1,100, while a large 40 square metre patio can cost up to £4,600. A 20-square-metre patio will cost around £2,000-£3,500 in total.
The cost per square metre will also depend on the type of patio you choose. Concrete patios are one of the most affordable options, costing between £30-£40 per square metre, or between £60-£90 per square metre for a concrete patio with a standard finish. More expensive options include slate patios, which cost £130-£180 per square metre, and stone patios, which can cost up to £4,600 for 40 square metres or £150-£200 per square metre.
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Complexity of design
The complexity of design is a key factor in determining the cost of a concrete patio. A simple concrete slab patio without any customisation will be on the lower end of the price range. However, the more customised and complex your patio design is, the higher the cost. Unique shapes, multi-level designs, and patios that combine multiple elements will all add to the final project cost.
Concrete patio builders typically charge per hour for their services, and the labour costs will depend on the size of the patio, site accessibility, and slopes, among other factors. The more complex the design, the more labour will be required, and the higher the cost will be.
In addition to labour costs, the type of finish you choose for your concrete patio will also impact the overall cost. Smooth or trowel finishes are more affordable, while stamped, stencilled, or other customised designs can be more expensive.
If you require drainage channels or waste disposal for your concrete patio, these will also add to the complexity and cost of the project.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of laying a concrete patio in the UK ranges from £60 to £120 per m². The total cost will depend on factors such as the size of the patio, the complexity of the design, and the labour costs.
Several factors can influence the cost of a concrete patio, including the size of the patio, the type of finish, the labour rates, and the site accessibility. Additionally, the cost of preparing the ground and disposing of any waste should be considered.
The cost of hiring a patio installer in the UK varies depending on their experience and the region. On average, a landscape gardener charges around £250 per day, while a bricklayer may charge approximately £270 per day. For a large company in London and the southeast, the cost can be as high as £2,400 to £2,600.
