How much does a block paved patio cost in Dorset?
Expect block paved patios in Dorset to come in at around £80–£140 per m², including VAT at 20%. As an example, a 20 m² patio usually comes to between £1,850 and £3,200.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Block paved patio (concrete block) | £80–£140 per m² |
| Breaking out an old surface | £10–£40 per m² |
| Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched | £20–£50 per metre |
| Step with block or brick riser and paved tread | £180–£350 per step |
| Typical channel drain run | £350–£1,000 |
Guide figures for the South West, checked 9 November 2026.
Towns we cover in Dorset
Choose a town for local prices and details for patios:
What does a block paved patio involve?
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.
Sloping plots are common in the South West, which affects edging, steps and where the water runs.
- Blocks in your pattern, edges and cuts
- Dig-out and compacted sub-base (around 100 mm for foot traffic)
- Optional sealer
- Layout marked out with you, including steps and doors
- Jointing sand and compaction
What the survey covers
- Manhole and inspection covers in the area
- Trees and roots near the paving
- Edges against lawns, beds, fences and walls
- Ground conditions and how deep the dig must be
- Access for a mini-digger and how waste leaves the garden
Do you need permission for a block paved patio in Dorset?
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
Quick details
Your postcode and the job. It takes a minute.
On-site check
Measurements, levels against the damp-proof course, ground and drainage.
Itemised quote
Fixed once the specification is agreed, with no vague extras.
Laid and finished
Compacted, jointed and handed back clean.
Patios in Dorset: questions
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.
How long does a block paved patio take?
Most patios and paths take two to five working days, depending on the size, any steps and the dig. Your quote gives the expected duration.
How much does a block paved patio cost in Dorset?
Our guide for Dorset is £80–£140 per m² including VAT, so a 20 m² patio is usually about £1,850–£3,200. Your fixed price follows the survey.
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.
