Patios in Birmingham

Planning your patio in Birmingham

There's normally nothing to apply for. Birmingham City Council only needs to be involved if your home is listed, or if it's in a conservation area with extra controls on changes to the outside.

Natural sandstone in Birmingham gardens can pick up algae in shade, so sealing is worth considering.
Steps should have even risers so they're safe to use in the dark.
Raised patios over 0.3 m above the ground need planning permission.

Postcode districts: B1, B7, B9, B10, B12, B18
Planning and building control: Birmingham City Council
From our West Bromwich base: About 6 miles to the centre

Choices to weigh up in Birmingham

Concrete flags

Cast concrete slabs, smooth or textured, in a wide range of sizes and colours. Concrete flags are the most affordable patio material and are quick to lay. They're heavier and thicker than porcelain, suit low-budget projects or larger areas, and can look very tidy in a simple pattern with neat joints.

Porcelain paving

Thin, dense tiles made for outdoor use, with very low water absorption, so they resist staining, moss and fading. Porcelain needs a bonding primer on the back of each slab and a full mortar bed, because ordinary mortar won't stick to it. It's precise to cut and lay, which shows in the price, but it's easy to keep clean.

Patios prices in Birmingham

Expect to budget between £90 and £230 per m² in Birmingham. Indian sandstone on a full sub-base and mortar bed, including dig-out and waste: typically £120–£170 per m².

Guide prices for patios
Option	Guide price	Good to know
Concrete flags	£90 – £130 per m²	Lowest cost, wide range of colours
Indian sandstone	£120 – £175 per m²	Natural riven or sawn finish
Porcelain paving	£140 – £230 per m²	Low maintenance, primed and fully bedded

Guide ranges include VAT where it applies. Your fixed price for the agreed specification follows a free survey at your Birmingham address.

Patios in Birmingham: common questions

Porcelain or natural stone: which should I choose?

Porcelain is the easiest to keep clean, resists stains and moss, and gives a consistent colour. Natural stone has more variation and character, feels softer underfoot and costs a little less, but it's more porous and benefits from sealing. Many people choose porcelain for a contemporary look and sandstone for a traditional garden.

Do you cover the whole of Birmingham?

Yes — we cover Birmingham from our West Bromwich base, including Solihull, Sandwell and Walsall. Call 0800 088 6248 or send the form on this page to book a free survey.

How long does it take to lay a patio?

A 15–25 m² patio usually takes three to six days, including dig-out, sub-base, laying and jointing. Steps, walls or awkward access add time. Mortar needs a few days to harden before heavy furniture or barbecues go on it, and we'll give you a clear date.

Who approves patios in Birmingham?

Not normally. The exception is a listed building, where Birmingham City Council would need to give listed building consent first.

Patios across Birmingham

Choose your town for local details and postcodes:

Patios near Birmingham

Other home improvements in Birmingham

See paving samples in your own garden light by booking a free patio survey in Birmingham.