Is a Patio Part of Garden Landscaping? UK Guide

Yes, a patio is generally considered part of garden landscaping.

Landscaping covers the design, construction and improvement of outdoor spaces, and a patio is one of the main hard-landscaping features used in UK gardens. It creates a practical area for seating, dining, barbecues and access while also helping to define the layout of the garden.

However, landscaping is much broader than simply laying paving.

A complete landscaping project may include:

Patios
Paths
Lawns
Planting
Raised beds
Fencing
Decking
Retaining walls
Drainage
Lighting
Steps
Driveways
Garden structures

A patio therefore forms one element of a wider garden design.

For homeowners getting quotes, it is useful to understand the difference between a patio installer, paving contractor and full landscaping company. Some trades specialise mainly in paving, while others can redesign the complete garden around the new patio.

This guide explains where patios fit within garden landscaping, what work is normally included and when it makes sense to use a patio specialist or a broader landscaping contractor.

Patio and Landscaping at a Glance

Question	Answer
Is a patio landscaping?	Yes
Is a patio hard landscaping?	Yes
Is lawn installation landscaping?	Yes
Is planting soft landscaping?	Yes
Can a landscaper install a patio?	Usually
Can a paving contractor landscape a whole garden?	Sometimes
Does patio work include drainage?	It should where required
Can landscaping include fencing?	Yes
Can landscaping include retaining walls?	Yes
Is garden design part of landscaping?	Often

What Is Garden Landscaping?

Garden landscaping involves planning, building and improving an outdoor space.

It can include both structural and decorative work.

Landscaping is usually divided into two broad categories:

Hard landscaping
Soft landscaping

A successful garden often combines both.

What Is Hard Landscaping?

Hard landscaping refers to the permanent constructed parts of a garden.

Examples include:

Patios
Paving
Garden paths
Steps
Walls
Retaining walls
Decking
Fencing
Pergolas
Raised beds
Driveways
Drainage channels
Edging

A patio is therefore one of the clearest examples of hard landscaping.

What Is Soft Landscaping?

Soft landscaping covers the living parts of the garden.

Examples include:

Lawn
Turf
Plants
Shrubs
Trees
Hedges
Flowers
Soil improvement
Mulch
Seeding

Soft landscaping is usually completed around or after the main hard landscaping.

Why a Patio Is More Than Just Paving

A patio affects how the entire garden works.

Its position influences:

Where people sit
How they reach the lawn
Where paths run
Where planting goes
Drainage
Levels
Access to doors
Garden furniture
Barbecue location
Lighting

Therefore, even a relatively small patio can become the centrepiece of a landscaping plan.

Patio as Part of a Full Garden Design

A typical landscaped garden might contain:

Patio beside the house.
Path leading towards the rear garden.
Lawn in the centre.
Planting around the boundaries.
Raised bed at the rear.
New fencing.
Garden lighting.
Drainage beneath or around the patio.

The patio provides the main usable hard surface while the other elements create the wider garden.

Patio Installation vs Garden Landscaping

A patio installation can be a standalone project.

For example, a homeowner may simply want:

Old paving removed
New sub-base installed
Porcelain slabs laid
Joints finished

That is still landscaping work, but the project is limited mainly to paving.

A full landscaping project may also include:

Regrading the garden
New turf
Retaining walls
Planting
Fencing
Lighting
Drainage
Steps

Patio Contractor vs Landscaper

The terms can overlap.

Contractor Type	Typical Work
Patio installer	Patios and paving
Paving contractor	Patios, paths and driveways
Landscaper	Hard and soft landscaping
Garden designer	Layout and planting design
Groundworker	Excavation, drainage and bases
Builder	Walls, steps and structural features

Many companies perform several of these roles.

When a Patio Specialist Is Enough

A dedicated patio installer may be ideal where:

Patio location is already decided
Garden levels are straightforward
No major drainage work is needed
Existing lawn and planting will remain
No retaining structures are required
The project is mainly paving

For a straightforward replacement patio, a specialist paving contractor can often provide everything needed.

When a Landscaper May Be Better

A broader landscaping company may make more sense where:

Whole garden is being redesigned
Patio size or position is uncertain
Garden slopes significantly
Retaining walls are needed
New lawn is included
Fencing is being replaced
Planting is being redesigned
Drainage needs major changes
Several levels are being created

Using one contractor can simplify coordination.

Can Landscapers Lay Patios?

Yes, many landscaping companies regularly install patios.

However, experience varies.

Ask to see examples of:

Porcelain paving
Sandstone
Limestone
Concrete slabs
Drainage
Steps
Retaining work

A contractor who is excellent at fencing and turfing may not necessarily be equally experienced with premium porcelain paving.

Do Gardeners Install Patios?

Sometimes, but gardener and landscaper are not necessarily the same trade.

A gardener usually focuses more on:

Plant care
Lawn maintenance
Hedge trimming
Pruning
Planting
Garden maintenance

A landscaper is more likely to undertake:

Excavation
Paving
Walls
Fencing
Drainage
Full redesign

Some gardening companies provide both services.

What Is Included in Patio Landscaping?

A professional patio project may include:

Site survey
Measuring
Design
Excavation
Waste removal
Sub-base
Bedding mortar
Paving
Cutting
Edging
Jointing
Drainage
Steps
Making good surrounding garden

The exact scope should be written into the quote.

Patio Excavation

The first stage normally involves removing:

Turf
Soil
Old slabs
Concrete
Gravel
Existing base

The ground then needs excavating to the correct depth.

This makes room for:

Sub-base
Bedding
Patio slabs

Patio Sub-Base

A durable patio needs a stable foundation.

A typical construction may use compacted MOT Type 1 beneath the bedding mortar.

Poor preparation can result in:

Sinking
Rocking slabs
Cracked joints
Puddles
Uneven surfaces

The visible paving may be expensive, but the base is what keeps it stable.

Is Drainage Part of Landscaping?

Yes.

Drainage should form part of the overall garden design.

Patio work may involve:

Surface falls
Linear drains
Soakaways
Gravel drainage strips
French drains
Connections to suitable drainage systems

The objective is to prevent water from collecting or running towards the property.

Patio Falls

Patios should normally slope gently away from buildings.

A typical fall might be around:

1:60
1:80

depending on surface texture and drainage design.

The fall should be subtle enough that the patio still feels level when used.

Landscaping Around Patio Doors

Patios close to the house need careful detailing around:

DPC
Door thresholds
Air bricks
Bifold doors
Conservatory doors

Raising the patio too high can create damp and drainage problems.

Patio and Lawn Integration

One of the most common landscaping layouts is patio plus lawn.

The transition can use:

Straight edge
Curved edge
Block border
Metal edging
Raised step
Flush transition

A flush transition often gives a cleaner modern appearance, while raised edges can help where levels differ.

Patio and Planting

Planting softens hard paving.

Useful options include:

Narrow flower beds
Raised planters
Ornamental grasses
Lavender
Small shrubs
Climbers
Pots

Leaving some planting around a patio can make the garden feel less dominated by hard surfaces.

Patio and Raised Beds

Raised beds work particularly well beside patios.

They can provide:

Seating edge
Planting
Level changes
Screening

Materials may include:

Brick
Rendered blocks
Sleepers
Stone
Steel

Drainage behind raised beds needs consideration.

Patio and Retaining Walls

Sloping gardens often need retaining structures.

A retaining wall may support:

Higher lawn
Raised patio
Lower seating area
Planting bed

Walls holding significant ground pressure need suitable structural design rather than simply being built as decorative garden walls.

Patio and Garden Steps

Steps may connect a patio with:

Lawn
Raised garden
Side path
Lower seating area

Important considerations include:

Consistent riser heights
Slip resistance
Drainage
Lighting
Edge visibility

Patio and Fencing

Replacing fencing at the same time as a patio can be practical.

It allows contractors to coordinate:

Fence posts
Ground levels
Borders
Drainage
Planting beds

Installing a patio first and replacing fence posts immediately afterwards may mean disturbing new paving.

Patio and Garden Lighting

Lighting is often easier to install before paving is completed.

Potential options include:

Wall lights
Recessed patio lights
Step lights
Bollards
Planting lights

Underground cabling should be planned before slabs go down.

Patio and Outdoor Power

A landscaping project can also plan for:

Outdoor sockets
Hot tub supply
Garden office power
Electric barbecue
Lighting
Water features

Installing ducts during patio construction can reduce future disruption.

Patio and Outdoor Kitchens

A patio may form the base for an outdoor kitchen.

Before paving, consider:

Weight
Gas
Electricity
Water
Drainage
Barbecue heat
Furniture layout

Heavy kitchen units may need dedicated foundations.

Patio and Pergolas

Pergolas are often positioned over or beside patios.

If posts need concrete foundations, install them before or during paving rather than cutting finished slabs later.

Patio and Garden Rooms

Garden rooms may connect to patios through:

Paths
Stepping stones
Matching paving

Planning the complete garden together helps avoid awkward leftover spaces.

Patio Materials Used in Landscaping

Common paving includes:

Porcelain
Indian sandstone
Limestone
Granite
Slate
Concrete
Reconstituted stone
Clay pavers

The best choice depends on design, maintenance and budget.

Porcelain Patios

Porcelain is popular in contemporary landscaping.

Benefits include:

Low water absorption
Consistent sizes
Large-format slabs
Wide colour choice
Low maintenance

Installation requires good preparation and suitable bonding primer.

Sandstone Patios

Sandstone works well in traditional landscaping.

Benefits include:

Natural variation
Riven texture
Wide colour range
Good availability

It may need more maintenance than porcelain.

Concrete Patio Slabs

Concrete can suit budget landscaping projects.

Modern products include:

Smooth slabs
Stone-effect finishes
Large formats
Textured paving

Concrete can provide good value where premium natural stone is unnecessary.

How Much of a Garden Should Be Patio?

There is no fixed rule.

The right size depends on how the garden will be used.

Consider room for:

Table
Chairs
Barbecue
Walkways
Planters
Doors opening

A patio that is too small can feel cramped.

On the other hand, covering almost the entire garden may reduce:

Green space
Drainage
Planting
Visual appeal

Patio Size for a Small Table

A compact table and four chairs may need a patio roughly:

3m × 3m

or similar.

This provides space for furniture and movement.

Patio Size for Dining and Entertaining

A larger six-seat dining area may benefit from around:

4m × 4m
4m × 5m

depending on furniture.

The aim is to leave enough room to pull chairs out comfortably.

Patio Position

The patio does not always need to sit directly beside the house.

Alternative locations include:

Rear of garden
Sunny corner
Beside garden room
Near outdoor kitchen
Split-level seating area

A second patio can sometimes provide better sunlight or privacy.

South-Facing Gardens

A patio near the house may receive strong sunshine.

Consider:

Shade
Pergola
Umbrella
Light paving colours

Dark paving can become hot in direct sunlight.

North-Facing Gardens

A patio close to a north-facing house may stay shaded and damp.

That can increase:

Moss
Algae
Slipperiness

A seating area farther down the garden may receive more sunlight.

Is a Patio Hard Landscaping for Planning Purposes?

In everyday trade terminology, yes.

Planning rules themselves vary depending on the work involved.

An ordinary patio at the rear of a house will often not require planning permission, but other elements may.

Checks may be needed for:

Listed buildings
Conservation restrictions
Major level changes
Raised platforms
Retaining structures
Drainage changes

Do Patios Need Planning Permission?

Most ordinary ground-level patios around houses do not need planning permission.

However, raised platforms, decking and substantial changes in level can have additional restrictions.

Listed properties may also require consent for works that affect their character.

Do Patios Need Building Regulations?

A straightforward ground-level garden patio does not normally need Building Regulations approval.

However, related work might.

Examples include:

Retaining walls
Structural alterations
Drainage
Electrical installations
Changes to access

Is Patio Drainage Required?

The patio should always have a drainage plan.

It does not necessarily need a drain channel, but water must have somewhere to go.

Possible solutions include:

Fall onto lawn
Gravel border
Soakaway
Linear drainage
Permeable landscaping

Can a Patio Be Permeable?

Some patio systems can allow water to infiltrate through joints or surrounding permeable areas.

However, standard porcelain and stone patios on full mortar beds are normally largely impermeable.

Therefore, surface falls are particularly important.

Patio vs Decking in Landscaping

Feature	Patio	Decking
Lifespan	Generally long	Depends on material
Maintenance	Low to moderate	Timber needs more
Sloping ground	Groundwork needed	Can bridge levels
Appearance	Stone/paving	Timber/composite
Furniture	Very stable	Stable
Cleaning	Straightforward	Grooves may collect dirt
Fire resistance	Generally good	Material dependent
Cost	Wide range	Wide range

Patio vs Lawn

These are not really competing options.

A balanced landscaping scheme may use both.

Patio provides:

Seating
Dining
Hard-wearing area

Lawn provides:

Green space
Play area
Softer appearance
Better infiltration

Patio vs Gravel Area

Gravel is cheaper and more permeable but less stable for furniture.

Patio slabs provide a firmer surface.

A combination can work well.

For example:

Main paved seating area
Gravel planting zone
Stepping-stone path

Patio vs Block Paving

Block paving uses smaller units than most patio slabs.

It can work well for:

Courtyards
Driveways
Paths
Patio borders

Larger slabs generally provide a cleaner seating surface with fewer joints.

How Landscaping Affects Patio Cost

A patio quote can rise significantly when it forms part of a wider project.

Additional costs may include:

Lawn removal
New turf
Fencing
Walls
Steps
Drainage
Planting
Lighting
Waste removal

Therefore, compare full project scope rather than patio price alone.

Typical Patio Installation Costs

Broad UK budgeting figures include:

Patio Type	Typical Installed Cost
Basic concrete paving	£70–£110 per m²
Indian sandstone	£80–£130 per m²
Limestone	£90–£140 per m²
Porcelain	£100–£160 per m²
Granite	£120–£200+ per m²
Premium complex patio	£150–£250+ per m²

Site preparation can significantly alter these figures.

Wider Landscaping Costs

Landscaping Work	Broad UK Cost
New turf	£15–£35 per m²
Gravel area	£40–£80 per m²
Garden path	£60–£140+ per m²
Fence replacement	£70–£150+ per metre
Raised bed	£300–£1,500+
Garden steps	£300–£1,500+
Small retaining wall	£1,000–£4,000+
Full small-garden landscaping	£5,000–£15,000+
Larger redesign	£10,000–£30,000+

These figures vary greatly depending on design and specification.

Is It Cheaper to Install the Patio Separately?

Sometimes, but not always.

Completing all landscaping together can reduce duplicated costs for:

Excavators
Skips
Labour
Material deliveries

For example, if the garden is already being excavated for the patio, it may make sense to complete drainage and lawn preparation at the same time.

When a Full Landscaping Quote Makes Sense

Get a complete landscaping quote where you want:

New patio
New lawn
New fencing
Planting
Drainage
Retaining walls
Paths

This helps ensure all elements work together.

When Separate Quotes Make Sense

Separate specialists can be useful where:

Patio is technically complex
Specialist porcelain is being used
Major retaining structure needs a builder
Garden design is being done independently
Specialist planting plan is required

Landscaping Design Before Patio Installation

A simple drawing can prevent expensive mistakes.

Mark:

Patio size
Furniture
Paths
Lawn
Beds
Bins
Shed
Garden room
Drainage
Steps

This helps reveal whether the proposed patio is actually the right size.

Common Patio Landscaping Mistakes

Making the Patio Too Small

Furniture then dominates the area.

Making the Patio Too Large

The garden can lose all softness.

Ignoring Sun Direction

The patio may sit in permanent shade.

Ignoring Drainage

Water can run towards the house.

Installing Patio Before Other Groundworks

Later drainage or electrical work may mean lifting new slabs.

Choosing Slabs Before Planning the Garden

Paving colour should suit the full landscaping scheme.

No Transition to Lawn

Untidy edges can make an expensive patio look unfinished.

Too Many Materials

Five different paving and edging products can make a small garden feel cluttered.

How to Make a Patio Look Part of the Garden

Use repeated materials and colours.

For example:

Match patio edging to raised beds
Repeat slab colour on steps
Continue paving into paths
Use planting between hard surfaces
Coordinate fencing and furniture

The aim is to make the patio feel integrated rather than simply placed in the garden.

How to Soften a Large Patio

Possible ideas include:

Raised planters
Pots
Pergola
Planting beds
Climbers
Trees
Gravel borders

Even a narrow strip of planting can make a large paved area feel less severe.

Patio Borders

Borders can use:

Setts
Blocks
Brick
Metal edging
Gravel
Planting

They can visually separate the patio from the lawn.

Patio Furniture Planning

Measure the furniture before finalising patio dimensions.

Allow space behind chairs.

Consider:

Table size
Number of seats
BBQ
Storage box
Planters

Drawing the furniture footprint on the ground with spray paint or string can help.

Maintenance After Landscaping

A patio forms part of the wider garden maintenance schedule.

Tasks may include:

Sweeping
Removing algae
Cleaning stains
Checking joints
Clearing drainage
Removing weeds

The surrounding landscaping may need:

Lawn cutting
Hedge trimming
Pruning
Plant care

Should Landscapers Guarantee Patio Work?

A reputable contractor should explain what workmanship guarantee applies.

Ask what is covered if:

Slabs become loose
Joints fail
Patio settles
Drainage causes puddles

Material warranties may be separate.

What Should a Landscaping Quote Include?

Quote Item	Why It Matters
Garden design	Confirms agreed layout
Patio area	Defines quantity
Paving material	Defines finish
Excavation	Essential groundwork
Waste removal	Avoids unexpected charges
Sub-base	Supports paving
Mortar bed	Important for stability
Drainage	Prevents water problems
Steps	Often separately priced
Lawn work	Defines surrounding finish
Planting	Can vary considerably
Fencing	Clarifies boundary work
Lighting	Electrical work may be separate
VAT	Confirms final price
Guarantee	Explains aftercare

Questions to Ask a Landscaper

Is the patio included in the landscaping price?
Who will install the paving?
What paving experience do you have?
What sub-base will you use?
Will slabs be laid on a full mortar bed?
How will rainwater drain?
What finished levels will be created?
Is lawn replacement included?
Are planting beds included?
Is fencing included?
Are steps included?
Are electrical works included?
Is waste disposal included?
Will I receive a drawing?
Is VAT included?
What guarantee is provided?

Patio Landscaping Checklist

Check	Completed?
Garden measured
Patio position decided
Patio size checked with furniture
Sun direction considered
Slab material selected
Drainage planned
DPC levels checked
Lawn area planned
Planting planned
Paths planned
Fencing checked
Steps planned
Lighting planned
Outdoor power considered
Pergola considered
Waste removal included
Detailed quote received

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a patio considered landscaping?

Yes. A patio is considered hard landscaping because it is a permanent constructed feature within the garden.

Is patio installation hard landscaping?

Yes. Patio paving, paths, walls, decking and fencing are all commonly classed as hard landscaping.

What is soft landscaping?

Soft landscaping covers living garden elements such as lawns, plants, shrubs, trees and hedges.

Can a landscaper install a patio?

Yes. Many landscaping contractors install patios as part of wider garden projects.

Is a patio installer the same as a landscaper?

Not always. A patio installer may specialise in paving, while a landscaper may undertake paving, turfing, planting, fencing and other garden work.

Should I use a landscaper or patio specialist?

A patio specialist may suit a straightforward paving project. A landscaper can be better where the whole garden needs redesigning.

Does landscaping include drainage?

Yes. Good landscaping should consider how rainwater moves through the garden and around patios, paths and retaining walls.

Does landscaping include fencing?

It often does. Many landscaping contractors install fencing as part of a wider garden project.

Is a patio better than decking?

Neither is always better. Patios generally offer long life and low maintenance, while decking can work well on sloping sites and where a raised platform is useful.

How much does patio landscaping cost?

Basic patio installation may start around £70–£110 per square metre, while premium paving and complex garden landscaping can cost significantly more.

How big should a patio be?

The size should depend on furniture and how it will be used. A compact dining area may be around 3m × 3m, while larger entertaining spaces may need 4m × 4m or more.

Does a patio need drainage?

Yes. A patio should be designed with suitable falls or drainage so water does not collect or run towards the house.

Does a patio need planning permission?

Most ordinary ground-level patios do not, although restrictions may apply to listed properties, raised platforms and significant level changes.

Can a patio be part of a full garden redesign?

Yes. Patios are commonly designed together with lawns, planting, paths, fencing, lighting and other landscaping features.

Should I plan the whole garden before installing a patio?

Ideally, yes. Planning the whole garden first can prevent poor patio positioning, drainage problems and the need to lift paving later for other work.