Patios in Olton

Before your patio in Olton

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

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.
Steps should have even risers so they're safe to use in the dark.

Postcode district: B92
Planning and building control: Solihull Council
From our West Bromwich base: 10 miles

Which option fits your home?

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.

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.

How much should you budget in Olton?

Guide prices start at £90 and run to £230 per m². Indian sandstone on a full sub-base and mortar bed, including dig-out and waste: around £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.

Patios in Olton: 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 Olton?

Yes. Olton (B92) is about 10 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.

Can a new patio go on top of my old one?

Rarely. Laying over an old patio raises the level, which can bring it too close to the damp-proof course, and any movement in the old slabs will carry through. We usually lift the old paving and check the base underneath. If it's sound and the levels allow, we'll say so at survey.

Who approves patios in Olton?

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

Nearby places we cover

Other work we do in Olton

Thinking about a patio this season? Phone 0800 088 6248 and we'll come out to Olton to measure up.