Question 1

How much does a patio cost in Edinburgh?

Accepted Answer

Indian sandstone: £220-260/m² + VAT. Porcelain paving: £220-260/m² + VAT. Block paving (Tobermore circles): £220-260/m² + VAT. Gravel patio: £220-260/m² + VAT. Costs include excavation, 150mm sub-base, installation, and pointing. Average 20m² patio: £1,800-2,800. Free quotes within 24 hours.

Question 2

What's the best patio material for Edinburgh weather?

Accepted Answer

Indian sandstone (Raj Green, Kandla Grey) - excellent freeze-thaw resistance, natural anti-slip, ages beautifully. Porcelain: ultra-low maintenance, frost-proof, consistent color. For period properties: natural stone or gravel. All materials we use are Scottish-winter tested with R11+ anti-slip ratings.

Question 3

How long does patio installation take?

Accepted Answer

Standard 20m² patio: 3-5 days. Includes excavation (1 day), sub-base preparation (1 day), paving installation (1-2 days), pointing/finishing (1 day). Larger patios or complex designs (curves, steps, multi-level) take 5-7 days. We provide accurate timelines in quotes.

Question 4

Do I need planning permission for a patio in Edinburgh?

Accepted Answer

Usually NO for garden patios. Exceptions: listed buildings, conservation areas (check with council), or if raising ground level significantly near boundaries. Patios under 30cm raised height don't typically need permission. We advise on requirements during free survey.

Question 5

Can you build raised patios or split-level designs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, raised and multi-level patios are a specialty. We build retaining walls, steps between levels, integrated planters, and tiered designs. Perfect for sloped gardens. Includes proper drainage, DPC protection, and structural engineering for safety. Popular in Morningside, Corstorphine period properties.

Question 6

What's better for patios - Indian sandstone or porcelain?

Accepted Answer

Indian sandstone: Natural beauty, unique color variations, period-appropriate, £220-260/m² + VAT. Porcelain: Ultra-low maintenance, consistent color, modern aesthetic, £220-260/m² + VAT. Both frost-proof and slip-resistant. Sandstone suits period homes, porcelain suits contemporary. We show samples to help decide.

Question 7

Do you install drainage with patios?

Accepted Answer

Yes, essential for longevity. We create proper falls (1:80 minimum away from house), install linear drains if needed, and connect to soakaways or existing drainage. Poor drainage causes subsidence, pooling, and icy patches. All our patios have engineered drainage solutions included.

Question 8

Can you integrate steps, planters, or fire pits into patios?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we design complete outdoor living spaces. Steps (matching materials), raised brick/block planters, integrated seating walls, fire pit areas (with heat-resistant materials), pergola bases, and outdoor kitchen foundations. Free design consultation included with patio quotes.

Question 9

How do you prepare the base for a patio?

Accepted Answer

150mm MOT Type 1 sub-base (compacted in layers to 98% density), geotextile membrane underneath, 30-40mm bedding mortar for slabs. For porcelain: priming slurry for adhesion. Edge restraints in concrete. This deep base prevents settlement - many competitors only do 100mm (fails in 5-10 years).

Question 10

What pointing do you use for patio slabs?

Accepted Answer

Two options: (1) Traditional cement pointing (budget-friendly, can crack over time), (2) Resin-based jointing compound (premium, flexible, weed-resistant, longer-lasting). We recommend resin for high-quality Indian sandstone/porcelain. Pointing color matched to slab choice.

Question 11

Can you extend an existing patio?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if existing base is sound. We match materials (bring samples for approval if slabs are older), ensure seamless transition, and integrate drainage. If existing patio is failing (subsidence, poor base), we recommend full replacement to avoid new section settling differently.

Question 12

What maintenance does a patio need?

Accepted Answer

Indian sandstone: Annual pressure wash (1500 PSI max), re-point joints if traditional cement used, apply seal every 3-5 years (optional - enhances color). Porcelain: Just sweep/hose - ultra-low maintenance. Both: Remove weeds promptly, keep drainage channels clear. 1-2 hours/year typical.

Question 13

Do you offer guarantees on patio installations?

Accepted Answer

Yes - 10-year guarantee on structural integrity (settlement, subsidence) due to our deep sub-base preparation. Material guarantees: Natural stone (inherent variations normal), porcelain manufacturer warranties. Guarantee requires annual maintenance (evidenced by photos). Zero patio failures in 600+ installations.

Question 14

Can you install patios in winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with weather considerations. We don't lay during frost (mortar won't set), heavy rain (base saturation), or below 3°C. October-March installations depend on dry spells - we monitor forecasts and schedule accordingly. Summer (April-September) is ideal for guaranteed good conditions.

Question 15

What size patio do I need for garden furniture?

Accepted Answer

Minimum 12m² for small table + 4 chairs (comfortable). 20m² for 6-seater dining set + lounge area (recommended). 30m²+ for large entertaining spaces with multiple zones. We help plan layout during free survey - bring furniture dimensions or photos of desired setup.

Question 16

Do you install patio lighting and electrics?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate with certified electricians (TGI Edinburgh network). Low-voltage LED systems: £380-650 (4-6 lights). Mains-powered: £650-1,200. Includes trenching, conduit protection, weatherproof fittings. We install conduits during patio base work - electrician does final connections. Single project coordination.

Question 17

Can you create circular or curved patio designs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, curves and circles are possible with block paving (Tobermore circle kits) or cut natural stone. More labor-intensive than straight layouts (+20-30% cost) but creates stunning focal points. Popular for period gardens and feature areas. We show design options during consultation.

Question 18

What's the difference between patio slabs and paving stones?

Accepted Answer

Slabs: Larger format (600x600mm, 900x600mm) - Indian sandstone, porcelain. Faster to lay, contemporary look. Paving stones/blocks: Smaller (200x100mm typical) - interlocking concrete or clay. Traditional appearance, more joints. Both suitable for patios - choice depends on aesthetic preference and budget.

Expert Patio Installation in Edinburgh