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Concrete patio, path and slab costs
A concrete patio, path or slab for a hot tub or summerhouse is simpler than a drive, but the finish and the edges make a big difference to price and looks.
Prices on this page are typical UK ranges and estimates as of November 2026. They vary by region, access, ground and the day you ask. Treat them as a way to spot an odd quote, not as a quote.
Rough costs
For a garden-sized slab, the per m² rates on our driveway cost page are a starting point: roughly £60 to £130 per m² fitted in the guides we read, plain finish. Smaller areas tend to cost more per m². Decorative finishes cost more. BestBuilders' 2026 guide lists, per m² excluding VAT: coloured £75 to £100, exposed aggregate £85 to £115, stamped £100 to £140 and polished £120 to £170. Those are driveway-scale prices, so use them as a guide for comparison between finishes.
| Area | Plain concrete (about £60 to £130 per m²) |
|---|---|
| Path 10 m × 1 m = 10 m² | about £600 to £1,300 |
| Hot tub slab 3 m × 3 m = 9 m² | about £540 to £1,170 |
| Patio 4 m × 3 m = 12 m² | about £720 to £1,560 |
| Patio 6 m × 4 m = 24 m² | about £1,440 to £3,120 |
These totals are our arithmetic from the published per m² ranges, not quotes.
Which grade and depth?
For paths and patios on firm ground, a thinner slab than a driveway is common. One UK guide lists C20 for garden paths and patios and C25 for shed bases and garage floors. Depth is often around 100 mm, but a hot tub, planter or summerhouse is heavy and may need more, so ask for the weight and check with the manufacturer. For a hot tub, always ask the supplier what base they require.
Finish options
- Broom finish. Fine ridges for grip. The usual, cheapest choice.
- Exposed aggregate. Cement washed off to show the stones. Good grip, hides small marks.
- Coloured. Pigment in the mix or on the surface. Colour fades unevenly if the surface is not sealed.
- Imprinted. See imprinted concrete.
- Polished. More common indoors; costs more.
Concrete or paving slabs?
Concrete is quick, seamless and usually cheaper over a large area. A concrete patio is hard to alter, and a crack is a crack. Paving laid on a bed can be lifted and re-laid. If you want to be able to dig up services or change the layout later, think about paving. If you want a hard, level base for furniture, a pergola or a tub, concrete is fine.
Planning points
- Drainage. Slope the surface slightly (a small fall away from the house) so water does not collect or run toward walls. Keep concrete below the damp-proof course.
- Front gardens. A large impermeable surface at the front may need permission. See front-garden paving rules.
- Joints. Plan joints before the pour. Large areas without them tend to crack. See curing and cracking.
- Cables and pipes. Ducts for outdoor power or water are far cheaper to put in before the pour than after.
Doing it yourself
Small paths are sensible DIY. A patio is harder because levels, falls and finishing must be right on the day. Read ready-mix, volumetric or DIY before you start, and consider paying a professional for just the pour and finish.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a concrete patio cost?
On published per square metre rates of about £60 to £130 fitted, a 12 m² patio comes to roughly £720 to £1,560. This is an estimate as of November 2026.
How thick should a concrete patio be?
Around 100 mm is common for patios on firm ground. Heavy features need more thought. Ask your contractor.
Is concrete or paving cheaper for a patio?
Plain concrete is often cheaper over a large area, but paving can be lifted and relaid. Decorative concrete can cost as much as paving.