Patios in Rubery

Patios in Rubery: approvals and local details

There's normally nothing to apply for. Bromsgrove District 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.

A patio next to the house should finish at least 150 mm below the damp-proof course.
Natural sandstone in Rubery gardens can pick up algae in shade, so sealing is worth considering.
Spot-bedded slabs on dabs of mortar are more likely to rock and crack.

Postcode district: B45
Planning and building control: Bromsgrove District Council
From our West Bromwich base: 8 miles

Choices to weigh up in Rubery

Steps, edging and low walls

Most gardens aren't flat, so patios often need a step down to the lawn, a low retaining wall or a raised planter. Steps should have even risers and a firm edge, and retaining walls need proper foundations. These details are priced separately in your quote so you can see what the paving alone costs.

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 Rubery?

Prices in Rubery 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. Access, parking and the state of what's there now can move the price — the survey settles it.

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 Rubery?

Yes. Rubery (B45) is about 8 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.

What guarantee do I get on a new patio?

Paving materials come with their manufacturers' guarantees, and the terms for your patio are set out in your quote. Natural stone varies by nature, so colour and texture differences between slabs are normal rather than faults. Ask us anything about the specification before you sign.

Will I need permission from the council in Rubery?

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

Also covering nearby

Other work we do in Rubery

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