How Much Does a Patio Cost to Build and Install? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $2,028 - $6,018
The average patio costs $3,950
to build, but depending on the size, materials, and more, you could pay anywhere between $800
and $14,000
.
Building a patio costs $3,950
on average, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $2,028
and $6,018
. A patio makes your backyard summer-ready, with room for outdoor gatherings or lounging in the sun. Want to plan your patio budget? This guide will show you how much patio installation costs, from the first paver or square foot of concrete to add-on luxury features.
Patio Cost Factors
Your overall patio cost depends on several factors. There’s no cut-and-dry price, though a local patio builder should be able to give you a detailed quote. The patio’s design and the materials you use will have the largest impact.
Size
To install a patio and increase your home's curb appeal, expect to pay an average of $5 per square foot for a basic patio and $50 per square foot for a high-end model. As such, the bigger the patio, the more it’s going to cost.
A small 7-foot-by-7-foot bistro patio will almost always cost significantly less than a large dining patio made from the same material. If you plan on putting furniture on your patio, make sure you leave a 3-foot clearance so people can walk through without feeling crowded.
Patio Size | Square Footage | Average Cost Range |
---|---|---|
Small | 49 | $250–$2,500 |
Medium | 144 | $750–$7,200 |
Large | 400+ | $2,000–$20,000 |
Location
Your patio location will factor into your concrete patio cost. It’ll be more expensive to build in an inaccessible area by wheelbarrow, for instance. Certain areas may require a concrete pump truck, which costs $125 to $200 per hour to rent.
Where you live will also impact the price of your patio. Regions with a higher cost of living and higher demand for outdoor space will likely increase your bill.
Removing the Old Patio
Budget between $2 and $6 per square foot for old concrete removal costs, including demolition and disposal. Consider hiring a local concrete removal professional if you’re replacing old slabs that have seen better days. You will likely save money by asking your contractor to factor in this work as part of the new patio installation.
Removing an old patio yourself is worth considering if you’re on a tight budget. It isn’t a DIY task that requires complex technical know-how, but it is labor-intensive.
Prep
There’s nothing worse than pooling water on the surface of your newly installed patio, which can lead to costly water damage and shorten your patio’s life span. That’s why it’s essential to level the ground properly before pouring concrete or laying pavers. We strongly recommend that you hire a professional to grade the land adequately, make any necessary modifications to drainage, and prepare the substrate.
Depending on the state of the landscape before the patio installation, this can be a straightforward or sizable undertaking. The average cost to level a lawn for a patio is $500 to $1,000, but the total can reach as high as around $5,000 if you have a heavily sloped plot or severe drainage problems.
Ground-Level or Elevated
Patio installation costs are significantly higher for elevated patios because they’re more complex to build. Though ground patios are the most popular option, a raised patio is a great solution if you want your patio to be level with your door or your house is built on a slope.
Given the additional work that’s required to install an elevated patio, you’re likely looking at a price of between $10 and $85 per square foot for a raised patio, which is $5 to $35 more expensive per square foot than a ground-level patio of the same material. For a 10-foot by 10-foot patio, you could end up paying $3,500 more if you want an elevated surface.
Permits
Even if it’s a DIY patio, you’ll still need to get the proper clearance from your local municipality for the job. Building permits cost between $50 and $200 for your patio, if required.
Not all areas require building permits for patios, so it’s best to check your local codes before diving into the project. You should also note that certain patio materials generally don’t require permits, like pavers and stones that aren’t attached to a concrete slab. A concrete patio is considered a permanent land improvement, and will almost always require a permit.
Shape
Any shape deviation from a standard square or rectangle patio will increase your project costs. These custom shapes require more work (i.e., more labor) and sometimes even specialized materials. Pavers are a great option for curved or circular patios because as long as you have the right size, you can arrange them without much customization. Still, though, cutting the pavers to the proper shape will increase your costs a bit.
Labor Costs
Labor costs around $5 to $20 per square foot for patio installation, and it typically accounts for 50% of your patio project. Your project cost can vary due to slopes, removal of an existing patio, or even having an area that needs extra preparation before the pros can start their installation process.
Cost to Build a Patio by Type of Material
Material | Average Lifespan (Years) | Average Cost (Sq. Ft) |
---|---|---|
Brick pavers | 25–35 | $8–$25 |
Concrete | 30–50 | $3–$8 |
Gravel | 50+ | $1–$4 |
Permeable Pavers | 25-35 | $10–$30 |
Stone/Flagstone | 40–50 | $3–$35 |
Depending on your material, you can build a patio for as low as $1 per square foot or as much as $35 or more per square foot.
Prices range for each material, and costs can vary considerably. Keep in mind that patio materials are heavy and can be costly to move, making locally-sourced materials more affordable than their counterparts.
Brick Pavers
The cost of building a brick paver patio typically ranges from $8 to $25 per square foot. Brick patios are not as common but have a distinct style some can’t resist. The bricks lay on sand and gravel, which helps stabilize the pavers and provide good drainage. They're durable, come in various colors and textures, and create unique and elegant designs.
Concrete
Concrete slabs cost around $3 to $8 per square foot, depending on the slab type and thickness. Concrete is a popular choice for patios because it’s inexpensive, durable, and low maintenance. It comes in two options: poured concrete or stamped concrete.
The total cost of building a poured concrete patio ranges from $1,600 to $4,200, including materials and labor. In comparison, the price of stamped concrete patios ranges from $2,700 to $6,220.
Gravel
The average cost for building a gravel patio ranges from $1 to $4 per square foot. Gravel patios are one of the least-expensive options but require the most maintenance. Most homeowners find them the least attractive, as well. You can install a gravel patio alone or with other materials, such as concrete, and you can use it for a large or small patio.
Natural Stone/Flagstone
Building new patios with natural stone can cost $3 to $35 per square foot. Flagstone pricing depends on the type of flagstone and your personal preference. The stones are cut in different colors and sizes, creating a mosaic design to ensure every flagstone patio looks unique and beautiful.
Permeable Pavers
The cost to build a permeable paver patio is around $10 to $30 per square foot. Permeable pavers are a sustainable material and provide a rustic feel. While these pavers have a higher upfront cost than other patio options, they hold up well in high-traffic areas, and are ideal in areas where excessive rainfall or flooding are issues.
Ongoing Patio Costs
You will have to maintain your patio to preserve its longevity—and eventually, all patios will need repairs. It’s best to tackle small cracks quickly before they evolve into a larger issue. When in doubt, call a patio repair company near you. Here’s what you can expect in terms of ongoing costs.
Cleaning and Resealing
The cost of cleaning and resealing pavers is typically around $500. With the exception of gravel, you’ll likely need to reseal any patio material every two to three years to protect it from the elements.
You can lower cleaning costs by completing the job yourself. A stiff-bristle brush and broom (which works wonders on a paver patio) only costs around $50, but you may also want to rent a power washer.
Power Washing
The cost of pressure washing a patio is $100 to $650, depending on the square footage of the area. Pressuring washing your patio will help remove stains and caked-on dirt you can’t remove otherwise. It’s also a necessary step before resealing.
Resurfacing
On average, the cost of resurfacing concrete is $3 to $5 per square foot or $7 to $20 per square foot for stamped or decorative concrete. Resurfacing can help refresh any type of paved patio that’s seen better days. It costs less than a full-on replacement, but your patio will get a full refresh.
Patio Repairs
Most homeowners spend around $700 to $2,250 or $3 to $30 per square foot on patio repairs. This price range includes everything from patching potholes and filling in cracks to replacing pavers and lifting sinking concrete. Expect to make repairs every five to ten years.
Property Taxes
If you’re installing a concrete patio or are using another material that your municipality deems a “permanent foundation,” you might want to consider the impact it will have on your property taxes. The total increase in taxes isn’t going to be enormous, but plan on spending a bit more over time on any patio that bumps up your taxes.
Common Patio Installation Add-Ons
A patio is a great foundation (literally), but what makes your outdoor space come to life is the number of added details and extras you choose for your space.
Built-in Firepit
To warm up your chilly outdoor nights, the cost to install a firepit can range from $300 to $3,000, depending on its size and style. A firepit built into your deck or the ground will cost more than an above-ground firepit you can place on top of your patio.
Patio Roof
A patio roof costs anywhere between $5,000 and $25,000 or more, depending on the material quality. To protect your furniture during the sizzling hot summers or downpours, adding a roof over your patio is an excellent idea.
The roof comes in soft materials (think an awning) or a hardcover such as wood, aluminum, or shingle. A stand-alone patio cover like a pergola costs about $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the size and the material. As for other materials, such as in the case of steel, you’ll pay $300 to $1,500. Wood will cost around $2,500 to $4,000, and vinyl or aluminum runs from $800 to $2,000.
Pool or Hot Tub
For throwing the best summer parties, pool installation costs an average of $50,000. While installing a pool means digging in the ground, hot tubs usually sit on top of the ground, costing $2,000 to $35,000. The cost will depend on the shape and size, as well as the complexity needed to attach the water supply and electrical wiring.
Landscaping
Landscaping will cost anywhere from $1,400 to $5,300. If you’re looking to bring even more new life into your outdoor area, you might want to consider landscaping the area once the patio installation wraps up.
Lighting
Landscape lighting costs around $300 to $1,400, depending on the extent of the wiring. While you could opt for solar lights in some areas, it’s best to have a combination of the two types. Consider choosing a steady power supply in the most important areas, like near stairs or unlevel areas, and solar lights for mood lighting or non-essential areas.
Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens cost approximately $5,500 to $22,000, but don’t get too attached to these numbers, as it could be higher or lower depending on your design, features, and size. Outdoor kitchens are excellent for cooking for large groups or even cooking your favorite dish while you enjoy some fresh air. There’s a wide range of outdoor kitchen designs that will mostly come down to budget.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Patio Yourself?
For a DIY patio job, you’ll pay around $1 to $35 per square foot for materials. You’ll save around 50% of the cost that’s typically spent on labor—but only if you do the job correctly and don’t need a pro to come in and fix any mistakes.
Gravel is the simplest DIY material, but pavers are more involved. If you’re handy, you can install a paver patio in a few hours.
It’s important to prepare and level the yard beforehand—and leveling makes up a large portion of the cost. Contact a landscape grading company near you if you need help. In most cases, it’s best to hire a paver installation company near you to save you time and elbow grease.
How to Save Money on Patio Installation Costs
We all want to save as much money as possible. Here are a few ways you can save money on your patio installation costs.
Clear a Path to the Site: Remove any fences, furniture, or plants on your own so you don’t have to pay your concrete contractor to do it. This is especially true if you want to save any plants or fencing for reinstallation after the project is complete.
Do as Much Prep as Possible: Removing sod or old decking or pavers can save you anywhere from $1 to $5 per square foot. Just make sure to find out how thick a concrete patio should be and how thick the base material needs to be as well. But if you live in an area with a lot of clay, you’ll definitely want to have the concrete company do the excavation, as digging clay can be like trying to shovel cured concrete.
Bundle Different Concrete Projects Into One Job: Combining smaller concrete projects into a single job can save you money compared to doing each project individually. Adding a concrete walkway is likely to reduce the overall price per square foot. While you’re at it, add that driveway extension, an approach to your shed, a pad for your AC unit, or a hot tub. Be sure to discuss your options with a concrete patio company near you.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 30,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average patio takes anywhere from 30 to 50 hours to build, including leveling the ground and paving the patio. If you’re doing the work yourself, you might want to plan on spending significantly more time, especially if you don’t have all the equipment or experience. After completing your patio build, consider hiring a pro to prepare the patio for spring.
A 20-foot by-20-foot brick paver patio typically costs between $3,200 and $20,000. Standard concrete pavers are less expensive, and brick pavers are on the high end of the patio material costs. Your price could be even higher if you choose permeable pavers to stand up to particularly rainy conditions or potential floods.
Decks are generally more expensive to build because they require elevating and railings. The difference between decks and patios is that decks are elevated, while patios are usually on the ground level. Plus, decks are usually made of wood and need more maintenance than most patios. However, decks and patios serve the same purpose, providing outdoor space for you to enjoy.
If you want to build a farmer’s porch as opposed to a patio with two steps because you love the laid-back country look of a farmer’s porch, you can expect to pay between $8,000 and $42,000. The same dimensions with three steps will cost between $9,400 and $52,000. If you opt for a three-step style, the steps typically run entirely along three sides.