Patios in Harborne

What should you know before starting in Harborne?

Your patio won't normally need planning permission or Building Regulations approval. The exception is a listed building in Harborne, where changes may need listed building consent from Birmingham City Council.

Natural sandstone in Harborne gardens can pick up algae in shade, so sealing is worth considering.
Air bricks must never be covered, because they ventilate the floor void.
Porcelain needs a bonding primer and a full mortar bed to stay fixed.

Postcode district: B17
Planning and building control: Birmingham City Council
From our West Bromwich base: 4 miles

Which options suit homes in Harborne?

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.

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 Harborne?

For a home in Harborne, our guide range is £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. Your fixed price for the agreed specification follows a free survey at your Harborne address.

Your questions answered

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 Harborne?

Yes. Harborne (B17) is about 4 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.

How much does a new patio cost?

In the West Midlands, patios usually cost around £90–£130 per m² in concrete flags, £120–£175 per m² in Indian sandstone and £140–£230 per m² in porcelain, laid on a full sub-base with waste removal. A 20 m² sandstone patio therefore typically costs about £2,400–£3,500. Steps, walls and drainage are priced as extra lines.

Who approves patios in Harborne?

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

Also covering nearby

Other work we do in Harborne

We'll measure up in Harborne and give you a written patio quote, fixed for the agreed specification.