Ireland is known for its unpredictable weather, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the outdoors in style. This is where a patio can provide a functional and aesthetic space to entertain and soak up the sun – when it does appear.
However, before diving into the construction phase, it’s important to thoroughly plan your project. Take into account elements like the patio’s dimensions, your intended usage of the area or whether it’s for dining, cooking or lounging.
Budget-Friendly Options
If you are working with a limited budget, there are many alternatives you can consider. Using concrete pavers or even recycled materials can save on costs whilst still allowing you that alfresco living feel.
The Kilsaran Cashel Charcoal Concrete Paving Slab, which is 400m by 400m, is from B&Q, priced at €39.38 per m2.
The Stonehenge Grey Porcelain Paving is also a popular choice. It is light grey in colour with flexes of white running through it to give it a natural stone look. It is available from Harding Stone Yard Kilkenny, €30-33 per m2.
You could also consider alternatives such as re-purposing materials from other projects or sourcing used items to reduce building costs. Materials like reclaimed bricks or stones can create a unique aesthetic.
Kilsaran Cashel Charcoal Concrete Paving Slab, B&Q.
Mid-range
If you are working with a mid-range budget, there are a number of options. Visiting speciality stone yards such as Kilsaran or Royale Stones can provide you with a wider selection of bricks, granite and paving stones. You can also visit other Irish building merchants like McMahon’s or Stoneyard for materials such as porcelain tiles and natural stone paving.
Also consider a trip to your local B&Q to get a feel for what you are looking for. The Earth White Virtue Vitrified Outdoor Porcelain Paving Slabs have an anti-slip finish and rectified edges, ideal for those looking for a more contemporary outdoor space. Royale Stones, €47.99 per m2. The Bradstone Derbyshire Moorland cream reconstituted stone paving slab is 450x450, another option from B&Q at €43.35 per m2.
Egyptian Limestone Paving, The Tile Merchant.
More Financial Flexibility
If you can work with a higher budget, visit showrooms like TileStyle or the Stone Merchant, who provide premium options such as marble tiles, composite decking, granite and limestone. You can also visit professional landscaping companies such as LandArt or Tim Austen Landscapes.
Composite decking has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its durability and low maintenance compared to traditional wood decking. The cost can vary, but on average, expect to pay around €60-90 per m2.
A good option for composite decking is Timber Ireland’s Purapro Slate Grey Decking, 25x135x3,600mm. The decking is also produced using 100% renewable energy. Prices work upon consultation.
Another higher end option is the Egyptian Limestone Paving with a Tumbled Finish 900x600x20mm (The Tile Merchant, €32.40 a piece or €59.99/m2).
Read more
Meet the Maker: ceramicist Sandra Cole O'Brien
Meet the Maker: Ciara Gache and Niamh Mooney
Ireland is known for its unpredictable weather, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the outdoors in style. This is where a patio can provide a functional and aesthetic space to entertain and soak up the sun – when it does appear.
However, before diving into the construction phase, it’s important to thoroughly plan your project. Take into account elements like the patio’s dimensions, your intended usage of the area or whether it’s for dining, cooking or lounging.
Budget-Friendly Options
If you are working with a limited budget, there are many alternatives you can consider. Using concrete pavers or even recycled materials can save on costs whilst still allowing you that alfresco living feel.
The Kilsaran Cashel Charcoal Concrete Paving Slab, which is 400m by 400m, is from B&Q, priced at €39.38 per m2.
The Stonehenge Grey Porcelain Paving is also a popular choice. It is light grey in colour with flexes of white running through it to give it a natural stone look. It is available from Harding Stone Yard Kilkenny, €30-33 per m2.
You could also consider alternatives such as re-purposing materials from other projects or sourcing used items to reduce building costs. Materials like reclaimed bricks or stones can create a unique aesthetic.
Kilsaran Cashel Charcoal Concrete Paving Slab, B&Q.
Mid-range
If you are working with a mid-range budget, there are a number of options. Visiting speciality stone yards such as Kilsaran or Royale Stones can provide you with a wider selection of bricks, granite and paving stones. You can also visit other Irish building merchants like McMahon’s or Stoneyard for materials such as porcelain tiles and natural stone paving.
Also consider a trip to your local B&Q to get a feel for what you are looking for. The Earth White Virtue Vitrified Outdoor Porcelain Paving Slabs have an anti-slip finish and rectified edges, ideal for those looking for a more contemporary outdoor space. Royale Stones, €47.99 per m2. The Bradstone Derbyshire Moorland cream reconstituted stone paving slab is 450x450, another option from B&Q at €43.35 per m2.
Egyptian Limestone Paving, The Tile Merchant.
More Financial Flexibility
If you can work with a higher budget, visit showrooms like TileStyle or the Stone Merchant, who provide premium options such as marble tiles, composite decking, granite and limestone. You can also visit professional landscaping companies such as LandArt or Tim Austen Landscapes.
Composite decking has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its durability and low maintenance compared to traditional wood decking. The cost can vary, but on average, expect to pay around €60-90 per m2.
A good option for composite decking is Timber Ireland’s Purapro Slate Grey Decking, 25x135x3,600mm. The decking is also produced using 100% renewable energy. Prices work upon consultation.
Another higher end option is the Egyptian Limestone Paving with a Tumbled Finish 900x600x20mm (The Tile Merchant, €32.40 a piece or €59.99/m2).
Read more
Meet the Maker: ceramicist Sandra Cole O'Brien
Meet the Maker: Ciara Gache and Niamh Mooney
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