Patios in Smethwick

What should you know before starting in Smethwick?

There's normally nothing to apply for. Sandwell 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.
Air bricks must never be covered, because they ventilate the floor void.
Steps should have even risers so they're safe to use in the dark.

Postcode district: B66
Planning and building control: Sandwell Council
From our West Bromwich base: 2 miles

Which options suit homes in Smethwick?

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.

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.

Guide prices for Smethwick

Expect to budget between £90 and £230 per m² in Smethwick. 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. We confirm a fixed price for the agreed specification after visiting.

Questions about patios in Smethwick

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 Smethwick?

Yes. Smethwick (B66) is about 2 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.

Does Sandwell Council need to approve my patio?

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

Patios near Smethwick

Other work we do in Smethwick

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