Lay a poured-concrete patio.

Poured concrete is the cheapest patio surface per m² installed in the UK — and despite its reputation as utilitarian, it can look genuinely good with the right finish. From brushed/tamped concrete to polished, exposed-aggregate, or patterned/imprinted finishes, modern concrete offers far more than the grey slab of the 1970s. This guide covers what poured concrete actually costs in 2026, the finishes available, and how to spec it so it lasts.

For patterned concrete (where it's stamped to look like flagstones or brick) see the separate patterned concrete guide — this one covers the simpler "plain" pours.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Excavation to 150 mm and removal of spoil.
• Compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base (75–100 mm).
• Reinforcement mesh (A142 grid) for crack control.
• 100 mm concrete pour, screeded to level with fall.
• Finishing: brushed, tamped, polished, or exposed aggregate.
• Expansion joints every 3–4 metres to prevent random cracking.
• Curing under plastic sheeting for 7 days.

Typical Costs

Concrete is the only patio material where pour cost is dominated by the concrete itself rather than the surface material. Labour is comparatively low for plain finishes.

How Long Does It Take?

• Pour day: 1 day for 20 m².
• Walkable: 24 hours after pour.
• Full strength: 28 days (light use after 7).
• Polished concrete finishing: 3–5 extra days.

DIY or Professional?

Concrete is unforgiving of mistakes. Once it sets you can't redo it. Sub-base prep, fall, mesh placement, and the finishing window (which is about 90 minutes after pour) all matter. Professional install is strongly recommended for anything over 10 m². The savings on labour for a DIY pour rarely outweigh the risk.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Ask which concrete mix they spec — C30 or C35 for patios.
• Confirm mesh reinforcement is included.
• Discuss expansion joints — should be every 3–4 m.
• Discuss the finish in detail — brushed, broomed, tamped, or specialist (polished, exposed aggregate, acid-etch).
• 5+ year warranty is typical; ask what's covered (cracking is the main risk).

UK Regulations

• Standard front-garden planning rules apply — over 5 m² impermeable surface needs drainage.
• Concrete is entirely impermeable, so drainage to a soakaway or permeable adjacent strip is essential.

Common Problems

• Random cracking — missing or poorly placed expansion joints. The number-one DIY failure.
• Discoloration — uneven curing or water added to the mix too late.
• Surface flaking (spalling) — frost damage on unsealed concrete. Apply a curing-sealing product.
• Slippery in wet — smooth-trowelled concrete is dangerous. Always specify a textured finish (brushed, broomed).
• Pooling water — fall not set correctly during pour. Almost impossible to fix without ripping out and re-pouring.

Frequently Asked Questions