Top tips in choosing the best patio contractors near you

Finding the right patio contractors near me isn’t just about who can start the quickest or who gives the cheapest quote. It’s about making sure your project is done right the first time. Here are a few practical tips to help you hire with confidence:

• Get at least three quotes – Prices can vary more than you think. Having a few quotes to compare gives you a better sense of what’s fair and helps you spot anyone who’s too high or suspiciously low.

• Ask for tailored design suggestions – A good local patio builder won’t just say “yes” to everything; they’ll offer creative ideas that work with your garden’s size, shape, and style.

• See real examples of past projects – Photos speak volumes. Ask to see finished patios in materials you’re considering, like sandstone patios or porcelain patios, so you can judge the quality for yourself.

• Avoid paying everything upfront – A trusted patio installer will be happy to work with staged payments, so you only pay in full when you’re completely satisfied.

• Check genuine local recommendations – It’s one thing to have online reviews, but hearing from someone in your own area gives extra peace of mind that the contractor delivers on their promises.

Why hiring a patio installer through Localists just makes sense

Hiring through Localists isn’t just convenient, it’s smart. We connect you with the best specialists in your area that are verified and vetted, with all their reviews from multiple platforms in one place. And because you're hiring a patio layer near you, you're safe in the knowledge that whoever you choose to take on the job will have extensive local knowledge such as climate, local planning permissions and local design trends. Here are some of the benefits of hiring through Localists.

• Patio contractors on the Localist platform are vetted and verified.

• You get up to 5 quotes - so you know you’re getting the right price

• Patio contractors reviews - all in one place! We scour multiple review platforms so that you can see all of their reviews in one place.

• Leads come directly to you, without a penny to pay.

• We source local contractors, with essential knowledge of the local area, climate and building regulations.

Questions to ask your local patio contractor

Even if you’ve hired for a fencing job before, having a few key questions prepared ensures you get clear answers and avoid surprises later. When you receive your quote from a specialist here on Localists, try asking:

• Can I see reviews or testimonials from recent clients?

• Do you have insurance in case something goes wrong?

• How long have you been building patios?

• Do you offer a guarantee for your work?

• Can I have a detailed written quote?

• How long will the installation take from start to finish?

• Are you a member of any trade organisations?

• Can we agree on a staged payment plan?

• When could you start the job?

• Do you have photos or examples of similar projects you’ve done?

How much does it cost to have a patio laid?

How much a patio layer charges to lay a patio varies across the UK. The total cost depends on your location, the size of your project, the materials choice, labour & site prep, for example, removing old patios, ensuring drainage, or levelling over uneven ground adds time and cost.

A simple gravel or concrete-style patio will generally cost less than a premium porcelain or sandstone finish. On average, you can expect to spend around £80–£120 per m² for materials and labour combined, or around £2,800 on a new complete patio installation ( This would be for a 15 m2 sandstone patio, installed by two patio installers over two days (around £290 per patio installer, per day. Though this figure can be significantly higher or slightly lower depending on your location. Here’s a rough guide based on popular options:

Labour typically makes up 50–70% of the cost, so location and contractor experience can also affect the final price. If you need a custom estimate, there’s no need to stress. Localists can connect you with local patio installers who’ll provide free, no-obligation quotes tailored to your garden, materials, and budget.

What to look for when choosing a patio contractor?

Every patio contractor has their own way of working, so it’s worth taking a bit of time to find the one that matches your vision, budget, and expectations. Here’s what’s worth keeping an eye out for:

• Experience and skill – They should be confident in working with materials that you intend to use for your project, whether it's sandstone, gravel, or concrete, and have a portfolio to prove it.

• Trustworthiness – Someone who communicates clearly, turns up on time, and delivers what they promise. They should also be ready to provide a written contract and clear timelines.

• Knowledge – They can provide expert advice on what works best for your garden, soil, climate and even any local regulations you need to adhere to.

• Insurance and guarantees – This protects you if anything goes wrong.

• Good reputation – Positive feedback from previous clients speaks volumes. Ensure you look at testimonials from previous clients.

• Willingness to answer questions – A good contractor won’t rush you; they’ll take time to explain options, next steps and are happy to hold your hands throughout the project.

Remember, all specialists here on Localists are vetted and verified, so you can skip the risky guesswork. We’ve already done the legwork - you just go ahead and choose a builder who feels right for your project.