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 Caterham 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 South East should budget £2,800–£6,200 including VAT, with work typically taking 3–7 days on site.
- Guide price
- £2,800–£6,200 inc VAT
- Time on site
- 3–7 days on site
- Postcodes
- CR3 and CR6
- Planning rules
- England
- Local area
- Surrey
- Survey
- Free, with a written quote
How much does a new patio cost in Caterham?
Below is a breakdown of typical costs for a new patio in Caterham. Because rates in the South East are about 12% above the national guide, the overall guide comes to £2,800–£6,200, including VAT. Size, materials and access move the figure, and a free-of-charge survey settles it.
| Type of job | What it usually involves | Guide in Caterham |
|---|---|---|
| Small patio or path | Around 10m² of concrete slabs or a garden path. | £1,100–£2,800 |
| Typical 20m² patio | Sandstone or porcelain on a full sub-base with jointing and edging. | £2,800–£6,200 |
| Large or multi-level patio | Bigger areas, steps, retaining walls or premium stone. | £6,200–£13,500 |
Expect these to shape the final quote:
- Patio area and the amount of excavation
- Slab material, size and laying pattern
- Ground levels, slopes, steps and retaining walls
- Drainage needed to keep water away from the house
Scope of the work
- Survey of levels, damp-proof course, drainage and access
- Compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base
- 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
Local housing and a new patio
Surrey has many Victorian and Edwardian villas, interwar semis in the commuter towns near London, and Arts and Crafts houses with tile-hanging and tall chimneys. Bargate stone appears around Godalming, and large detached homes are common in Guildford, Woking, Weybridge and the Surrey Hills villages.
Mild and relatively dry, with clay soils in the north and Weald that can move in summer; mature trees near houses affect foundations.
That variety is why a guide price for a new patio in Caterham is only a starting point; the survey shows what your particular property needs.
Planning and building rules in Caterham
Because Caterham falls under England's rules, the guidance below is the version relevant to you. Before sending a price, we check your property's position with the council.
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.
What happens after you get in touch?
We look at the job
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
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.
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.
Build and hand over
Work goes ahead as scheduled and you deal with one contact throughout. When the last trade leaves, we clear and clean the site, talk you through what has been done and pass on any certificates and care instructions.
Why homeowners choose us
Questions about a new patio in Caterham
Do I need planning permission in Caterham?
It depends on the work, the size of the project, your property type and whether the building is listed or in a conservation area. Caterham 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.
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.
How much will a new patio cost in Caterham?
As a guide, expect to pay £2,800–£6,200 including VAT for a new patio in Caterham. That range is adjusted for the South East, which runs about 12% above 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.
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.
Near Caterham
Live in Caterham? Our coverage takes in the CR3 and CR6 postcode areas and reaches out to Coulsdon, Purley and Redhill, so homes on the outskirts and in the next town along are included.