A patio is a paved outdoor area next to the house or in the garden, laid in porcelain, natural stone or concrete slabs on a compacted sub-base and mortar bed, with falls that direct rainwater away from the house.
Every house in Altrincham is a little different, so we never price a new patio from a brochure. We look at the structure, access and existing finishes first, then put in writing a fixed figure for the scope we settle on. As a rough steer, homeowners in the North West should budget £2,400–£5,200 including VAT, with work typically taking 3–7 days on site.
- Guide price
- £2,400–£5,200 inc VAT
- Time on site
- 3–7 days on site
- Postcodes
- M33, WA14 and WA15
- Planning rules
- England
- Local area
- Trafford
- Survey
- Free, with a written quote
What should you budget for a new patio in Altrincham?
Prices for a new patio vary from house to house, but in Altrincham most projects fall within £2,400–£5,200 including VAT. That reflects costs in the North West, about 5% below the national guide. Treat the table as a budgeting aid; the written figure follows a survey we carry out for free.
| Type of job | What it usually involves | Guide in Altrincham |
|---|---|---|
| Small patio or path | Around 10m² of concrete slabs or a garden path. | £950–£2,400 |
| Typical 20m² patio | Sandstone or porcelain on a full sub-base with jointing and edging. | £2,400–£5,200 |
| Large or multi-level patio | Bigger areas, steps, retaining walls or premium stone. | £5,200–£11,500 |
Your price depends mostly on:
- Patio area and the amount of excavation
- Ground levels, slopes, steps and retaining walls
- Drainage needed to keep water away from the house
- Access for materials and removing spoil
Scope of the work
- Survey of levels, damp-proof course, drainage and access
- Excavation and removal of turf, soil or old paving
- Compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base
- Primer on porcelain slabs for a strong bond
- Jointing with mortar or a brush-in compound
- Site cleared, waste removed and paving cleaned
What are homes like around Altrincham?
Rows of Victorian red-brick terraces fill much of Manchester, Salford and the mill towns, with stone terraces in the Pennine fringes around Oldham and Saddleworth. South Manchester has Edwardian semis and villas, Wythenshawe was built as a large interwar garden suburb, and city-centre apartments and new estates continue to grow.
Two-up two-down terraces commonly suit loft conversions, kitchen extensions and kitchen refits. Many need repointing and roof work, while semis in the suburbs often take side extensions, driveways and replacement windows.
So when we survey a Altrincham property for a new patio, the first step is working out how it was built and what has been changed since.
Do you need permission in Altrincham?
Altrincham is in England, so the planning and building rules set out below are the ones that apply. We confirm the details with the council before we quote.
A ground-level patio in a back garden does not usually need planning permission in England. Raised decks or platforms more than 30 cm high do.
Building Regulations do not normally apply to patios, but levels must stay below the damp-proof course and drain away from the house.
Rules change and every property is different, so we check the planning history and constraints for your address before we quote.
How does the job run?
We look at the job
First, someone visits your home in Altrincham to see the space, take measurements and note anything that could affect the work, such as access or the condition of what is there. There is no charge for this visit.
Your fixed price
The quote arrives in writing, not over the phone. It covers the full scope, the finishes you've chosen, any exclusions and the payment schedule, with a fixed price tied to that specification.
Booking the work
Before anyone starts, we confirm the programme in writing, check whether consents are required and arrange deliveries. If a skip or scaffolding on the road needs a permit, we apply for it.
The work itself
The job proceeds in the order set out in the programme, with dust and debris kept under control. Finally we tidy away, inspect the work together and pass the finished project over to you with its paperwork.
What you can expect from us
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission in Altrincham?
It depends on the work, the size of the project, your property type and whether the building is listed or in a conservation area. Altrincham is in England, so England's rules apply. Many smaller jobs need no planning application, but some still need building control approval. We check what applies to your address before quoting.
What happens if my garden slopes?
A sloping garden can still have a level patio by cutting into the slope, building up with retaining walls, or creating terraces with steps between them. Retaining walls must be built to hold back the soil and allow drainage behind them. This adds cost but creates usable, level space. We look at the slope during the survey and suggest the most practical design.
How much will a new patio cost in Altrincham?
As a guide, expect to pay £2,400–£5,200 including VAT for a new patio in Altrincham. That range is adjusted for the North West, which runs about 5% below the national guide. Where your project lands depends on size, materials, access and the condition of what is already there. We confirm a fixed price in writing after a free survey of your home.
Is porcelain or sandstone better for a patio?
Porcelain is dense, stain-resistant and stays looking clean with little care, making it a good choice if you want a modern, low-maintenance patio. Indian sandstone has natural colour variation and a softer, traditional look, and costs a little less, but it can stain and weather over time and benefits from sealing. Both make durable patios when properly laid. We bring samples to the survey.
What should I do before the work starts?
Before work starts, clear garden furniture, pots and ornaments from the area and agree where materials will be delivered and stored. We need a route for wheelbarrows and, on larger jobs, a small digger, so let us know about side gates, narrow passages or access through the house. Tell us about any known drains, cables or pipes in the area.
Also covering areas around Altrincham
From M33, WA14 and WA15 to the edges of Altrincham and on into Sale, Urmston and Stretford, we can arrange a site visit and a written quote for your project, planned around dates that work for you.