Lay a granite patio.

Granite is the toughest natural stone you can put down outside — harder than steel on the Mohs scale, virtually non-porous, and almost impossible to scratch. For UK homeowners who want a patio that looks the same in 20 years as it did the day it was laid, granite is the answer. This guide covers what installed granite costs in 2026, why the sub-base is more critical than for softer stones, and the colours and finishes that work in real UK gardens.

Granite isn't the cheapest option, but lifetime cost per year is genuinely competitive — most owners never need to seal it, replace it, or do anything beyond a hose-down.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Heavier excavation than sandstone — granite slabs are dense (around 2,700 kg/m³).
• Compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base of 120–150 mm.
• Full mortar bed essential — the weight will exaggerate any voids.
• Slabs laid to a 1:80 fall away from the house.
• Resin jointing recommended — granite barely moves so the joint just needs to look right.
• Initial clean and you're done — no sealing required.

Typical Costs

Most granite imported to the UK now comes from China, India, or Brazil. European granite (Norwegian Otta, Portuguese silver) sits at the premium end.

How Long Does It Take?

• 15 m² install: 3–4 days.
• 20 m² with steps: 5–6 days.
• Walkable in 24 hours after pointing; full strength in 7 days.

DIY or Professional?

Granite is heavy and unforgiving — drop a slab and the corner chips, drop it on your foot and it's a hospital visit. The weight alone moves this firmly into "hire a professional" territory for anything beyond a small section. Two-person lifting equipment is standard for granite installers.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Confirm they have granite-rated mechanical handling (suction lifters, slab cradles) — manhandling is unsafe.
• Ask about cutting — granite needs a wet diamond saw, not a chop-saw.
• Get the sub-base spec in writing — 120 mm minimum, 150 mm for higher-traffic.
• Check warranty — granite jobs should come with at least 10 years cover (the stone is the warranty).

UK Regulations

• Standard front-garden permeability rules apply — over 5 m² impermeable surface in a front garden needs drainage.
• Granite slabs themselves aren't permeable, so design the jointing or perimeter drainage accordingly.

Common Problems

• Slippery polished finishes — polished granite is dangerous outdoors. Always specify a flame-finished, bush-hammered, or honed surface for UK patios.
• Hairline edges chipping — handling damage, not material failure. Inspect every slab before install.
• Hot to bare feet in summer — dark granite absorbs heat; pale finishes stay cooler.
• Mortar pop-outs — if joints aren't packed properly, traffic can pop the resin out. Quality joint compound prevents it.

Frequently Asked Questions