Typical timeline
4–10 days depending on layout, materials, and site access.
Active across WD · AL · HP postcodes
Patio and Paving
Patios, paths and garden paving designed around how you'll actually use the space — with the levels, falls and finish detail that separate a great patio from a tired one in three years.
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At a glance
For you if you're reshaping the back garden for entertaining, family use, or improved flow between house and outdoor space.
Guide price
£50–£150 per sqm depending on materials
What to compare closely
Prep specification, drainage assumptions, edging details, and maintenance expectations are the key variables that separate supplier proposals.
Patio and paving options to compare
Use these hub cards to compare patio materials, access routes, loose slabs, installation quality, and multi-area paving scope.
Materials and finish detail
Surface guides, colours, patterns, borders, and finish choices that shape the project brief.
18 items
Natural StoneIndian sandstoneA popular natural stone with warm variation, traditional character, and a wide range of colour blends.Open in Guidance HubPorcelainLight grey porcelainA bright contemporary patio finish that works well for indoor-outdoor flow and modern gardens.Open in Guidance HubPorcelainDark grey porcelainA stronger modern patio look that pairs well with pale render, timber, and simple planting.Open in Guidance HubNatural StoneLimestone pavingA smoother natural stone option with darker greys, buffs, and a more refined finish than rustic sandstone.Open in Guidance HubPorcelainBeige stone-effect porcelainA warmer porcelain option for users who like natural stone colours but want easier maintenance.Open in Guidance HubPorcelainLarge-format porcelain slabsFewer joints and a more architectural look, but with higher installation precision required.Open in Guidance HubNatural StoneSlate-style natural stoneDarker natural tones for patios or paths where texture and depth matter more than uniform colour.Open in Guidance HubPorcelainPlank-style porcelainLonger plank formats that can echo timber decking without the same upkeep.Open in Guidance HubNatural StoneGranite settsHard-wearing stone setts for borders, aprons, entrances, and premium detail areas.Open in Guidance HubNatural StoneStone and gravel mixCombining stepping stones, setts, or slabs with gravel to soften a front garden or path layout.Open in Guidance HubNatural StoneNatural stone driveway apronA stone or sett entrance detail used with tarmac, gravel, resin, or block paving to lift kerb appeal.Open in Guidance HubPorcelainPorcelain path and step detailUsing porcelain on paths, thresholds, and steps where cuts, edges, and slip resistance matter.Open in Guidance HubPorcelainPorcelain pavingLaying methods, costs, maintenance, and what to ask a contractor.Open in Guidance HubNatural StoneNatural stoneSandstone, limestone, granite: grades, origin, maintenance, and longevity.Open in Guidance HubConcreteBrushed concrete drivewayA plain but textured concrete finish focused on durability, slip resistance, and sensible cost.Open in Guidance HubConcreteExposed aggregate concreteConcrete with visible stone texture for more visual interest than a plain slab.Open in Guidance HubConcreteImprinted concreteA patterned concrete surface that can imitate blocks, stone, or setts with fewer joints.Open in Guidance HubConcreteConcrete with block borderA practical concrete surface framed by blocks or setts to improve edge definition and appearance.Open in Guidance Hub
Ideas and visual direction
Inspiration items that help customers explain the look, layout, and property fit they want.
5 items
PorcelainPorcelain patioPremium, low-maintenance outdoor tiles with a clean, contemporary aesthetic.Open in Guidance HubNatural StoneNatural stone patioIndian sandstone, limestone, or granite for a traditional or premium outdoor aesthetic.Open in Guidance HubLayoutClear path to the front doorA separate walking route through or beside the driveway so the entrance feels deliberate and safe.Open in Guidance HubLayoutMatching driveway and patio finishA coordinated material or colour palette across parking, paths, and garden paving.Open in Guidance HubPathGarden path and stepsCreate a clear, attractive route through your garden with paving or stepping stones.Open in Guidance Hub
Problem and repair signals
Symptoms, failure patterns, and repair indicators that make contractor conversations sharper.
1 items
Project routes and scope
Common installation, replacement, restoration, and extension routes connected to this service.
3 items
Multiple AreasMixed driveway and patio projectOne project touching parking, paths, patio, or multiple hard-landscaping areas.Case contextSignals that suppliers need multi-area sequencing and not just a single-surface quote.Open in Guidance HubNew PatioNew patio installationLaying a new outdoor patio: groundworks, base, drainage, material, and finishing.Open in Guidance HubReplacementConcrete to resin drivewayUpgrading a plain or cracked concrete area into a smoother resin finish.Case contextCaptures current concrete and desired resin, plus base and drainage checks.Open in Guidance Hub
Compare and decide
Trade-off guides and comparison pieces for customers choosing between realistic options.
1 items
Key considerations
Consider
Falls and drainage routing must be planned first — surface water pooling is the most common complaint.
Consider
Natural stone varies significantly in quality, staining resistance, and slip rating between suppliers.
Consider
Pointing quality determines how long the finish looks fresh — cheap pointing degrades within 2–3 years.
Consider
Ground movement in clay-heavy soils can cause bedding failure within a few years without correct preparation.
Consider
Edging and border detail has an outsized effect on the finished appearance.
When this may not be the best fit
Poor base condition
If the existing base is unstable, inadequately prepared, or prone to movement, this surface may require remedial work before installation is viable.
High-demand commercial or shared use
Some surfaces are better suited to residential use loads. Commercial-grade or high-traffic applications may need a different specification.
Very limited budgets
If budget constrains the prep as well as the finish, consider whether a simpler surface installed correctly is a better starting point.
What installation typically involves
Site survey and planning
A good installation starts with understanding the site: drainage falls, access points, existing condition, and any constraints that affect sequencing.
Excavation and sub-base
The ground is excavated to the required depth. Sub-base material is laid and compacted to specification — this is where most cost difference between supplier proposals originates.
Drainage provision
Falls and drainage routing are set before the surface is laid. Getting this right prevents the most common post-installation complaints.
Surface installation and finishing
The chosen surface material is installed, edged, jointed, or sealed as appropriate. Final tolerances, cleanup, and handover complete the job.
Maintenance and lifespan expectations
Typical lifespan
With a correctly prepared base, most quality installations should perform for 15–30 years. Poor preparation significantly reduces this.
Routine maintenance
All surfaces benefit from periodic cleaning and inspection. Some require more active maintenance than others — ask contractors for specific guidance.
Repair considerations
Some surface types are easier to repair invisibly than others. Understand the repair implications before committing to a finish type.
Common questions
What is the best material for a low-maintenance patio?
Porcelain tends to outperform natural stone for low maintenance — it resists staining and does not require sealing.
Do I need planning permission for a patio?
Generally no, unless the property is listed or in a designated area. Front garden alterations follow different rules from back garden work.
Patio and Paving in South Hertfordshire
Each area page covers local property patterns, pricing context, and contractor questions for this service.