How Much Do People Charge to Jet Wash a Patio? (UK Pricing Guide)
Jet washing (also known as pressure washing or power washing) is one of the most popular ways to restore a patio, driveway, or hard surface back to its original condition. Whether it’s concrete, block paving, natural stone, or porcelain slabs, a jet wash can remove dirt, algae, moss, lichen, and years of grime in a matter of hours.
However, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is:
“How much do people charge to jet wash a patio in the UK?”
The answer depends on several factors, including the size of the patio, the material, the level of dirt, the location, and whether extra services (such as re-sanding or sealing) are included.
This guide breaks down typical UK prices, add-on costs, labour rates, and compares DIY vs professional jet washing so you can understand exactly what you are paying for.
Average Cost to Jet Wash a Patio in the UK
Below is a general price guide based on average domestic patio jet washing services:
| Patio Size | Approx. Area | Average Cost (£) | Typical Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Patio | 10–15 m² | £40 – £75 | 1–2 hours |
| Medium Patio | 20–30 m² | £75 – £150 | 2–3 hours |
| Large Patio | 40–50 m² | £150 – £250 | 3–4 hours |
| Extra Large Patio | 60m²+ | £250+ | 4+ hours |
Typical price per square metre in the UK:
✅ £2.00 – £4.50 per m² for cleaning only
✅ £5.00 – £9.00 per m² if re-sanding/sealing is included
Some contractors charge per job, others per square metre, and a few charge an hourly rate.
Hourly Rates vs Per m² Pricing
Different jet washing companies set prices differently.
| Pricing Method | Typical Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per hour | £25 – £50 per hour | More common for small jobs |
| Per square metre | £2 – £4.50 per m² | Most common method |
| Per job minimum charge | £50 – £100 | Applied to small patios |
| Day rate | £200 – £350 per day | Usually for large driveways or patios |
A homeowner with a 12 m² patio may be quoted a £60 minimum charge, even though the m² rate might normally cost less.
Factors That Affect Jet Washing Prices
| Factor | Increases Price If… |
|---|---|
| Patio Material | Delicate stone (e.g. sandstone, limestone) requires lower pressure |
| Condition | Heavy moss, oil stains, black spot algae |
| Access | Long hose runs, no water supply, awkward layout |
| Location | London & SE England often 15–25% higher |
| Extras Required | Re-sanding, sealing, weed treatment |
| Water Source | Supply must be provided, otherwise extra fees apply |
Typical Add-On Costs
| Service | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Re-sanding block paving | £1.50 – £2.50 per m² |
| Patio sealing | £6 – £12 per m² |
| Weed/ moss treatment | £10 – £30 |
| Black spot removal chemicals | £15 – £40 extra |
| Waste disposal (mud, weeds, debris) | £10 – £50 |
| Deep stain removal (oil, BBQ fat, rust) | £20 – £80 per stain |
Some companies offer package deals such as:
Example: Patio jet wash + re-sand + biocide treatment
£6.50 per m² all in
Price Comparison by UK Region
| Region | Average £/m² |
|---|---|
| London & Home Counties | £3.50 – £5.00 |
| South East (non-London) | £3.00 – £4.50 |
| Midlands | £2.50 – £4.00 |
| North of England | £2.00 – £3.50 |
| Wales / Scotland | £2.00 – £3.00 |
| Northern Ireland | £2.00 – £3.00 |
Urban areas tend to cost more due to fuel, labour and insurance costs.
Cost Difference by Patio Material
| Material Type | Jet Washing Difficulty | Price Guide per m² |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | Easy | £2.00 – £3.00 |
| Block paving | Medium (requires re-sand) | £3.00 – £4.50 |
| Indian sandstone | Delicate surface | £3.50 – £5.00 |
| Limestone | Needs low-pressure cleaning | £4.00 – £5.50 |
| Porcelain tiles | Easy to clean, low absorbency | £2.50 – £4.00 |
| Patterned / decorative stone | Time consuming | £4.00 – £6.00 |
Soft stone requires lower pressure and sometimes chemicals, making it costlier.
DIY vs Professional Jet Washing – Cost Breakdown
| Option | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY – rent a pressure washer | £25 – £50 per day hire | Cheap, flexible | Weaker machines, no chemicals, no sealing |
| DIY – buy a domestic jet washer | £80 – £300 upfront | Use anytime | Lacks power, takes longer |
| Professional service | £75 – £250 typical job | Fast, even finish, commercial washers | Higher upfront cost |
Professional jet wash machines can reach 200 bar pressure, far higher than most home models (100–130 bar).
Example Cost Scenarios
1. Small Patio – 12 m² Block Paving
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cleaning only | £60 (minimum charge) |
| Optional re-sand | £20 |
| Total | £60 – £80 |
2. 30 m² Indian Sandstone
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cleaning at £4 per m² | £120 |
| Black spot chemical treatment | £25 |
| Total | £145 |
3. 50 m² Driveway Block Paving
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cleaning at £3.50 per m² | £175 |
| Kiln-dried sand | £50 |
| Weed treatment | £20 |
| Total | £245 |
What’s Usually Included in the Price?
✅ Pre-rinse and surface assessment
✅ High-pressure cleaning using professional washer
✅ Removal of dirt, grime, algae, moss
✅ Rinse down and clean up of dirty water
✅ Basic weed blast-out from joints
What’s NOT Usually Included?
❌ Re-sanding block paving
❌ Patio sealing
❌ Deep stain treatment
❌ Re-pointing loose mortar
❌ Waste removal of weeds/soil
❌ Replacing broken slabs
These are normally priced separately.
How Long Does Jet Washing Take?
| Patio Size | Time Estimate |
|---|---|
| 10 m² | 1 hour |
| 25 m² | 2 hours |
| 40 m² | 3 hours |
| 60 m² | 4 hours+ |
Add 1–2 extra hours if re-sanding or sealing is included.
Are Discounts Available?
| Discount Type | Typical Saving |
|---|---|
| Same-day driveway + patio | 10–20% off |
| Neighbour booking bundle | 10–15% off each |
| Off-season (Nov–Feb) | Up to 25% cheaper |
| Pensioner / service worker | 5–10% |
Patio cleaning is seasonal. Prices rise in spring and summer.
Why Re-Sanding Matters (for Block Paving)
| Without Sand | With Fresh Sand |
|---|---|
| Weeds return faster | Helps lock blocks together |
| Water can wash joints out | Reduces movement |
| Unsightly gaps appear | Looks newer and cleaner |
Re-sanding normally costs £1.50 – £2.50 per m².
Is Sealing Worth the Cost?
| Benefit | How it Helps |
|---|---|
| Reduces staining | Oil, food, BBQ spills |
| Prevents algae growth | Less maintenance |
| Enhances colour | Especially sandstone & block paving |
| Water repellency | Protects surface |
Sealing normally costs £6 – £12 per m² depending on product.
Common Patio Jet Washing Mistakes (DIY)
| Mistake | Result |
|---|---|
| Using too much pressure | Etches stone or damages pointing |
| Not using proper nozzle | Striping and uneven finish |
| Forgetting pre-clean chemicals | Moss & algae return faster |
| Washing at wrong angle | Lifts patio jointing sand |
| Leaving dirt splashes on walls/doors | Extra cleaning work |
Summary Price Guide
| Type of Patio | Average £/m² | Typical Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic concrete slab | £2 – £3 | £60 – £120 |
| Block paving (clean only) | £3 – £4 | £90 – £180 |
| Block paving (clean + sand) | £4.50 – £6 | £135 – £250 |
| Indian sandstone / limestone | £3.50 – £5 | £100 – £200 |
| Patio + sealing package | £8 – £12 | £250 – £600 |
Final Thoughts
Jet washing prices in the UK vary, but most homeowners will pay somewhere between £75 and £200 for an average patio clean. The main things that affect cost are:
-
Size of patio
-
Surface material
-
Level of dirt and staining
-
Whether re-sanding or sealing is required
-
Location
-
Access and water supply
If you only need a basic clean, expect pricing around £2 – £4 per m².
If you want full restoration (clean + re-sand + seal), expect £6 – £10 per m².
How Weather and Season Affect Jet Washing Prices
Jet washing is a seasonal service in the UK, and prices shift throughout the year. The busiest time is from March to August, when homeowners prepare gardens for summer use. Demand rises, which can push prices up by 10–25% in peak months. In contrast, late autumn and winter (November–February) are quieter for exterior cleaning services, and many contractors offer reduced rates or discounts to fill their schedule.
| Season | Price Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Highest demand | Pre-summer cleaning |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | High demand | Garden use & parties |
| Autumn (Sep–Oct) | Normal pricing | Post-summer refresh |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Cheapest | Fewer bookings, weather delays |
A patio cleaned in winter may require extra anti-algae treatment because damp conditions encourage faster regrowth.
Difference Between Domestic and Commercial Jet Washing Prices
Home patio cleaning is usually priced per square metre, but commercial jobs are often quoted per day due to scale, insurance and risk level. Large public spaces like pubs, schools, care homes or shopping areas require higher liability cover, specialist equipment, surface protection measures and often out-of-hours working, all of which increase costs.
| Type of Job | Typical Price Guide |
|---|---|
| Small house patio (domestic) | £2 – £4.50 per m² |
| Small commercial area | £4 – £6 per m² |
| Heavy-traffic commercial space | £6 – £10 per m² |
| Full day commercial rate | £300 – £600 per day |
Commercial jobs may also require signage, safety barriers, COSHH-approved chemicals and risk assessments.
Eco-Friendly Jet Washing Options
Some homeowners prefer an environmentally friendly approach, especially if they have pets, ponds, or wildlife nearby. Eco-friendly jet washing typically involves:
-
Lower-toxicity or plant-based cleaning solutions
-
Reduced water waste using rotary surface cleaners
-
Biocide that breaks down naturally after use
-
Avoiding bleach-based chemicals
| Option | Eco Impact | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Standard clean with water only | Lowest cost | £0 extra |
| Biodegradable cleaner | Medium | +£10 – £25 |
| Full eco treatment (clean + eco biocide) | Highest eco rating | +£20 – £50 |
Eco-friendly jobs cost slightly more because specialist chemicals are pricier and take longer to work.
How to Estimate Your Patio Size (So You Don’t Overpay)
Most homeowners don’t know the exact size of their patio, which makes it difficult to check whether a quote is fair. The easiest way is to divide the space into rectangles and multiply length × width.
| Shape | Measuring Method | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangle | Length × Width | 4m × 3m = 12m² |
| L-Shape | Split into 2 rectangles | (3×2) + (2×2) = 10m² |
| Circular | Radius × Radius × 3.14 | 2m radius → 12.56m² |
A typical UK patio is between 15m² and 30m². If a contractor refuses to measure the space and gives only a “guess price,” that’s usually a red flag.
Signs Your Patio Needs More Than Just Jet Washing
Some patios look dirty but are actually suffering from long-term wear, meaning jet washing alone won’t fully restore them. Common signs:
| Issue | Cause | Required Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Crumbling joints | Mortar failure | Re-pointing, not washing |
| Slabs moving or sinking | Sub-base failure | Lift & relay |
| Black spot algae not shifting | Deep fungal root | Chemical treatment + wash |
| Rust or BBQ oil stains | Metal furniture / grease | Specialist stain remover |
| Surface looks “bleached” after washing | Over-pressure damage | Too much PSI used |
If the pointing is already loose, high-pressure cleaning can make it worse — in those cases, soft washing or steam cleaning may be better than jet washing.
Tags: Driveway cleaning, pressure washing, Roof Cleaning, Exterior cleaning, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, Patio cleaning