Paving & Paths Calculators

Patios and garden paths are among the biggest landscaping investments in a UK garden, so accurate material calculations prevent costly over-ordering or frustrating shortfalls. Our paving slab calculator covers the most popular UK slab sizes — from 450x450mm to 600x600mm — and accounts for joint widths of 8-15mm that are standard with pointed or jointed finishes. The patio area calculator handles both simple rectangular layouts and L-shaped patios, which are common in UK semi-detached and detached house gardens.

Sub-base preparation is critical for any paved area in the UK, where clay soils and heavy rainfall demand proper drainage. A typical patio needs 100-150mm of compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base topped with 30-40mm of sharp sand. Our sand sub-base calculator works out quantities in tonnes, and the jointing sand calculator estimates kiln-dried or polymeric sand for filling joints. Block paving remains popular for driveways and is available in standard 200x100mm blocks — the block paving calculator includes a 5-10% wastage allowance for cuts and breakages.

Gravel paths and drives are a cost-effective alternative and help meet UK planning requirements for permeable surfaces on front gardens (required since 2008 for areas over 5 square metres). The gravel calculator works in both tonnes and bulk bags, with most decorative aggregates covering about 40-50 square metres per tonne at a 30mm depth. For a more contemporary finish, our resin bound gravel calculator estimates the resin and aggregate needed for a smooth, permeable surface that meets SuDS regulations.