Patios in Castle Vale

Planning your patio in Castle Vale

Planning permission is rarely needed for this work in Castle Vale. We'll still look at access, parking for deliveries and any shared boundaries before we price it.

Spot-bedded slabs on dabs of mortar are more likely to rock and crack.
Porcelain needs a bonding primer and a full mortar bed to stay fixed.
Natural sandstone in Castle Vale gardens can pick up algae in shade, so sealing is worth considering.

Postcode district: B35
Planning and building control: Birmingham City Council
From our West Bromwich base: 9 miles

Choices to weigh up in Castle Vale

Limestone and slate

Limestone gives a soft, even colour, usually in grey, blue-black or buff, while slate is dark, fine-grained and often used for contemporary gardens. Both are natural stones with their own character and cost a little more than sandstone. Slate can be slippery when wet in shaded spots, so we'll talk about texture and position before you choose.

Indian sandstone

A natural stone in buff, grey, brown and mixed tones, with either a riven, textured surface or a smooth sawn finish. Every slab is slightly different, giving a traditional look. Sandstone is more porous than porcelain, so it can weather and pick up algae, and many people seal it after laying to make cleaning easier.

How much should you budget in Castle Vale?

Prices in Castle Vale match the rest of our area: £90–£230 per m². Indian sandstone on a full sub-base and mortar bed, including dig-out and waste: usually £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. A free survey turns this guide into a fixed, itemised price.

Your questions answered

What do I need to do before the work starts?

Clear the area of pots, furniture and anything you want to keep, and lift any plants you'd like to move. If access is through the house, clear a path from the front door to the back. Let neighbours know about the skip and some noise while we dig and cut.

Do you cover Castle Vale?

Yes. Castle Vale (B35) is about 9 miles from our West Bromwich base and inside the area we cover. Call 0800 088 6248 or send the form on this page to book a free survey.

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.

Who approves patios in Castle Vale?

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

Also covering nearby

Other home improvements in Castle Vale

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