Meet the Expert: Patio Paving Ideas & Price Guide

Explore patio paving tips, advice and typical costs in 2023 with Luke Doyle from Olympian Landscaping.

Adding a patio to your home can create a perfect outdoor haven where you can relax, entertain and enjoy the beauty of your garden. A paved patio offers a versatile and practical space that can seamlessly connect your living area to the outdoors.

With the help of a professional patio paving expert, you can turn your garden into a perfect outdoor space. Here our member shares top tips on installing the ideal patio paving as well as current trends and budgeting for this project. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern look, a rustic charm, or a classic aesthetic, Onlinetradesmen can help you transform your patio into a delightful retreat that you'll be proud to show off.

Introducing Luke Doyle from Olympian Landscaping - Meet the Expert on Patio Paving

Looking to create your dream backyard oasis? Look no further than Luke Doyle, founder and owner of Olympian Landscaping, for all your patio paving needs. With highly skilled and knowledgeable services, Olympian Landscaping is the go-to for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor space.

Luke and his team are based in Dublin, offering expert services to create a personalised outdoor experience for every client. Alternatively, you can post a paving or a landscaping job via Onlinetradesmen to connect with rated and qualified patio paving experts across Ireland.

Choosing the right position for your patio: A balance between sunshine, privacy and views.

When it comes to creating the perfect patio, one thing you don't want to overlook is its position and layout. As it turns out, Luke recommends there's more to choosing the right spot for your patio than simply chasing the sunlight. “In Ireland, the perfect place to position your garden patio is where the sun shines the longest”, however, privacy or views may also determine a patio’s position”.

Regardless of your decision, keep in mind that the location of the patio will determine its worth to you as a homeowner. So, take your time and choose wisely for optimal use and enjoyment!

Top Tip: The position of your patio will likely determine how often the space will get used and its value to the homeowner.

Choosing the Right Patio Size: Tips for Creating an Inviting and Functional Outdoor Living Area.

When it comes to patio size, bigger isn’t always better. Before installing your patio, take some time to think about how you intend to use it. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the space, the higher the cost.

Before you start building a patio, it's crucial to consider not only the available space but also how you'd like to use it. Adequate room is necessary for your desired furniture, and to move around your new living area with ease. Regardless of your outdoor area's size, finding the perfect patio dimensions can make the difference between an uninviting space and a functional, inviting one.

“If you are looking for an outdoor dining area, a seating area or just somewhere to relax, think carefully about the shape and size of your patio”, says Luke. “For many homeowners, the size of a patio to host family dining is going to have different size requirements compared to a space that is purely for lounging,” says Luke.

Top Tip: Consider the use of the patio area before deciding on a final space. Large patios will require more materials, which can be expensive over time.

Choose Durable Materials for Long-Lasting Patios.

When it comes to choosing the right materials for your patio, durability and maintenance should be top of mind. With options available such as natural stone, porcelain tiles, flagstone and concrete, you'll have a wide variety of patio materials to choose from.

"In general, natural stones are more expensive than other options but they tend to last longer and can be easier to maintain”, says Luke. “Flagstones are a great choice for patios as they are both durable and affordable. Porcelain tiles can be more expensive but require very little maintenance. They also come in a variety of colours and textures making them an attractive option."

Top Tip: Opt for more durable materials like natural stone or flagstone over cheaper options if you want your patio to last longer. Consider how the material will weather in different climates and take into account any potential maintenance requirements.

Patio Paving Costs: An Expert's Guide to Planning & Budgeting

To ensure an accurate cost comparison, consider having a paving style and material in mind before seeking quotes from qualified professionals.

However, if you're uncertain about where to start or which materials align with your budget, we've provided a basic pricing guide for you. It's important to note that these figures are only estimations and may vary depending on the supplier and product availability.

Check out the following approximate prices per square meter:

• Natural stone: €20-€35
• Indian Sandstone: €30-€35
• Limestone: €29-€59
• Granite or Porcelain: €40-€47+

According to Luke, it's essential to consider the cost of installation and materials when budgeting. It's also important to account for the extra time it takes for professionals to complete the job to your specifications, so be sure to plan and design accordingly.

If your property has challenging garden access or your design features intricate borders, steps or paving requiring extensive cutting, your project will take longer and cost more in labour.

To create a stable foundation for a paved patio, some groundwork is needed. As Luke advises, this involves removing turf and digging to a depth of around 150mm. Crushed rock is then spread in a layer of approximately 60mm, which is compacted for stability. To finish, a mortar bed made of sharp sand, cement and water is added, and then your choice of paving can be placed on top. Lastly, you can opt for cement pointing or jointing sand to complete the look.

Your choice of paving will also determine the size of the budget you’ll need for your paving project. The cheapest paving material you can choose is gravel followed by concrete slabs or imprinted concrete. The mid-priced materials include cobble block, limestone or sandstone slabs. The more expensive end of paving is granite or porcelain.

"Prices have gone up this year due to the inflation in material and labour costs," explains Luke. "A variety of factors such as project type, materials used, ground preparation, and access can cause the cost to fluctuate," he adds.

“Every project is different when we prepare a paving quote. However, paved patio prices we are quoting for in 2023 tend to be between €150 - €250 per square metre,” says Luke. "When we price for a job, we include all aspects of the job, such as materials, equipment, labour and the removal of rubbish upon completion.

Top Tip: Compare quotes from several qualified professionals and keep in mind what you are comparing when reviewing quotes.

Style & Pattern Patio Paving Trends

Neutral or natural colours are trending this year including grey paving, which looks great when coordinated with colours from plants and garden furniture accessories.

“Large porcelain tiles are very popular with Irish property owners. Porcelain tiles offer a sleek and contemporary look, especially when combined with a clean patio edge,” says Luke. “Porcelain is hardwearing and virtually maintenance-free, which is also very appealing for many homeowners too.”

“Silver granite tiles combined with black or two-tone granite cobblestone edging is also trending. Granite is hardwearing and because it's a very hard non-porous stone, it's not prone to staining, moss or algae growth, which makes for a low maintenance option compared with sandstone or limestone paving," says Luke.

Top Tip: Grey tiling is a very popular patio colour. Choosing different shades of grey helps to create contrast and depth.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Patio Looking Fresh

"When it comes to maintaining your patio and ensuring a long lifespan, regular cleaning and a seal is a must," explains Luke. "To keep the patio looking fresh, simply sweep away any dirt or debris and use a mild detergent with warm water and a soft brush to remove any stubborn marks or stains. Once a year a high-pressure hose of steam cleaner is recommended for an annual deep clean - but beware if your paving is loose as a pressure hose may cause more damage"

Luke also recommends sealing your patio at least every two years. "This will help protect the surface, reduce staining and make it easier to clean," he explains. "There are several different sealers available, so it's best to consult with a specialist or do some research online to determine the best one for your particular material." 

Top Tip: Seal paving stones or slabs with a sealant every few years, this will help prevent moss growth.

Ready to create the perfect patio paving?

For a magnificent outdoor retreat, let Olympian Landscaping do the trick. View Olympian Landscaping's profile and ratings or you can call Luke direct at 085 145 1758. Alternatively, you can post a paving or a landscaping job via Onlinetradesmen. We have nationwide expert members dedicated to providing top-notch advice and service that best suits your needs.

Not only does beautiful patio paving improve your entertainment space, but it also enhances curb appeal, increases home value, and enables you to bask in the joy of outdoor living. So, whatever your preference, creating your perfect outdoor retreat should be a thrilling and gratifying experience.

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