Patio Design in London
Soil Sisters designs patios that actually work for how people live in London. Not a rectangle of slabs dropped next to the back door, but a considered outdoor space that connects your home to your garden and gives you somewhere worth spending time. We handle the full process from concept through to finished build, across every London borough and into the Home Counties. Call us on 0203 834 9807 or get in touch here to book a free consultation.
What Our Patio Design Service Includes
Every patio project we take on starts with a proper design phase. That is what separates a patio that looks right and lasts from one that cracks, pools water, or feels like an afterthought. Here is what you get when you work with us.
Initial site survey and consultation. We visit your garden, assess the space, check levels, drainage, access, aspect, soil conditions. London clay is a factor in nearly every project we touch, and it dictates foundation depth, drainage strategy, the lot.
Bespoke patio layout and design. Not a template. We design around how you use the space. Dining? Entertaining? Morning coffee in the sun? Each of those needs a different orientation, size, and relationship to the house.
3D visualisation. You see the finished patio in context before a single slab goes down. We build full 3D renders so there are no surprises.
Material specification. We specify every slab, edging detail, jointing compound, sub-base depth. Porcelain, natural sandstone, limestone, granite setts, clay pavers. Each has trade-offs and we will walk you through them honestly. See our materials guide for a deeper look.
Full construction drawings. Enough detail for our build team or any competent landscaper to work from.
Project management and build. We manage the entire installation. Our hard landscaping team handles excavation, sub-base preparation, laying, pointing, drainage, and all finishing details.
Patio Design Costs in London
London patio costs depend on size, material, ground conditions, and how much design work goes into the layout. Here are honest ranges based on what our clients actually pay in 2026.
Design Fees
A standalone patio design starts from £800 for a straightforward rear garden patio, rising to £2,000 to £3,500 where the patio is part of a larger garden redesign with planting plans and 3D visuals. The design fee covers the site survey, concept development, 3D renders, and full construction drawings. For a fuller picture of how our design fees work, see the budget guide.
Installation Costs by Material
| Material | Cost per sqm (supply + install) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete slabs | £45 - £75 | Budget projects, side returns |
| Indian sandstone | £85 - £120 | Traditional gardens, warm tones |
| Porcelain paving | £120 - £160 | Low maintenance, modern look |
| Limestone | £90 - £130 | Period properties, pale palette |
| Granite setts | £130 - £180 | Driveways, paths, accent borders |
| Clay pavers | £80 - £110 | Victorian and Edwardian houses |
Total Project Costs
| Project scope | Typical cost range | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| Small patio (10-15 sqm) | £1,500 - £3,000 | Excavation, sub-base, paving, pointing |
| Medium patio (15-25 sqm) | £3,000 - £5,500 | Design, paving, edging, basic drainage |
| Large patio (25-40 sqm) | £5,500 - £9,000 | Full design, premium materials, steps, lighting prep |
| Full garden with patio as centrepiece | £12,000 - £25,000+ | Design, patio, planting, paths, fencing, raised beds |
All prices include VAT and assume reasonable access. Costs rise if we need to remove an existing patio (add £200 to £800), deal with poor drainage, or work in a basement or roof terrace setting. We always provide an itemised quote before any work starts.
Patio Materials We Work With
Porcelain paving has become the default for good reason. Non-porous, frost-proof, stain-resistant, and almost zero maintenance. We source 20mm outdoor-rated porcelain in a huge range of finishes, from concrete-effect to wood-look planks to stone replicas. It costs more per sqm than sandstone but the lifetime cost is lower because you never need to seal it.
Natural sandstone still looks beautiful and weathers brilliantly in London gardens. Indian sandstone in Raj Green, Autumn Brown, or Kandla Grey remains popular for traditional settings. Expect to seal it every 2 to 3 years to keep it looking sharp.
Limestone works beautifully in pale, contemporary schemes. Jura Grey and Purbeck limestone are our most-specified options.
Clay pavers suit Victorian terraces and Edwardian semis. They echo the brickwork of the house and age gracefully.
Granite setts are practically indestructible. We use them for driveway-to-patio transitions, path edging, and accent banding within larger schemes.
How We Work: The Patio Design Process
- Free consultation. We visit your garden, talk through what you want, take measurements, photos, and note anything that will affect the design. Drainage, levels, access, services. No charge, no obligation.
- Design concept. Within 10 working days we deliver initial layout options, including overhead plans and 3D visuals showing how your patio will look in context.
- Material selection. We either bring samples to you or arrange a visit to our suppliers. You pick the exact paving, edging, and pointing before we finalise.
- Detailed design and quote. Full construction drawings, material schedule, and an itemised fixed-price quote. No hidden extras.
- Build. Our team handles everything. Excavation, skip, sub-base, laying, pointing, drainage, clean-up. A typical patio takes 3 to 7 days depending on size and complexity.
- Handover and aftercare. We walk you through the finished patio, give you care instructions for your specific material, and check back after the first season.
Patio Styles We Design
Every garden is different and so is every patio. Here are some of the most common design briefs we handle in London.
The entertaining patio. Generous enough for a table and six chairs, with space for a barbecue or outdoor kitchen to one side. Integrated lighting so it works after dark. Usually 20 to 30 sqm in porcelain or natural stone.
The courtyard patio. When the entire garden is the patio. We design these as outdoor rooms with raised planters, vertical planting, and feature walls to create interest without eating into usable floor space. See our courtyard design guide for more on this.
The multi-level patio. Common in gardens with a slope or where the house sits above or below garden level. Steps, retaining walls, and tiered seating areas turn an awkward level change into a feature. Our sloping garden design guide covers the technical side.
The wrap-around patio. Runs from the back of the house around a side return, creating a continuous outdoor surface that links kitchen, dining, and garden. Especially effective in Victorian terraces where the side return is otherwise dead space.
The front garden patio. Not as common but increasingly requested, particularly in terraces and cottages where the back garden is tiny. Needs careful attention to boundaries, screening, and materials that complement the streetscape.
Patio Design for London Gardens: What Makes It Different
London throws specific challenges at patio projects that you do not get in other parts of the country.
London clay. Most of London sits on heavy clay soil. It swells when wet, shrinks when dry, and moves constantly. Every patio we build gets a properly compacted sub-base, minimum 100mm of MOT Type 1 and often 150mm or more on clay sites. Skimping here is how you end up with cracked, uneven paving inside two years.
Limited access. Terraced houses, narrow side returns, basement gardens. Getting materials in is half the battle. We plan logistics carefully so your neighbours are not blocked in for a fortnight.
Drainage. Most London gardens drain poorly. We incorporate falls, linear channels, or permeable paving into every design rather than leaving water to pool against the house. This is not optional, it is building regulations.
Party wall and boundary considerations. Working close to boundaries is standard in London. We know the rules on working near party walls and shared fences and factor them into every design.
Planning permission. Most ground-level patios are permitted development and do not need planning permission. But if the patio is raised more than 300mm above ground level, covers more than 50% of the garden, or you are in a conservation area, you may need to check with your local authority. We advise on this during the consultation.
Areas We Cover
We design and build patios across London and the surrounding counties.
South West London. Fulham, Chelsea, Kensington, Hammersmith, Barnes, Putney, Wandsworth, Battersea, Clapham, Wimbledon, Richmond, Twickenham.
North London. Camden, Islington, Highgate, Muswell Hill, Crouch End, Hampstead, Finchley.
South East London. Greenwich, Blackheath, Dulwich, Lewisham, Bromley, Beckenham.
Home Counties. Kent, Surrey, Essex, Buckinghamshire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a patio cost in London?
A small patio (10 to 15 sqm) in concrete slabs costs from £1,500. A mid-range 20 sqm patio in porcelain or sandstone typically comes in at £3,000 to £5,000 including groundworks, materials, and installation. Premium projects with natural stone, steps, and integrated lighting can reach £9,000 or more. We provide a fixed-price itemised quote before any work starts.
What is the best paving material for a London garden?
Porcelain paving is our most popular recommendation for London. It does not stain, does not need sealing, handles frost, and cleans up with a bucket of soapy water. Natural sandstone is a close second if you prefer a warmer, more textured look and do not mind occasional sealing.
Do I need planning permission for a patio?
Usually not, provided the patio is at ground level and does not cover more than 50% of your total garden area. Raised patios (more than 300mm above ground) and patios in conservation areas may need permission. We check this during the design phase.
How long does it take to design and build a patio?
The design phase takes 2 to 3 weeks from initial consultation to final drawings. The build itself takes 3 to 7 days for most patios, though larger projects with steps, retaining walls, or drainage can take 2 weeks. Start to finish, expect 4 to 6 weeks from first meeting to finished patio.
Can you design a patio for a small London garden?
Absolutely. Many of our projects are in gardens under 30 sqm where the patio is the main feature. Compact spaces actually benefit most from good design because every square metre has to earn its place. We have designed patios in side returns as narrow as 1.5 metres, courtyard gardens, and balcony terraces.
What sub-base do you use for patios on London clay?
Minimum 100mm of compacted MOT Type 1 on stable ground, 150mm or more on heavy clay. We always add a sharp sand blinding layer before laying. On particularly poor ground, we use a geotextile membrane between the clay and the sub-base to prevent contamination. This is not the place to cut corners.
Do you offer a design-only service?
Yes. If you want the design and construction drawings but plan to use your own contractor for the build, that is absolutely fine. Our design-only patio packages start from £800. See our budget guide for the full breakdown of design tier pricing.
Related Services
Patio design is one part of what we do. If your project goes beyond paving, these pages cover the wider picture.
- Hard landscaping services in London covers paths, walls, steps, fencing, and drainage alongside patios.
- Landscaping services in London for full garden transformations including both hard and soft landscaping.
- Garden design and build in London if you want one team to handle the entire project from design to completion.
- Garden renovation in London for tired gardens that need a complete overhaul.
- Patio and courtyard garden design for more on our approach to outdoor room design.
Book Your Free Patio Design Consultation
If you are thinking about a new patio or want to replace an existing one that is not working, start with a free consultation. We will visit your garden, talk through the options, and give you an honest view of what is possible within your space and budget. No pushy sales, no obligation.
Call 0203 834 9807 or get in touch online.