A well-designed patio is a great investment. It requires careful consideration to find the right materials, maintenance level, style, etc for you, your home, and your garden. You want a finished surface that will fit with how you and your family like to spend time in your outside space.
You could be just looking to improve your outdoor space for personal enjoyment, increase the value of your home, or create a space to entertain guests. Ask yourself what’s your budget, and do you have the space for the type of patio you want to build? There are a lot of questions, which is why working with a good landscaper is often essential.
What many people think is a simple job requires careful design and planning. Patio sizes in the UK can vary dramatically depending on the house type, location, garden size and intended use, but as a general rule of thumb, here at Lazy Susan, we categorise patios (for patio furniture set/size purposes) as follows:
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Small Patio
We would classify a small patio as 3m² or less. Ideal for our bistro tables with 2 x chairs or our compact 4-seater patio table sets. -
Medium Patio
For us, a medium-sized patio would be around 4m² to 6m². Good for entertaining, they will comfortably fit one of our larger 4-seater or the larger 6-seater family dining sets. -
Large Patio
Large patios are anything from 7m² up. Perfect for creating an outdoor living space with multiple seating areas, a fire pit, BBQ, etc, they can accommodate our larger 8-seater and 10-seater patio dining sets.
In this article, we want to take a closer look at how you choose the size of patio for your garden, what shape of patio might fit best, what style could work with your home, and if (and when) a patio design project might need planning permission or building regulations approval from your local planning office.
How do you determine the best-sized patio for your garden?
As we mentioned above an experienced landscaper or garden designer is best placed to establish what size, shape and type of patio will fit best in your garden. However, as a general rule, we would use the following 5 factors to determine the best size:
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Patio Purpose
If you want a dining table set then you can use the dimensions above as a guide for our range. Factor in the dimensions of any other elements you want to include such as a BBQ or Fire Pit, etc. -
Garden Size
As a general rule, we would look to keep the patio proportionate to about 25% to 30% of the total garden area in a smaller plot. In medium to large-sized gardens, the patio can take up to 30 to 50%, but the key is to maintain a balance between hardscaping (patio, garden buildings, etc) and landscaping (planting, lawns, etc). -
Walking Space
Critical to any good patio and garden design is unrestricted movement, safe access, and good flow. Make sure there is enough space to walk around furniture comfortably when in place and safely access your home, patio space, and the rest of the garden. -
Sun & Shade
Observe where the sun falls at different times of the day and position the patio accordingly. When designing a new patio it is essential to factor in the amount of sun or shade you want at different times of the day to ensure comfort, functionality, and long-term usability. -
Future Needs
Think about any potential expansions or additional features you may like to add down the road such as a pergola, built-in planters, or a fire pit. Compensating for future needs when designing a patio will ensure that your outdoor space remains functional, adaptable, and cost-effective.
If you would like to better visualise layout ideas for your garden patio, then there are some great free planning apps such as iScape and Garden Planner. Our What are the best garden design apps? article looks at 5 of our favourites.
How do you establish what shape patio will fit best in your garden?
Choosing the best patio shape for your garden is often a little more subjective or it is simply dictated by the rest of the existing style in and around your home and garden.
If working with a bit of a blank canvas, then it depends on things like the available space, garden style, property style, and how you plan to use the area. To determine the ideal shape for your plot, we would analyse the following criteria:
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Garden Layout
A rectangular patio will generally fit well, maximise space and align with a square or rectangular-shaped plot. A rounded or freeform patio will blend and soften the landscape in a curved or irregular-shaped garden. -
Home & Garden Style
Again, this is only a generalisation on our part, but with modern homes, geometric shapes often work best. If you have a more traditional style property then opting for curved, circular, or irregular designs will create more of a classical look. -
Flow & Movement
It is critical people can easily move around the space and that the design draws the eye to key design features. Ensure the patio design has good walkways, access, doors, and pathways into the rest of your outside space. Avoid obstructing natural foot traffic through the garden. -
Patio Furniture & Functionality
Furniture is often the most critical element in terms of future use and enjoyment. A rectangular patio is often a great design for accommodating a more formal patio dining and party area. A circular or irregular patio will often give you a cosy, inviting space for relaxing with friends and family. -
Mark It Up
Lay out different shapes in your garden to visualise what fits best before finalising the design. Mapping your patio using simple tools like line marking spray paint, string, or a digital design app will ensure the right size and shape, help with sun and shade planning, improve functionality and flow, best visualise the finished design, enable you to budget accordingly, and avoid costly mistakes.
If you need any help choosing patio materials then our Is grass or patio best for our gardens? article weighs up the pros and cons of different materials and the best ratios of patio to garden.
What are the popular patio designs and styles in the UK?
As with size, patio design styles in the UK vary widely, from classic and traditional to modern and contemporary. Look at your neighbours and you’ll rarely see two gardens the same. They are as individual as the decor and style inside our homes.
Choosing the right one for you and your garden depends on your taste, the style of your home, and how you plan to use the patio. To give you a little food for thought, and before we look at planning permission, some of the popular patio design styles in the UK at the moment that could be a good fit for your garden are as follows:
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Traditional Patios
Traditional British-style patios feature materials such as natural stones like Yorkstone, limestone, or sandstone with a classic rectangular or square formal layout and symmetrical design. They generally work best with older properties, period homes, classically styled patio furniture, or for those looking to create a timeless and elegant outdoor space. -
Modern Patios
Modern design has to be all sleek lines and geometric shapes. Materials such as large-format porcelain paving, concrete, or grey sandstone with minimalist décor and clever use of lighting to build contrast are key. This look is best for contemporary new-build homes or for those who prefer a stylish, low-maintenance aesthetic. -
Rustic Patios
A rustic or country-style patio is characterised by irregular-shaped flagstones or reclaimed bricks with overgrown cottage-style planting for a natural countryside feel. Classically styled wooden or metal patio furniture fits perfectly with this look and it fits best with rural homes, cottages, or for anyone wanting a relaxed, nature-inspired patio space. -
Mediterranean-style Patios
Warm-toned terracotta or travertine tiles, rustic wooden pergolas with climbing plants, wicker or mosaic-topped furniture, olive trees, lavender, and potted plants are all the hallmarks of a Mediterranean terrace. In the UK, this look is best for those with south-facing gardens that get plenty of sun or those looking to recreate a holiday-inspired space. -
Japanese-style Patios
Japanese gardens have long had an influence on garden and patio design in the UK. They feature minimalist layouts with natural elements like gravel, stone, bamboo, and water features paired with simple furniture, the look is best for small or enclosed gardens where a tranquil retreat is desired.
Do you need planning permission when designing a new patio in the UK?
When the time comes to build your new patio, in most cases in the UK, you do NOT need planning permission. The installation of a new patio in our gardens falls under what is known as permitted development rights, which we is defined as:
Permitted development rights allow homeowners to make certain changes to their properties without needing to apply for planning permission. These rights are granted by the UK Parliament and are designed to allow for minor improvements and extensions without overwhelming the planning system.
That said, there are a few exceptions! If any of the following apply, you will need to consult with your local planning authority (LPA) for approval before you start any landscaping or building work:
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Listed Building
If your property is a listed building, you will often need Listed Building Consent to build a new patio. -
Conservation Area
If you live in a conservation area, national park, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), then additional restrictions often apply. -
Drainage Issues
If the patio is larger than 5m² and made of non-permeable material such as concrete or certain types of paving such as porcelain tiles, then you will often need planning permission unless you provide adequate drainage. -
Neighbouring Properties
If your patio is raised significantly above ground level, then it could require planning permission as this can impact the privacy of neighbouring homes and gardens. -
Restrictive Covenants
Some properties in the UK have historical deeds or covenants that restrict certain changes, so check with a property solicitor or your local council if this applies to your home.
If unsure, then it is always best to check with the correct channels before you start any project work. If the patio dramatically alters the character of your home, then it is often best to seek approval just to be on the safe side.
Check with your local council for any specific regulations in your local, and if in any doubt, submit a permitted development inquiry to your local authority.
Do you need building regulations approval when adding a new patio?
In terms of building regulations approval, this is a separate issue from planning permission. In the UK, you generally don't need building regulations approval for a new patio. However, there are some things you need to consider when it comes to designing a new patio:
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Drainage
In terms of drainage, your patio must not negatively impact the drainage of your property. It shouldn't cause water to pool or run towards your house. -
Access
The patio should also not make access to your house any less satisfactory than it was before. For example, if you're changing levels and introducing steps where there were none before, this might need to be approved by your local planning authority.
In our experience, it is always best to check with your LPA if you're unsure about whether you need planning permission or building regulations approval for your patio. They can provide specific advice on the process for any planning applications based on your circumstances, the work you intend to do, and your location.
If you have our patio furniture on your new patio, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload It Here.
