Edinburgh · Midlothian · The Lothians
Patios in Edinburgh & the Lothians
Porcelain, sandstone and natural stone patios laid on a properly built base, finished on time and at the price we quoted.
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- 14+ years in the trade
Not in Edinburgh? We cover your town too:
We design and lay patios in Edinburgh and across the Lothians – porcelain, natural stone and paving – on a properly prepared base, finished on time and for the price we quoted.
Patios are the job our customers review us for more than any other. We've laid them in Queensferry, Musselburgh, Corstorphine, Sighthill and off Leith Walk, and the comments are consistent: on time, on budget, tidy, and a finish people are proud of.
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New patios in Edinburgh, finished on time and on budget
A patio is something you look at every time you go out the back door, and something you notice quickly if it goes wrong: rocking slabs, puddles by the house, weeds in every joint. Our approach is simple. Do the groundwork properly, use the right bedding and jointing for the stone you've chosen, and leave you with a patio that still looks right in ten years.
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Choosing your patio
Porcelain patios
Hard-wearing, low-maintenance and consistent in colour. Porcelain doesn't absorb much water, so it resists algae and staining better than most stone.
Natural stone patios
Sandstone, slate and other natural stone give a warmer, varied look that suits Edinburgh's older stone houses.
Paths and steps
Front paths, side paths and garden steps in materials that match your patio.
Patio repairs and relaying
Sunken, rocking or tired patios lifted, the base rebuilt where needed, and relaid or repointed.
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What goes under a good patio
Most patio problems start below the slabs. Here's what goes into ours.
- 1
Dig out
We remove turf, topsoil and soft ground to the right depth for the base.
- 2
Sub-base
A layer of crushed stone, compacted in stages, gives a firm, free-draining foundation that won't settle.
- 3
Falls
The patio is set with a gentle fall away from the house so rainwater runs off rather than pooling against the walls. We also keep it below the damp-proof course.
- 4
Bedding
Slabs are laid on a full mortar bed, not dabs, so there are no hollow spots for water to collect and freeze.
- 5
Priming
Porcelain is primed on the back so the mortar bonds to it properly.
- 6
Jointing
Joints are filled with a jointing compound or mortar suited to the stone, so they stay neat and keep weeds out.
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Patio design ideas
Run slabs across the width of a narrow garden to make it feel wider
Use a border or soldier course to frame the patio and tie it to paths and walls
Build in a low wall or raised bed as extra seating
Leave space for planting so the patio doesn't feel like a car park
Match the stone to your house: grey porcelain for modern homes, buff sandstone for traditional stone villas
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What affects the price of a patio
Every patio is quoted after a visit, but the main factors are:
Size and shape
Curves and lots of cuts take longer than a simple rectangle.
Material
Porcelain and premium natural stone cost more than standard paving.
Ground conditions
Removing an old patio or dealing with soft or wet ground adds time.
Levels
A sloping garden may need steps or a retaining wall.
Access
If everything has to come through the house, it takes longer.
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Patios across Edinburgh and the Lothians
We lay patios across the city and the Lothians, with dedicated pages for patios in Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg, Penicuik, Musselburgh and Livingston.
Patio FAQs
How long does it take to lay a patio?
A typical back-garden patio takes around a week, depending on size, the material and how much ground needs to be dug out. We'll give you a timescale with the quote.
Do I need planning permission for a patio?
Usually not for a patio at the back of the house. Front gardens are different: new hard surfaces at the front may need to be permeable or drain into the garden rather than onto the road. We'll check your situation at the visit.
Can you lay a patio in winter?
We can do the groundwork in most weather, but we won't lay slabs on mortar in hard frost. Mild winter spells are often a good time to get ahead of the spring rush.
How do I look after a porcelain or sandstone patio?
Porcelain needs little more than a brush and an occasional wash. Sandstone benefits from a gentle clean once or twice a year to keep algae down, especially in shady gardens.
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Get a quote for a new patio
Send a few photos and a rough size, and tell us if you have a material in mind. We'll come out, measure up and give you a written quote. Call or text 07426 792387 or request a free quote.
Patios & Paving services
Porcelain Patios
Porcelain Patios in Edinburgh by a local team. Low-maintenance porcelain paving laid with the right adhesive and jointing. Free quotes: 07426 792387.
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Natural Stone Patios
Natural Stone Patios in Edinburgh from a local Loanhead team. Sandstone and natural stone patios that suit older properties. Free quotes: 07426 792387.
Find out morePaths & Steps
Garden Paths in Edinburgh from a local Loanhead team with 14+ years' experience. New front paths, garden paths and steps. Free quotes: 07426 792387.
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Patio Repairs & Relaying
Patio Repairs in Edinburgh from a local Loanhead team. Sunken, loose or tired patios lifted, relaid and repointed. Free quotes: 07426 792387.
Find out moreFree quotes
Get a free, no-obligation quote
Call or text 07426 792387, or send photos through the quote form.