Planning a block paved patio in Dunbar
Around Dunbar, gardens are often larger, so falls, steps and where the water goes need planning.
In Scotland, front paving must be porous or drain within the property whatever its size, so drainage is part of every design.
In Scotland block paving is often called monoblock; it is the same thing, and the same rules for the base, edging and drainage apply.
How much does a block paved patio cost in Dunbar?
In Scotland, a block paved patio usually costs £80–£140 per m² including VAT. For a 20 m² patio, that is roughly £1,850–£3,200. 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) | £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. See all prices or use the guide price tool.
What does a block paved patio involve?
Block suits patios that join a block drive or path, small or awkward spaces where large slabs would need too many cuts, and gardens where you want a pattern such as basketweave or a circle feature. We lay patios to fall away from the house and below the damp-proof course, with edging that stops the blocks creeping into the lawn.
- Layout marked out with you, including steps and doors
- Optional sealer
- Dig-out and compacted sub-base (around 100 mm for foot traffic)
- Falls away from the house and doors
- Jointing sand and compaction
Before we price your block paved patio
- Block range, colour, pattern and border to suit the house
- Ground conditions and how deep the dig must be
- Manhole and inspection covers in the area
- Trees and roots near the paving
- Levels against the damp-proof course and door thresholds
Do you need permission for a block paved patio in Dunbar?
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.
What happens next
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.
Why choose Block Paving Contractors
Itemised quotes
Break-out, waste, edging, drainage and covers are separate lines you can see.
Water planned first
Falls, channels and soakaways are designed before the pattern is chosen.
Edges set in concrete
Every edge restraint is bedded and haunched, so the paving cannot creep.
The dig and sub-base in writing
Your quote states the depth of dig, the sub-base thickness and how it is compacted.
Patios in Dunbar: questions
Do I need planning permission for a block paved patio in Dunbar?
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.
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.
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 much does a block paved patio cost in Dunbar?
Our guide for Dunbar 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.
Patios near Dunbar
Nearby towns we cover for patios, and patios across Edinburgh and the Lothians:
- Patios in Haddington
- Patios in Tranent
- Patios in Prestonpans
- Patios in Musselburgh
- Patios in Dalkeith
- Patios in Bonnyrigg
