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Patio installation cost per square foot


Pricing Guide: How Much Does a Patio Cost?

The national average for a professionally installed patio is around $3,994, but the average range starts around $2,363 and goes up to $5,909. This includes excavating the patio site, materials, materials delivery, and labor – a full installation, in other words.

Don’t expect to pay much less than $1,212, but some customers spend up to $8,431 for more expensive materials, complex designs, or larger square footage.

In general, expect to pay $8 – $20 per square foot for the complete patio installation.

How Much Does a Patio Cost?

Patios can be enjoyed throughout three or even four seasons in most areas, but hardscaping projects are often a significant investment.

If you’ve ever wondered how much it would cost to enjoy a little more time outside throughout the year, stick around as we explore pricing averages, material options, money-saving considerations, and additional costs to consider before making the leap onto your new outdoor patio.

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Cost Estimator By Size

Size is an important factor to consider when building your patio. This and materials are your largest cost considerations (besides labor).

You don’t want to build it too small and not have enough room to enjoy friends and family, but larger square footages can quickly add hundreds or thousands of dollars to the total cost.

We’ll take our $8 – $20 per square foot average range and apply it to small, medium, and large patios to get an idea for an average cost range for each size.

Other Factors That Affect Cost

Materials and square footage are probably the two most important considerations if you are trying to control your costs. Below are the average ranges for some of the most popular patio materials.

Note: These prices are for the materials only. These prices do not include labor or miscellaneous costs.

TYPES OF PATIO MATERIALSCOST
*per square foot
Gravel$0.81 – $2.85
Concrete pavers$2.67 – $6.00
Poured concrete$3.38 – $8.12
Brick pavers$6.75 – $10.00
Flagstone$8.65 – $20.65
Stamped concrete$9.15 – $16.30

Patio materials

Photo Credit: Tristan Ferne / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

These are average material costs, so there may be some instances in which costs land outside of these ranges. Again, this is for the cost of materials only, not including installation, excavation, labor, other materials, or any additional costs.

If you are interested in looking into all of your materials options, you’ll probably price the big box home improvement stores, of course, but don’t forget about local stone yards and reclaimed brick, for example.

Here’s why: Local stone and reclaimed materials suppliers may be a money-saving option depending on what is available in your area.

Maintaining your patio

Photo Credit: sk / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

Think your patio is a maintenance-free part of your landscape? Not so fast. True, it doesn’t require weekly mowing or weeding, but you’ll need to evaluate your patio once or twice a year to keep it in good working order. 

Every six months or so, check to see if the regular or polymeric sand between your pavers is low. Keep the sand filled to a quarter inch below the pavers’ surface.

A regular 40-pound bag of patio sand runs around $4, and 48 pounds of polymeric sand costs about $22. These will cover from 30-45 square feet for a new patio, so if yours is established, adjust the amount down from there.

Another aspect of patio maintenance is whether you want to seal your pavers. Most experts say it is not necessary, but they are quick to point out that it is very beneficial. Sealers help protect the pavers and the joint sand, reduce the chance of permanent staining, and help maintain the initial color.

Sealing should be done every 2-5 years depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. One gallon of sealant costs about $30 and covers 125 square feet of patio.

Patio accessories

Photo Credit: Field Outdoor Spaces / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Your patio is done, the fire pit is installed, and you have your first outdoor dinner party on the calendar. But where will everyone sit? In addition to the cost of the patio, plan to factor in costs for seating.

A basic two-chair table set starts at around $100, but be prepared to pay up to several thousand dollars to outfit a large patio with several dining sets, sectionals, and chairs.

Interested in a new hammock? Free-standing hammocks start at around $100.

You might need more than pavers to create that outdoor living space you’ve always dreamed of. Here are a few other costs you may want to consider to bring all the pieces together.

Fire pit installation

Photo Credit: Arto Brick / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Fire pits are a great gathering space for family and friends. If you’re having one installed, they range from about $367 – $2,233.

The minimum you should expect to pay for a fire pit is $250, while the maximum may run up to $7,500 or more for custom work. The average fire pit installation costs about $750.

Lighting

Photo Credit: Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of San Antonio & the Hill Country, LLC / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

Lighting helps to extend the time you’re able to enjoy your outdoor living space. No sun? No problem.

If you’re interested in having your contractor install lights, expect to pay from $188 – $325 per light, with the average per-light cost running around $260.

The average total ranges from $1833 to $5333 for an average lighting project.

Landscaping

Photo Credit: Bill Wilson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Many companies that do hardscaping work will do softscaping and other landscaping as well.

If you’d like to install seasonal color, perennials, flower beds, or shrubs around your new patio area, plan on $4 – $14 per square foot in installation costs.

Cost of a DIY Patio 

If you’re interested in controlling the costs for your patio project, you probably have considered the DIY option.

Labor and equipment costs on a professional installation are significant. Average labor costs run around $9.69 per square foot. Some estimate that labor costs make up over 50% of the total costs. Having said that, by eliminating this cost, you’ll reduce your outlay significantly.

Let’s say you want to build a simple 12’ x 20’ (240 square foot) concrete paver patio. (We’ll assume you have all the necessary tools already.) The average cost for the pavers is $4.34/square foot. Let’s do a quick breakdown:

MATERIALSCOST
Gravel
*2.96 cubic yards (or 4.15 – 5 tons) for a 4” depth		$17.69/ton x 4.15 – 5 tons
Landscape fabric$22
48’ edging and steel spikes$69
Concrete pavers$1,041.60
TOTAL$73.41 – $88.45
Sand
*.074 cubic yards of sand (or 1 ton) for a 1” depth		$29
Delivery fee (if applicable)up to $100
TOTAL$1,235. 01 – $1,250.05

Equipment Needed

This is a basic list of materials. Your list will vary depending on the materials you use to build your patio.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR DIY PATIOCOST
String linesyou probably have string
Eye protection$2 – $20
Ear protection$3+
Proper footwear and outerwearprices vary
Tape measure$3 – $30
Hammer$5+
Square 2’x4’
(to level out the sand – as a screed rail)		$5
Rubber mallet$6 – $27
Garden hose if using polymeric sand$10+
Gloves$10 – $15
Trowel$15
Level$17 – $75
*4’ – 6’ level
Safety masks$17+
*for a five pack of KN95
Leaf blower$20
Diamond blade
*for cutting concrete		$20
Plate compactor or mechanical compactor w/ carpet or other base protectionRents for $60/half day OR $86/full day
Bobcat (rental)$200 – $230 for four hours OR $289 – $330 per day
Bobcat alternative: 
–a bunch of friends
–shovels
–wheelbarrows		Cost of lunch
$8+
$40+
Circular saw (Cordless kit w/ two batteries)$350

How to install a DIY patio

If you’re an advanced DIYer who wants to take a crack at your own patio, here is a general overview to consider:

DIY cost vs. professional service

Photo Credit: Brett and Sue Coulstock / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

So, our average 240 square foot DIY concrete paver patio comes out to $1235.01 – $1250.05, plus delivery fees, if applicable.

If we use our $8 – $20 square foot average, a 240-square-foot professionally installed patio comes to $1,920 – $4,800.

Cost of a Patio By Location

Think of it this way: Patio materials are heavy. Materials sourced further away will be more expensive, so if you are looking to cut costs, ask your contractor which materials are locally available.

Also, consider your local labor prices. These vary from region to region and are factored in when contractors do their bids.

FAQ About Patios

1. How long does it take to install a patio?

A well-oiled crew can install a simple patio in a day or even several hours. If you have an intricate paver design or multi-tiered building plans, for example, extend the time accordingly. 

If you are a DIYer, expect the process to take about two to four weekends, depending on the complexity of your design and any extras you are building (seating walls, fire pits, etc.).

2. If you am interested in hiring a professional, how many companies should you consider?

Most experts recommend getting estimates from at least three companies before making your final decision. Have a list of questions prepared in advance so you can compare the same information across all three contractors.

3. How long will a paver patio last?

People have been putting stones on the ground as roads and patios for thousands of years. Your installer may not give you a multi-generational warranty, but most say that paver patios should last “a lifetime.” 

This doesn’t mean that you won’t have to do regular maintenance. Regular maintenance is key to the longevity of any hardscaping project.

There are other critical factors as well, such as the preparation and stability of the subbase materials (including soil, sand, and stone), chemical exposure, quality of the patio installation, and whether the site is regularly maintained with joint sand and sealer. 

Another thing: Many manufacturers offer warranties on their products, and if a paver were to crack, you can switch it out for another one.

With a solid foundation and a little TLC, homeowners should expect several decades of life out of their investment. 

Conclusion

Whether you are an avid DIYer or you want someone else to handle logistics and installation, a patio can be an affordable way to enjoy more sunshine and outdoor time with family and friends.

Remember that the DIY option offers significant savings, but so does choosing the size of the patio and materials wisely. 

Main Photo Credit: dailyinvention / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Sarah Bahr

Sarah is a writer who has previously worked in the lawn care industry. In her spare time, she likes to garden, raise chickens, and mow the grass with her battery-powered lawn mower.

Posts by Sarah Bahr

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Patio?

Installing a patio creates an instant outdoor living, lounging and entertainment space — but how much will it cost? The price of patio installation varies widely based on factors such as how big you want your patio to be, the material you want to build it from and whether you install the patio yourself or hire someone to install it for you.

This May Also Interest You: How to Build a Patio: 9 Steps to a Backyard Paradise

An estimate from a contractor will give you the best idea of what your particular project will cost. Use this overview of patio installation costs as a cheat sheet to help you plan your budget.

Patio Costs Per Square Foot

Most patios are made by laying pavers, the cheapest of which are red or grey brick pavers. According to Fixr, these cost between $10 and $25 (CAD 13 and CAD 33) per square foot, including materials and installation.

Dry-laid brick, which is made using concrete, natural stone or brick pavers held together with dry sand, costs $12 to $20 (CAD 15 to CAD 25) per square foot.

Using natural stone, slate, flagstone or bluestone to create your patio is significantly more expensive because of the high cost of materials. Prices vary, but you should expect to pay up to $30 (CAD 40) per square foot.

Poured concrete patios cost $6 to $17 (CAD 8 to CAD 22) per square foot.  For the full installation, LawnStarter says you might pay about $1,500 (CAD 1,950) on the low end, and over $4,700 (CAD 6,100) on the high end, depending on the size of the patio.

Labor Costs

Labor costs can dramatically increase the cost of your patio project. Expect to pay a contractor between $5 and $10 (CAD 6 and CAD 13) per square foot to install a paver patio. However, you could pay as much as $25 (CAD 33) per square foot for complex installation methods such as stamped concrete. Plan on paying for 40 hours of labor for every 300 square feet of patio.

How Much Does a 20x20 Paver Patio Cost?

According to data from Lawnstarter, a 20-foot by 20-foot paver patio runs from about $3,500 to $8,900 (CAD 4,550 to CAD 11,600), including labor and materials such as clay brick, natural stone or concrete pavers. Obviously, the larger the patio, the more materials required and the greater the labor costs.

How Much Does a 20x20 Concrete Patio Cost?

How much it costs to install a concrete patio depends on various factors, including the concrete grade and finish. It usually costs between $1,750 and $6,400 (CAD 2,275 and CAD 8,300) to install a 20-foot by 20-foot concrete patio.

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Additional Patio Costs

Beyond labor and the cost of materials, there are other price factors to consider when thinking about a patio installation. For instance, you may need to install a new door to access the patio. Installing the patio may also require putting in a retaining wall. Those costs should be factored into your budget. If trees, bushes or shrubs must be removed for the installation, this can tack on additional costs to your project’s total. Also, factor in the cost of upgrades such as an outdoor ceiling fan, new patio furniture or an outdoor kitchen.

DIY Patio Installation

Got DIY know-how and patience? Willing to go for an uncomplicated patio design? Do you have or could you rent the equipment necessary? If so, you can have a huge impact on the cost of your patio installation by doing it yourself. To tackle this DIY project, you’ll need to know how to operate the tools needed for the job, possess the ability to cut and measure and have time on your hands to get the job done. If this sounds like you, shake the dust off those tools in the shed and save a huge chunk of change by making your patio a DIY project.

Deck Vs. Patio

On the fence about whether to build a patio or a deck? Keep in mind that patios generally afford more privacy than decks, and they usually cost less. Patio materials are less expensive, and installation requires less time and labor.

Is a Patio Worth the Money?

If you enjoy outdoor entertaining — or just chilling by yourself while reading the latest bestseller — this home improvement project and the associated costs are totally worth it. A patio provides a space to relax at day's end and gaze at the stars. It’s also an ideal backdrop for hosting springtime brunches for your friends and family. And if you have an above-ground pool, a patio makes for the perfect lounge area to sun your buns in between dips.

Construction of terraces in St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region

Owners of country houses often think about a small extension where they can relax, sit with friends and have a cup of coffee, so they decide to add a terrace. Such a task requires an integrated approach: you need to select building materials and determine their quantity, adhere to the sequence of work, and also take into account all the features of a particular project. In addition, before starting the construction of a terrace, in some cases it is necessary to obtain permits provided for by law.

In order not to waste time and achieve a quality result, many use the services of construction companies. If you want to build a turnkey terrace for your house, contact Roof-Stroy.

Attach a terrace to the house in St. Petersburg

Terrace is a small area that is attached to the house and increases its area. It forms the transition from open space to the residential part of the building. Here you can put a few chairs, a table or even a sofa. This place is used for different purposes: as a summer kitchen, outdoor dining or just for relaxing with the whole family.

Designs are different - it all depends on the goals and needs of the owners. For example, you can attach a terrace to the house with or without a roof, with glazing or completely open, flat or multi-level.

Depending on the location and design features, the following types of terraces can be added:

Turnkey terrace construction - choice of materials

The structure is essentially an extension of the house. As a rule, it repeats the concept of the building: it has a common roof, the same floor level. In such cases, for the extension of the terrace to the house, the same materials are usually used as in the construction of the house. But you can also choose other building materials that harmoniously fit into the exterior.

In order to build a turnkey terrace, wood, brick, metal or polycarbonate is used. For example, if the house is made of wood, then most often they make a wooden extension. Installation of a wooden terrace will be harmonious and in combination with a brick house. A brick structure will last for decades, since this material is very resistant to external influences.

In some cases, when building a terrace for a house, several materials are combined. For example, the base can be covered with bricks, and the floor can be made of decking. The fence can be made of wood or metal. With the skillful use of different materials, this combination will give the site a unique look.

The addition of a terrace with a roof is usually implemented taking into account the material from which the roof of the house is made. However, if the structure is very light, then you have to choose other materials that do not give a big load. It can be polycarbonate, corrugated roofing, soft roofing or something else. If the terrace has a solid structure, then slate and shingles can be used.

Attaching a terrace to the house - sequence of work

As a rule, the construction of a terrace is carried out during the construction of a house. But if it was not done right away, then the structure can be mounted at any time.

The process of adding terraces, both open and closed, consists of several stages and requires strict adherence to technology: Before construction begins, a project is made. To do this, determine all the conditions on which the functionality and size of the extension will depend. It is important to know the following parameters:

Typically, a typical project is an extension with an area of ​​10-15 square meters. However, the scheme can be changed depending on requirements and restrictions. For example, if the site is planned to be used throughout the year, then they decide to attach a covered terrace and the project provides for glazing. It also necessarily takes into account such parameters as ventilation, moisture resistance and thermal insulation. It is also required to provide for a slight slope of the floor towards the site;

  • Preparatory work

    Before starting to add the terrace to the country house, the necessary amount of materials is purchased. If a tree is used, then it is immediately processed with special means, since after completion of the work it will be more difficult to do this. The site is being prepared for work: getting rid of debris, leveling the ground. They remove all elements that may interfere with the work process: a visor, a porch and others. If there are stumps on the site, then they are uprooted;

  • Building the foundation

    If the structure is made of wood and is light, it is not necessary to pour the foundation. In this case, the compacted soil will perform the function of the foundation. If you plan to use heavy materials, then a concrete base is a must. Further determined with the type of foundation. The choice depends on materials and soil conditions. If the installation of the terrace will be made of brick or the soil is of concern, then a strip foundation is suitable here. In other cases, a columnar variation is used.

  • The main stage of the construction of the turnkey terrace for the house

    At this stage, the frame is erected and its sheathing is performed. First, beams are placed on the foundation and connected at the corners. Next, lay the logs from the center to the edges of the site. Using the building level, constantly check the accuracy of their installation. Floorboards are laid across the log and nailed. Small gaps are left between the boards so that water does not accumulate between them. Next, the floor is painted, varnished or covered with a floor covering. Most terraces have shed roofs. Use the same material from which the roof of the house is made. The roof of the extension can continue the slope of the house - in this case, two systems of rafters are spliced. It is important that the angle of inclination is sufficient for the free flow of water. Depending on the purpose of using the extension, the craftsmen perform full or partial glazing. If the construction of a summer terrace is planned and it is planned to be used only in the warm season, then glazing is not done.

  • Decoration

    This is the final stage of adding a terrace to the house, where facing materials, furniture, plants and other elements are selected that will give the site an attractive look.

    • Turnkey terrace in St. Petersburg - selection of builders

    Recently, many companies have appeared on the construction market that significantly underestimate the prices for the construction of turnkey terraces. They offer to do the work at 30 or even 40 percent cheaper than the average cost of installing a terrace. The qualifications of such builders in most cases remains in doubt, since they cannot provide examples of the work performed. In this case, customers are at great risk, since low-quality materials can be used inexpensively when building a turnkey terrace, and the process itself can be carried out with violations.

    To be sure of the quality of services, you should follow a few recommendations:

    Turnkey construction of terraces in St. Petersburg

    Krovlya-Stroy company specializes in turnkey installation of terraces in St. Petersburg. We offer a comprehensive service, which includes the creation of a project, the selection of materials and their delivery to the site, obtaining the necessary permits, as well as organizing work at all stages. Upon completion of the work, we clean the territory and remove construction debris from the site.

    Before building a terrace in St. Petersburg, we carefully work on creating a project. When designing, we take into account all the wishes of customers and possible restrictions. We can build terraces in St. Petersburg of various types and shapes. It can be an open, closed, multi-level extension or even with glazing, where you can spend time at any time of the year.

    Our company offers customers the following benefits of cooperation:

    Add a terrace - price

    If you are thinking about how to build a terrace to the house, then you are probably interested in the price of a turnkey terrace in St. Petersburg. Depending on the project, it can vary greatly. The cost of building a terrace is affected by the selected materials, the complexity of the work, the extension area and other parameters.

    You can get an approximate price for the installation of a terrace. To do this, you need to specify the desired area, the presence of fences and roofing, the preferred materials and the location of the site. You can contact our specialists by phone or e-mail.

    Construction of verandas and terraces, installation of roofs and railings

    Installation of terraces and verandas. Roofing of terraces and verandas. Outbuildings. The device of roofs of verandahs and terraces. Glazing and terrace roofing.

    Veranda and terrace: the most important extensions for a country house and summer cottage

    Despite the fact that coziness and comfort are the prerogative of the interior space, one of the most important architectural accents for a house and a summer residence is the exterior in the form of additional outbuildings. The presence of a veranda and a terrace can significantly increase the overall comfort of private ownership, since they are the place for healthy recreation. If you want to equip such a lounge area, our company is ready to develop and implement a unique project, taking into account all the wishes and requirements. We are ready to design and install an open terrace, and if necessary, completely glaze the perimeter and mount the roof. Our specialists can also implement the most popular project - an inexpensive extension of a warm veranda to a wooden or stone house. The price of such a structure directly depends on the area, quality and quantity of materials, but in any case it is inexpensive.

    Warm or cold porch

    A country house has a finished look if a cozy veranda is equipped along the facade or only at the front entrance. The presence of an unheated, but completely enclosed space solves many functional and aesthetic problems. For a more objective assessment, we list the following advantages:

    Whatever construction option you use, in any case, adding a veranda to the house is an opportunity to inexpensively and quickly, but be sure to completely transform the interior of your home. If you want to create the maximum level of comfort in such a space, the walls of the room must be insulated and a limited number of windows should be used.

    Outdoor terrace without walls or with a canopy

    Unlike a veranda, such an extension does not require significant investment. If this is an open area near the main entrance, you can create an atmosphere of hospitality with the help of a terrace. By emphasizing this criterion, you will undoubtedly create an aura of friendliness, so guests will always want to enter your country house. If you wish, you can complicate the project: if you have a low-rise house or summer cottage, an equipped roof in the form of a balcony and a terrace below is an unsurpassed solution for increasing the level of comfort. The flooring on the terrace is best made of natural stone or ceramic tiles. Recently, such an interesting project as the construction of terraces from composite boards has become popular. However, the extension of a small wooden (often from timber) terrace to the house is most in demand. The price of such a structure with installation is always minimal.

    What we are ready to offer

    Rostype offers comprehensive services for the arrangement of verandas and terraces of any design complexity. We have the potential to implement any ideas you have in mind. Our designers are ready to develop a veranda or terrace project according to the most modern requirements, introducing the most interesting design solutions.

    Learn more