Cost guide
How much does patio cleaning cost?
Patio prices follow material, area and how much treatment the surface needs before the lance touches it. Published ranges run £90 for a small concrete terrace to £400 for a large sandstone one. Extras such as re-sanding, re-pointing and sealing can equal the cleaning charge again.
Typical prices
Ranges, not quotes. A quote depends on your room.
| Work | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Concrete patio, 20 square metres | £80 to £100 |
| Sandstone patio, 20 square metres | £100 to £160 |
| Sandstone patio, 50 square metres | £250 to £400 |
| Re-pointing failed joints, per square metre | £15 to £25 |
| Decking wash, 20 to 40 square metres | £60 to £110 |
| Decking oiled or stained | £350 to £800 |
Booking a patio and a driveway on one visit saves 10 to 20 per cent because travel and set up are shared. Re-pointing rates differ by roughly double between published guides, so get that item priced on site rather than by area over the phone.
What moves the price
- Material. Concrete and porcelain at £3 to £5 a square metre; sandstone and limestone at £5 to £8.
- Black spot lichen. Chemical treatment at £2 to £4 a square metre, because pressure alone will not lift it.
- Joint condition. Kiln dried sand at about £1 a square metre; full re-pointing at £15 to £25.
- Sealing. A further £3 to £8 a square metre, and the surface has to dry fully first.
- Timber finish. Sanding at £50 to £150 and oil or stain at £350 to £800 on a deck.
Who quotes for it
Questions about patio cleaning
How long does a patio clean take?
A 30 square metre terrace takes three to six hours including pre-treatment and rinsing. Larger areas over 45 square metres run to seven or nine hours, which is why the price steps up rather than scaling smoothly.
Can decking be cleaned and oiled on the same day?
Oil and stain need dry timber, so the finish usually waits 24 to 48 hours after washing. Contractors who promise both in one visit are either using a solvent based product or applying to damp boards, which shortens the life of the coat.