Patio Sinking
Patio slabs or sections of paving that have dropped, creating uneven surfaces and trip hazards.
What Is Causing This?
- 1Poorly compacted sub-base settling over time
- 2Water washing away the bedding material beneath
- 3Tree roots disrupting the foundations
How Urgent Is This?
This should be fixed in the coming weeks. Leaving it may allow the problem to worsen and cost more to repair.
What Needs to Be Done
A landscaper will lift the sunken slabs, compact and rebuild the sub-base, add fresh bedding material, and re-lay the slabs level with the surrounding area.
How Much Will It Cost?
National average estimate
Labour: £775 – £2,400 | Materials: £575 – £2,175
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Prices are estimates based on typical UK rates. Actual costs depend on the specific issue, accessibility, and your location. All quotes from tradespeople on Tradesfolk are completely free.
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Try Snap and FixPlanning Permission Guidance
Some fixes for this problem may require planning permission or building regulations approval. Check if your project needs permission:
Generally permitted. Laying a patio or hard surface in the rear garden is permitted development as an improvement within...
DeckingGenerally permitted under Part 1, Class E of the GPDO (treated as an improvement within the curtilage). Decking that doe...
Swimming PoolGenerally permitted. Outdoor swimming pools are considered engineering operations within the curtilage and are permitted...
Garden RoomGenerally permitted under Part 1, Class E as an outbuilding. Garden rooms follow the same rules as other outbuildings. T...
How to Prevent This
Ensure a proper sub-base of compacted hardcore is laid before paving. Direct drainage away from paved areas. Avoid planting trees too close to patios.
Related Problems
Individual patio slabs or sections of paving that have dropped, creating an uneven and sometimes dangerous surface.
Water pooling on the patio surface or not draining away after rain, creating puddles and algae growth.
Sections of block paving that have sunk, creating dips, puddles, and an uneven surface.
Other Landscaper Problems
Standing water on the lawn or flower beds after rainfall, taking days to drain away.
A garden retaining wall that is bulging, cracking, leaning, or has partially collapsed.
A bumpy or undulating lawn with dips, mounds, and hollows that make mowing difficult.
Water pooling on patios, paths, or near the house after rain, sometimes flowing toward the building.