The DIY Guide to Measuring Your New Patio or Driveway
So, you’re ready to transform your garden. But how many bricks or slabs do you actually need? Grab a coffee, a long tape measure, and a notepad. Here is how to get your dimensions spot on.
- Sketch a Rough Plan
Don’t worry about being an artist. Draw a bird’s-eye view of your garden and the area you want to pave. Mark where the house sits, any existing manhole covers, and fixed features like trees or garden sheds.
- Break It Down into Shapes
Most patios and driveways aren’t perfect squares. To get an accurate measurement, break your plan down into simple geometric shapes:
- The Rectangle Method: Divide L-shaped or T-shaped areas into smaller rectangles.
- The Triangle Method: If you have an angled edge, treat it as a triangle.
- Do the Maths (The Easy Way)
For each section, measure the length and the width in metres.
- For Rectangles: Length × Width = Total m²
- For Triangles: (Length × Width) ÷ 2 = Total m²
Add these totals together to get the square meterage of your entire project.
Now you can head over to our calculators where we will calculate all the materials you need to complete your project. We recommend you include 10% extra for product wastage which allows for cuts and small differences in levels. This can be adjusted within our calculator.