Having a patio laid by a contractor costs on average €60–120 per m² including materials and labour. Do it yourself and you only pay for the materials: €20–50 per m² depending on the surface material. For a 20 m² patio that difference can easily reach €800–1,400. That is why laying a patio is one of the most popular DIY projects for homeowners. In this article you’ll find everything you need: from choosing materials and laying the sub-base to a practical step-by-step guide.
What Does Laying a Patio Cost? DIY vs. Contractor
Cost Overview
| Method | Material costs | Labour costs | Total per m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY — paving bricks | €15–25 | €0 | €15–25 |
| DIY — paving slabs | €20–40 | €0 | €20–40 |
| DIY — timber (hardwood) | €35–70 | €0 | €35–70 |
| Contractor — paving bricks | €15–25 | €35–50 | €50–75 |
| Contractor — paving slabs | €20–40 | €40–60 | €60–100 |
| Contractor — timber | €35–70 | €45–70 | €80–140 |
Example calculation: 20 m² patio with concrete paving bricks
- DIY: approx. €400–500 total (including sub-base and materials)
- Contractor: approx. €1,000–1,500 total
- Saving: €600–1,000
When Is DIY Worth It?
Laying a patio yourself is achievable for most DIYers. You need no specialist equipment or professional knowledge for paving bricks or concrete slabs. A timber deck requires slightly more precision (sawing, screwing, using a spirit level), but is also very manageable. Allow two full weekends for a 20 m² patio.
Which Patio Material Is Right for You?
| Material | Price per m² | Lifespan | Maintenance | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete paving bricks | €10–20 | 30+ years | Low | Classic, robust |
| Concrete paving slabs | €12–25 | 25–30 years | Low | Neutral, modern |
| Natural stone (basalt, granite) | €25–60 | 50+ years | Low | Luxurious, timeless |
| Porcelain tiles | €20–50 | 25+ years | Very low | Modern, sleek |
| Hardwood decking boards | €35–70 | 15–25 years | Medium (annual oiling) | Warm, natural |
| Composite decking (WPC) | €40–80 | 25+ years | Low | Modern, low-maintenance |
Bricks vs. slabs: Paving bricks are more robust and more forgiving of an uneven sub-base. Slabs look neater but require a flatter foundation. For a patio used by children or subject to heavy use, bricks are the better choice.
Timber vs. stone: Timber gives a warmer feel but needs more upkeep. Stone is more durable and lower-maintenance. Composite decking is a middle ground: the look of timber with the low maintenance of stone.
Materials List
| Material | Quantity (per 10 m²) | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Paving bricks or slabs | 10 m² + 5% wastage | €100–200 |
| Road stone (sub-base) | 200–300 kg | €15–25 |
| Sharp sand (bedding layer) | 300–400 kg | €15–20 |
| Plastic edge restraint/kerbing | 12–15 m | €20–40 |
| Weed-suppressing membrane | 11 m² | €10–15 |
| Kiln-dried jointing sand | 25 kg | €5–10 |
| Club hammer or bolster chisel | 1 | €15–30 |
| Spirit level (1.5 m) | 1 | €15–25 |
| Rubber mallet | 1 | €10–20 |
| Plate compactor (hire) | 1 day | €30–60 |
Step-by-Step Guide: Laying a Patio
Step 1 — Design and set out
Determine the dimensions and shape of the patio. Mark the outline with pegs and string line. Check that the patio will slope slightly away from the house (at least 1 cm per metre for drainage). Also calculate the quantity of materials required, adding 5% for wastage.
Step 2 — Excavate
Excavate the ground to the correct depth. For paving bricks and slabs: 20–25 cm below the intended finished level (100 mm hardcore + 50 mm sand + material thickness). For a timber deck on posts: dig 40–60 cm per post position. Remove all roots and organic material.
Step 3 — Lay the sub-base
Spread a layer of hardcore/road stone of at least 100 mm and compact it with a plate compactor (hire from a builders’ merchant). A good sub-base prevents the patio from sinking or moving. Drive edge restraints or kerb stones along the perimeter to hold the patio in position.
Step 4 — Apply the sand bedding layer
Spread a 30–50 mm layer of sharp sand. Screed it level with a timber float or a straight screed rail. Check the fall with a spirit level: the surface must slope at least 1% away from the house. Do not walk on it after screeding.
Step 5 — Lay the surface material
Start at the wall or a fixed datum point and work outwards. Lay bricks or slabs with consistent, even joints (2–3 mm for bricks, 5–8 mm for slabs). Tap the material gently into the sand bed with a rubber mallet. Check regularly with the spirit level. Cut stones to size with a bolster chisel or a disc cutter (hire available).
Step 6 — Brush in jointing sand and compact
Scatter kiln-dried jointing sand over the patio and brush it into the joints. Make a second pass with the plate compactor to consolidate everything and drive more sand into the joints. Top up with more sand if needed. Remove edge restraint stakes once the edges are firm.
Step 7 — Finishing
Rinse the patio clean with water. Treat natural stone or timber immediately after laying with the appropriate finishing products (sealant, oil or decking oil). After 2–3 weeks, check whether any slabs have settled and brush in additional jointing sand if needed.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Not excavating deep enough | Patio too high, edge restraints won’t work | Always excavate 20–25 cm |
| No or insufficient hardcore | Patio sinks or shifts | Minimum 100 mm compacted hardcore |
| No drainage fall | Rainwater pools on patio | Minimum 1 cm/m slope away from house |
| No edge restraints | Outer row of bricks sinks | Always fit perimeter edging |
| Walking on sand before laying | Uneven sand bed | Do not walk on it after screeding |
| Wrong joint width | Bricks shift | 2–3 mm for bricks, 5–8 mm for slabs |
Planning Permission: Do You Need It?
For most patios you do not need planning permission. Exceptions:
- If the patio is more than 1 m above ground level (raised terrace or roof terrace)
- If your property has a protected or listed status
- If the patio is covered by a pergola or canopy (different rules may apply)
If in doubt: check with your local planning authority.
Conclusion
Laying a patio yourself is an excellent DIY project that can save you €600–1,400 on a 20 m² patio. Choose paving bricks for a robust, low-maintenance result. Choose timber if you want warmth and atmosphere. Always invest in a good sub-base — that is the foundation of a patio that looks great for years to come.
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