FREE PATIO PLANNING GUIDE

Plan patio quantities before you order

Start with a measured sketch, calculate each material separately and compare the result with the supplier’s actual sizes and coverage. This free guide connects the patio planner with the paving, sub-base, bedding and jointing calculators.

1. Measure the shape you will pave

Draw the perimeter and label each dimension in metres. Mark steps, borders, beds, covers and other areas that will not receive the same paving. Split an awkward outline into rectangles and triangles without overlapping them. Keep the sketch so someone else can check your inputs.

Use the area calculator for rectangles or the irregular area calculator for split shapes. The measured paving area is the starting point, not the final order.

2. Turn area into a slab count

The area of one rectangular slab is its length in metres multiplied by its width in metres. Divide the paved area by that slab area, add a stated cutting allowance once, then round up to whole units. The paving slab calculator handles those conversions.

Worked example: a 5 m by 4 m rectangle is 20 m². A 600 mm by 600 mm slab covers 0.36 m² before joints. With an illustrative 10% allowance, 20 × 1.10 ÷ 0.36 = 61.11, rounded up to 62 slabs. Ten per cent is an example, not a universal recommendation. Check cuts, borders, breakage and whether the supplier sells whole packs.

Mixed-size packs and patterned layouts need the manufacturer’s stated pack coverage and a layout plan. A simple slab count does not decide where the cuts go or account for every joint.

3. Calculate the layers separately

List each specified material with its own area, depth, conversion basis and allowance. Do not apply the full excavation depth to every layer. This guide does not specify construction depths, falls or drainage: agree those for the site and paving system before placing an order.

• Excavation and spoil calculator: distinguish the excavation in place from loose material to remove.
• MOT Type 1 calculator: convert a specified compacted layer into a quantity using the supplier’s density basis.
• Mortar and bedding calculator: use the chosen system’s depth and stated yield.
• Jointing compound calculator: use coverage appropriate to the actual slab and joint dimensions.
• Edging calculator: measure restrained edges independently of paving area.

4. Check the order and delivery

• Confirm product, actual dimensions, colour, batch and pack coverage.
• Record whether an allowance is already included so it is not added twice.
• Compare quotes on the same materials, quantities, delivery and waste-removal basis.
• Check access, unloading, storage and returns before confirming delivery.
• Resolve levels, drainage, buried services and the installation method with the responsible people before work.

Keep the whole plan together

The free patio project planner brings the measurements and assumptions together. For a different task, browse all 20 free DIY calculators or the available free project planners.

If you also want printable checks and project records, the optional Patio Project Pack lists its exact contents and one-off price. The tools and guidance above are free to use.

Planning and quantity guidance only. Follow project-specific specifications and product instructions; quantity arithmetic does not establish a safe construction method.