A patio creates a cozy outdoor living space for relaxing and dining with friends and family. How much you spend on installation depends on a variety of factors, but on average, laying a new patio costs homeowners $4,500, with a typical cost range of about $2,290 to $6,420 nationwide.
Expect to pay around $820 for a small bistro patio and up to $17,335 for a larger custom patio. Included in the project cost are materials, which range from $2 to $35 per square foot, and labor, which ranges from about $5 to $18 per square foot.
This cost guide covers:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by size
- Cost by material
- Other factors that affect cost
- Patio maintenance costs
- Related services
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average costs to install a patio in 2024
| National average cost | $4,500 |
| Typical price range | $2,290 – $6,420 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $820 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $17,335 |
The national average cost for a new patio is $4,500, but the price range can go from $2,290 to over $6,420. Patios can be very expensive if it’s a large project or incredibly affordable if you’re on a tight budget.
A small patio of about 49 square feet is on the lower end of the spectrum and costs about $820, while a large custom patio project costs up to $17,335, depending on size, paving materials, design features, and site conditions.
Choose the following options to reduce patio installation costs and get you closer to the low end:
- Install a simple, small patio
- Choose a flat spot to avoid leveling costs
- Use inexpensive paving material, such as gravel
On the other hand, if you build a raised patio, use a complex patio design, or include add-ons such as pergolas, furniture, and fire pits, installation costs will increase.
Patio cost estimator by size
Size greatly impacts how much it will ultimately cost to install a patio. The larger the area, the higher the cost. A typical patio will cost between $7 and $35 per square foot. The table below shows the cost for different patio sizes.
| Patio Size | Cost Range |
| 7×7 (49 square feet) | $345 – $1,715 |
| 12×12 (144 square feet) | $1,008 – $5,040 |
| 20×20 (400 square feet) | $2,800 – $14,000 |
Cost of a patio by material
The material you use to pave the patio will have a significant impact on the cost. While prices vary by material, the cost of patio materials ranges from $2 to $35 per square foot.
Gravel
A gravel patio is a great option because of its low cost and versatility in design. It is easy to install and provides excellent drainage. Gravel costs between $2 and $7 per square foot to install.
Paver
With pavers, which can be made of stone, concrete, or brick, the design possibilities are virtually endless. This also implies that pavers come at a variety of costs. The cost of a paver patio generally ranges from $8 to $25 per square foot, depending on the material.
Brick
A brick paver patio is another stylish and durable patio, but it requires more labor to install. A brick patio costs from $9 to $21 per square foot.
Stone
Stone patios made of natural stone or flagstone are significantly more expensive than other patio materials. Prices vary depending on the type of natural stone you choose, but expect to pay between $8 and $35 per square foot for a flagstone patio.
Poured concrete
Concrete is a popular choice for a patio because it’s inexpensive and durable. Poured concrete costs between $4 and $10 per square foot, and stamped concrete with decorative finishes costs between $8 and $25 per square foot.
Other factors that affect cost
The cost of a patio ranges from $2,290 to $6,420, but there are other factors that can drive the price of a patio beyond that range that you should consider when planning your project.
Labor
Labor costs can significantly add to the cost of your patio project. Generally, the labor cost to install a patio ranges from $5 to $18 per square foot. Costs increase depending on the size of the patio, materials, design, and if significant site preparation is required.
Raised patio
Most patios are built to be level with the ground, but you can raise them at an additional cost if the terrain in your yard is not level. In most cases, contractors use concrete slabs as a base instead of wood. This raises the cost of a raised patio (sized 144 square feet) to about $1,040 to $8,065.
Shape
The cost of installing a patio increases if the patio is any shape other than a square or rectangle. Shapes with many curves or angles are more complicated to install, raising labor costs.
Patio upgrade
You can add some customizations to your patio to increase its usefulness and versatility. But be prepared to stretch your budget for these upgrades.
- A patio cover costs about $5 to $6 per square foot or $5,000 to $25,000.
- A hot tub costs between $9,000 and $29,250, depending on size and shape.
- A sitting wall costs $15 to $60 per square foot, or $40 to $60 per linear foot, depending on length and materials used.
- The outdoor furniture cost varies depending on how much you are willing to splurge. Most often, the cost ranges from $150 to $3,500 for a full patio set.
Patio maintenance costs
Routine maintenance and fixing minor problems as they are discovered can extend the life of your patio. Typical patio repairs cost between $700 and $2,250.
Other patio maintenance services include:
- Power washing: $225 to $350
- Resurfacing: $2.25 to $4 per square foot
- Cleaning and resealing: $300 to $500
In addition to the mentioned patio upgrades, you can add some other features and accessories to your landscape to make your outdoor living space even more comfortable.
Landscaping
You can opt for a complete landscape redesign that seamlessly incorporates your new patio. The total cost of landscaping depends on the features you want to include. On average, landscaping costs $8,700 for a whole-yard remodel.
Fire pit
Installing a fire pit on your patio creates a warm, cozy atmosphere, so you are no longer compelled to go inside on cold nights. On average, a simple fire pit costs $830 to install.
Outdoor lighting
An outdoor lighting system extends the time you can spend outdoors and transforms your backyard into a cozy place, especially at dusk. Landscape lighting costs an average of $3,500.
Pergola
A pergola is another home improvement project that expands your living space and provides more beauty and recreational opportunities for homeowners who enjoy spending time outdoors. A professionally installed pergola costs between $2,100 and $6,000.
Outdoor kitchen
With an outdoor kitchen installed along with your patio, you can try unlimited grilling recipes in your backyard. Depending on your budget and available space, an outdoor kitchen can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $20,665.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
A DIY patio will save you money on labor costs, provided you have the technical know-how. Below are the costs of the supplies it will require. However, if you lack the skill, you can hire a professional who will do the job promptly and provide you with an installation warranty.
| Materials | Cost |
| Gravel (5 tons at $17.69) | $88.45 |
| Landscape fabric | $22 |
| 48-inch edges and steel spikes | $69 |
| Paver ($16 per sq. ft x 144 sq. ft) | $2304 |
| Sand | $29 |
| Total | $2,515 |
You’ll also need to buy the following basic tools if you don’t already own them.
| Basic equipment | Cost |
| Eye protection | $11 |
| Ear protection | $3 |
| Tape measure | $16 |
| Hammer | $5 |
| Rubber mallet | $16 |
| Gloves | $12 |
| Trowel | $15 |
| Safety mask | $17 |
| Diamond blade | $20 |
| Bobcat rental | $215 per hour |
| Cordless circular saw | $350 |
| 4-6-inches level | $45 |
| Total | $745 |
At $3,260, it’s clear that building a 144-square-foot patio yourself isn’t going to save you a huge amount of money, and your work likely won’t be as solid as a professional’s. So, patio construction may be best left to the pros unless it’s a very small project.
Cost to install a patio by location
The national average cost of building a patio is not standard. Where you live can increase or decrease the overall cost of a patio. If you live in an area with a high cost living, you’ll likely pay more than the national average for both labor and materials.
In addition, if you choose a material that isn’t common in your region, you’ll have to cover shipping costs.
FAQ
How long it takes depends on size, upgrades and finishes, and weather. Still, building a patio can take 1 to 6 weeks, with small patio construction lasting for about a week and larger patios lasting between 3 and 4 weeks or longer.
No, building a new patio costs about $2,290 to $6,420; remodeling costs more, about $5,000 to $20,000 plus, depending on the type of renovation.
Concrete patios are affordable to build and durable. They last even longer when professional installation is combined with proper maintenance.
Final thoughts
Remember that you can build a new patio on a tight budget (starting as low as $820) and that this outdoor living room will always add value to your home, no matter how small.
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Main Photo by: PxHere
