These questions are intended to help you prepare for a useful conversation with a landscaping contractor. Exact construction and materials depend on the site.
Decide what the patio is for
A dining area needs space for chairs moving back from a table. A route to a shed has a different shape and surface requirement. Sketch the area you want to use and the paths that must connect to it.
Compare appearance and feel
Porcelain can give a consistent contemporary appearance; other paving offers different texture, tone and formats. View physical samples outdoors and consider how they relate to your house and boundary materials.
Look beyond the paving slab
The correct base, falls, drainage, bedding and edges are essential. Ask for the installation specification rather than comparing only the price per square metre of the slab.
Think about steps and thresholds
Door thresholds, garden levels, steps and drainage channels can be major design details. These are much easier to resolve before installation than after the patio has been laid.
Budget for preparation
Removing an existing patio, handling soil and providing access for materials can affect a quote. Photographs and site details help identify likely work without pretending a quote can be accurate from area alone.