Are you thinking about having a new patio installed? The cost of paving slabs will no doubt be top of the agenda. However, in truth, there are many factors that can affect how costly your new patio will be.

From the choice of stone to the size of the area and installation costs. The more you know about patio installation, the easier it will be to estimate how much it will cost you. Take a look at some of the varying factors that impact the cost of a patio, including the cost of paving stones.

ENVISION YOUR PATIO

Before you can start calculating the cost of paving slabs and your pato, you’ll need to plan what you want. Firstly, decide where you want your patio to be. There may be some factors that help you to make the decision. For example, you’ll get more daylight of you have a South facing patio.

It’s also wise to consider whether you’ll get enough privacy while sitting on your patio. If the patio is directly in the gaze of your neighbours, you may want to consider an alternative place. Deciding where to put your patio will give you a better idea of the size and shape your patio will be.

Patios don’t have to have straight edges. They can be curved to suit your needs. With that in mind, you don’t have to worry about designing a square or rectangular patio – you can be creative in your thinking.

THINK DRAINAGE

Before laying down a patio and researching paving slab prices, you will need to ensure there is adequate drainage. Without drainage in place, the water will gather and create algae or vegetation throughout your patio. Not only is this unsightly to look at, but it can also be slippery and dangerous. When laid properly, patio slabs will have sand and subsoil beneath to absorb rainwater.

Patios should also be laid at a very slight angle so that water can be persuaded away from pooling at the walls of your home. While it might save a bit on the cost of paving, poor installation will only lead to early replacement further down the line.

If your patio surface area is large, you may be required to build a drainage channel to keep water from damaging your patio or home, which could increase the cost of paving. This is also true if you intend on using the patio as a place to keep vehicles.

HOW MUCH DO PAVING SLABS COST?

Another major factor in the cost of your patio is the material you choose to use. Just like anything else, when it comes to paving slabs, you get what you pay for. Cutting back on the cost of paving stones could leave you with a slippery surface, frequent staining, difficult maintenance and constant cracking.

In short, poor quality slabs will often cost you far more than you intended in the long run. There are usually more hidden cracks in cheaper stone, in the form of air bubbles. When the cold weather sets in, these bubbles are filled with water and the water freezes. The result is an expanding stone that can create more visible cracks.

Choosing a stone that is cost-effective and long lasting will require guidance from a professional. For example, Indian Sandstone paving is an affordable option and it can be designed to your preferences.

REMOVING A PATIO

If you want to replace an existing patio, you’ll need to consider the extra cost of paving. It’s often much quicker and safer for professionals to remove and reinstall a patio, but that does mean there will be additional labour costs. Even if you decide to remove the existing stones by yourself, there will still be a lot of work to do to ensure the ground is ready for a new patio.

If you have a concrete patio, labourers will need to work hard to break up the concrete before moving it, which could mean extra time and money. However, these labourers are often trained and skilled at moving heavy objects in the correct way, so you don’t risk injuring yourself.

LAYING PAVING STONES

Many people look into laying patio by themselves because DIY is far less expensive than having a patio professionally laid. However, the process can be more complicated than you think. When laid incorrectly, patio slabs may need to be removed and reinstalled at a later date, costing you a lot more than necessary.

When patio stone is laid properly, it last for decades, even centuries. That way, you can make the most of your initial cost of paving slabs without the need to replace them in the near future.

GET THE JOB DONE PROPERLY

So, you’ve found the perfect spot for your patio and you know exactly which patio stone you want there. The problem is you don’t want to pay a huge amount to get your desired result. Unfortunately, thinking that way often leads to a patio that doesn’t look as good as you imagined or has a lot of imperfections that lead to problems down the line.

It’s often much better to wait until you have the amount of money you need to get the job done properly, rather than take a risk. Factor in the size of the patio, the cost of the paving stones, whether it needs to be cut or ridged, and installation costs. Most patio stones are low maintenance but you may want to ask a professional for maintenance advice so you can factor those costs in to budget too.

CALL THE PROFESSIONALS

At Infinite Paving, we’ll give you the best price for each patio we provide. With a selection of different materials to choose from, you’re bound to find the one that suits your home.

Why not take a look through our catalogue of paving stones to find your perfect match? If you need any more information or advice about our products, you can always contact our team on 0117 926 9020.