Lay a side-return patio.

The side return is the narrow strip alongside terraced and semi-detached houses — often 1–2 metres wide, frequently uncovered, and almost always underused. A well-designed side return patio turns this dead space into a planted, paved walkway, an extra dining area, or a connecting zone between front and back gardens. This guide covers what side return projects cost in 2026, the design considerations specific to narrow spaces, and the drainage detail.

Most side returns are paved as access routes rather than dining patios, but for small terraced gardens they can add significant useful area.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Survey of access (often only from the back garden — wheelbarrowing through the house is rare).
• Removal of existing surface or planting.
• Sub-base prep — drainage is critical in narrow spaces with house walls on both sides.
• Patio surface install — typically smaller-format paving for the proportions.
• Drainage to channel drains along the house wall.
• Planting along the boundary wall if width allows.

Typical Costs

Restricted access (wheelbarrow only) adds 15–25% to labour costs. Skip access from the road via the back garden is the cheapest scenario.

How Long Does It Take?

• 8 m² side return: 2–3 days.
• 15 m² with drainage: 3–5 days.
• Allow extra time for restricted-access logistics.

DIY or Professional?

DIY-feasible for confident homeowners. The constraints (narrow space, drainage detail) make professional install often worth the cost. Most owners hire.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Confirm access strategy — wheelbarrow vs skip vs grab lorry.
• Discuss drainage — channel drains along the house wall prevent damp.
• Ask about material delivery and storage during the work.
• Discuss visible boundary wall finishes — render, planting, paint.

UK Regulations

• Standard front-garden permeability rules apply to any visible-from-street section.
• Party Wall Act may apply if working on or near shared walls.
• Drainage discharge to existing systems may need approval.

Common Problems

• Damp on house wall — drainage inadequate, water sitting against brickwork. Channel drain along the wall prevents.
• Access logistics — wheelbarrowing slabs is hard work. Plan delivery and access carefully.
• Confined space falls — getting falls right when walls are on both sides is harder. Plan drainage outlets early.
• Boundary disputes — clarifying who owns the side return wall is essential before work.
• Awkward proportions — narrow patios often look like paths. Use long-format paving running the length to elongate.

Frequently Asked Questions