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.
From a first conversation about a new patio to the day the site is cleared, homeowners in Barking deal with us directly. We come out to measure up at no cost, explain the choices in plain terms and send a written quote. For context, comparable work in London usually falls within £3,200–£7,200 including VAT, and it is available across IG11, RM6, RM8 and RM9.
- Guide price
- £3,200–£7,200 inc VAT
- Time on site
- 3–7 days on site
- Postcodes
- IG11, RM6, RM8, RM9 and RM10
- Planning rules
- England
- Local area
- Greater London
- Survey
- Free, with a written quote
How much does a new patio cost in Barking?
Prices for a new patio vary from house to house, but in Barking most projects fall within £3,200–£7,200 including VAT. That reflects costs in London, about 30% above 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 Barking |
|---|---|---|
| Small patio or path | Around 10m² of concrete slabs or a garden path. | £1,300–£3,200 |
| Typical 20m² patio | Sandstone or porcelain on a full sub-base with jointing and edging. | £3,200–£7,200 |
| Large or multi-level patio | Bigger areas, steps, retaining walls or premium stone. | £7,200–£15,500 |
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
What’s included?
- Survey of levels, damp-proof course, drainage and access
- Excavation and removal of turf, soil or old paving
- Primer on porcelain slabs for a strong bond
- Jointing with mortar or a brush-in compound
- Edging and neat cuts around drains and walls
- Site cleared, waste removed and paving cleaned
What are homes like around Barking?
London's housing is dominated by Victorian and Edwardian terraces, often in yellow London stock brick, with Georgian terraces in central districts and mansion blocks across many inner areas. Outer boroughs have large belts of interwar semis, and there are extensive post-war council estates. Many houses have been split into flats, and conservation areas are widespread.
Terraces suit side-return extensions and rear dormer loft conversions; interwar semis commonly take hip-to-gable lofts. Shared party walls, restricted parking and conservation rules often shape the plans and the programme.
In Barking, as elsewhere in London, we take the building's age and construction into account before recommending anything, because both can change what is involved in a new patio.
Planning and building rules in Barking
The notes below cover England, which is where Barking sits. Rules change and every property is different, so we speak to the council before pricing your job.
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?
Free site survey
We begin by looking at the job in person. During the free survey we discuss options, materials and budget for a new patio, and photograph or measure anything the quote needs to reflect.
Price and scope agreed
After the survey we send a quote for a new patio that fixes the price for the scope we've agreed. If you want to change materials or scope, we revise it in writing before anything is booked.
Plan and prepare
Next comes planning the work itself. We set a start date that suits you, line up the right trades, and make sure any approvals for a new patio are in place before the first day on site.
The work itself
The work is carried out to the agreed specification, with floors and furniture protected and the site kept tidy. At the end we clean up, walk through the finished job with you and hand over any certificates.
How we work
Patios and paving in Barking: questions
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.
Do I need planning permission in Barking?
It depends on the work, the size of the project, your property type and whether the building is listed or in a conservation area. Barking 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.
How do I clean and look after my patio?
Most patios just need regular sweeping and an occasional wash with water and a mild patio cleaner. Porcelain is the easiest to keep clean. Natural stone benefits from a sealant to reduce staining and from prompt cleaning of spills like oil or wine. Re-point any joints that crack or wash out. Avoid high-pressure jet washing close to joints, which can damage them.
What happens at the survey?
We visit your home at a time that suits you, look at the area involved, take measurements and check access, condition and any services that might be affected. We talk through what you want from a new patio, explain the options and answer questions. There is no charge and no obligation; afterwards we send a written quote.
How much does a new patio cost?
A typical 20m² patio in sandstone or porcelain costs £3,200–£7,200, including excavation, sub-base, laying and jointing. As a guide, allow roughly £100–£220 per square metre plus fixed costs for set-up and waste. Concrete slabs cost less, while slate, granite and large-format porcelain cost more. Steps, walls and drainage add to the total. We confirm a fixed price after the survey.
Nearby towns
Barking and its IG11, RM6, RM8 and RM9 postcodes are part of our coverage. Homeowners in Ilford, Becontree and Thamesmead can also book a free survey with us and receive a written price for their job.