How much does a block paved patio cost in County Durham?
In the North East, a block paved patio usually costs £70–£125 per m² including VAT. For a 20 m² patio, that is roughly £1,650–£2,900. Your exact price depends on what the survey or your photos show, and is fixed in writing before anything is booked.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Block paved patio (concrete block) | £70–£125 per m² |
| Breaking out an old surface | £9–£35 per m² |
| Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched | £18–£45 per metre |
| Step with block or brick riser and paved tread | £160–£320 per step |
| Typical channel drain run | £320–£900 |
Guide figures for the North East, checked 9 November 2026.
Towns we cover in County Durham
Choose a town for local prices and details for patios:
- Darlington
- Hartlepool
- Stockton-on-Tees
- Durham
- Chester-le-Street
- Billingham
- Stanley
- Consett
- Newton Aycliffe
- Bishop Auckland
- Seaham
- Peterlee
What is included?
A block paved patio is a garden seating or dining area paved with concrete or clay blocks on a compacted base. Because a patio carries people and furniture rather than cars, the sub-base is thinner than for a drive, but the falls, edging and drainage matter just as much.
Wind-driven rain on the North East coast makes falls and a well-filled joint more important.
- Falls away from the house and doors
- Blocks in your pattern, edges and cuts
- Dig-out and compacted sub-base (around 100 mm for foot traffic)
- Layout marked out with you, including steps and doors
- Optional sealer
What the survey covers
- Manhole and inspection covers in the area
- Steps, walls and changes of level
- Levels against the damp-proof course and door thresholds
- Block range, colour, pattern and border to suit the house
- Ground conditions and how deep the dig must be
Do you need permission for a block paved patio in County Durham?
A patio or path behind the house does not usually need planning permission. Raised patios, listed buildings and flats can be different, so we check on the survey.
Paving in front of the house follows the front-garden rules: in England, a front drive over 5 m² needs planning permission unless it is permeable or drains to a lawn or border within your boundary.
How it works
Tell us about the job
Use the form, the quote tool, WhatsApp or a call.
We take a look
A survey visit, or photos for smaller repair and cleaning jobs.
Price in writing
Every line itemised, including the dig, edging and drainage.
Booked and built
Agreed start date, then the work, the final clean-down and the joint top-up.
Patios in County Durham: questions
How much does a block paved patio cost in County Durham?
Our guide for County Durham is £70–£125 per m² including VAT, so a 20 m² patio is usually about £1,650–£2,900. Your fixed price follows the survey.
What happens to my old patio or lawn?
Old slabs, concrete or turf are dug out and taken away, listed as its own line on your quote.
Do I need planning permission for a block paved patio in County Durham?
Not usually for a patio or path behind the house. Raised patios, listed buildings and flats can be different, and paving in front of the house follows the front-garden rules. In England, a front drive over 5 m² needs planning permission unless it is permeable or drains to a lawn or border within your boundary.
Can the paving be level with the back door?
Paving normally sits at least 150 mm below the damp-proof course. A level step-out needs a drainage channel against the house and careful detailing, which we agree on the survey.

