How Long Should a Patio Last?
What homeowners in Chichester & West Sussex should realistically expect
A patio is a long-term investment — not something you expect to redo every few years. Yet many homeowners find themselves dealing with sinking slabs, cracking, or drainage issues far sooner than expected.
So how long should a patio last?
For properties in Chichester and the surrounding areas, the answer depends far more on ground preparation and installation than on the paving slabs themselves.
This guide explains realistic patio lifespans, what shortens them, and how to ensure yours lasts properly.
The Short Answer
A properly built patio should last:
20–30 years or more without major issues
Often much longer with good maintenance
If a patio is failing within 5–10 years, something has usually gone wrong during installation.
What Actually Determines Patio Lifespan?
1️⃣ Ground Preparation (The Biggest Factor)
Most patio failures start below ground.
A long-lasting patio requires:
Correct excavation depth
A well-compacted sub-base
Suitable materials (e.g. Type 1)
Stable, well-draining ground
Cutting corners here dramatically shortens lifespan.
2️⃣ Drainage & Falls
Water is one of the biggest enemies of patios.
A good patio must:
Have correct falls to shed surface water
Allow water to escape beneath the slabs
Avoid pooling near buildings
Poor drainage leads to movement, frost damage, and cracking over time.
3️⃣ Bedding & Jointing Methods
Slabs should be:
Fully bedded (not spot-bedded)
Laid on appropriate mortar
Jointed with materials suitable for the slab type
Weak bedding or joints allow water ingress and accelerate deterioration.
4️⃣ Material Choice
Different paving materials age differently — but none should fail early if installed correctly.
Porcelain patios
Extremely durable
Very low porosity
Highly resistant to staining and frost
Often look similar decades later
Natural stone patios
Age naturally and develop character
May require sealing and cleaning
Can still last decades with good installation
Material affects appearance and maintenance — not basic lifespan.
5️⃣ Usage & Loading
Heavy use, furniture, planters, and BBQs all place stress on patios.
A properly designed patio accounts for:
Expected usage
Load distribution
Edge restraint
Underbuilt patios often show wear much sooner.
Typical Patio Lifespan by Quality of Installation
Installation QualityExpected LifespanPoor / rushed5–10 yearsAverage10–15 yearsProfessional, well-built20–30+ years
The difference is almost always in the groundwork.
Signs a Patio Is Failing Too Early
If your patio is under 10 years old and showing issues, it’s often due to installation problems.
Warning signs include:
Slabs rocking or sinking
Repeated cracking
Standing water after rain
Joints washing out
Uneven surfaces
These aren’t “normal wear” — they’re structural issues.
Can an Old Patio Be Fixed?
Sometimes.
Minor issues may be resolved by:
Re-laying affected areas
Improving drainage locally
However, widespread problems often mean:
👉 The patio needs lifting and rebuilding properly.
Repairing symptoms without fixing the cause rarely works long-term.
How to Make a Patio Last as Long as Possible
To maximise lifespan:
Invest in proper ground preparation
Use experienced installers
Choose suitable materials for your garden
Maintain joints and keep drainage clear
A patio built correctly once is far cheaper than rebuilding it twice.
Patio Installations in Chichester & West Sussex
In West Sussex, soil conditions and drainage vary widely — which is why local experience matters.
A professionally installed patio:
Stays level
Drains correctly
Ages well
Remains usable for decades
For an expertly installed patio you can trust, visit our patio installation page, see some examples of our work and get in touch to book your consultation/quote. We look forward to hearing from you.
