How much does a block paved patio cost in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
Expect block paved patios in Edinburgh and the Lothians 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 Scotland, checked 9 November 2026.
Towns we cover in Edinburgh and the Lothians
Choose a town for local prices and details for patios:
- Livingston
- Musselburgh
- Bathgate
- Bonnyrigg
- Penicuik
- Broxburn
- Linlithgow
- Armadale
- Dalkeith
- Tranent
- Whitburn
- Dunbar
- Prestonpans
- Haddington
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.
In Scotland, front paving must be porous or drain within the property whatever its size, so drainage is part of every design.
- Jointing sand and compaction
- Falls away from the house and doors
- Dig-out and compacted sub-base (around 100 mm for foot traffic)
- Optional sealer
- Blocks in your pattern, edges and cuts
What the survey covers
- Levels against the damp-proof course and door thresholds
- Edges against lawns, beds, fences and walls
- Ground conditions and how deep the dig must be
- Outside taps, lights and cables
- Steps, walls and changes of level
Do you need permission for a block paved patio in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
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 Scotland, front paving must be porous or drain within your boundary at any size, and permitted development does not apply in conservation areas.
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 Edinburgh and the Lothians: questions
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.
Do I need planning permission for a block paved patio in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
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 Scotland, front paving must be porous or drain within your boundary at any size, and permitted development does not apply in conservation areas.
Do you cover Livingston, Musselburgh and Bathgate?
Yes. We cover all of Edinburgh and the Lothians, including Livingston, Musselburgh and Bathgate.
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.
