How Much Does it Cost to Build a Patio: Sit Here
I guess the title does sorta promise you we’ll figure out how much it cost to build a patio, doesn’t it? The answer will depend on several things.
So, What Is the Price Of Building a Patio?
Here’s what goes into determining how much it cost to build a patio:
- Your Materials
- The Land Underneath
- Size and Design (of the Patio)
- Accessories (Fire Pits, Furniture, Etc.)
- Where You Live
What Materials Will You Use?
There are endless options, and advantages and disadvantages to each. Here are the four most popular general categories from which you’ll likely be choosing:
Gravel
This is the least expensive option and offers substantial versatility as well. You can often install it yourself without the need for heavy equipment or any particular expertise. It’s easy to add stepping stones or borders or other touches to class up the look a bit or keep things simple just by maintaining clean lines with the grass or other surfaces.
It goes without saying that it works for pretty much any shape or size as well. You don’t even have to cut it.
Concrete
This offers substantial versatility as well. Although more expensive than gravel, it’s still relatively affordable in most places and gives a more intentional and substantive look to your project. It’s easy to maintain and readily available, although I highly recommend having a professional do the actual installation, even if you’re doing some or all of the other work yourself.
Concrete can be fancied up a bit without too much trouble – decorative stamps or colors can be added, and like gravel, it’s easy to accessorize. It adds a lot of value while only moderately increasing the cost to build a patio.
Pavers
These are essentially decorative bricks that are intended to be installed in specific patterns. They come in a range of styles and materials and you can usually find quite a few varieties at any local hardware or landscaping store.
They’re slightly more expensive than concrete but far more decorative. They do require annual maintenance – sealer and polish designed specifically for such things – but they’re otherwise not particularly difficult to care for. Be aware that they come in different “grades,” like indoor carpeting. Higher grades are expected to hold their color and texture for longer periods and in tougher conditions, but of course, that impacts the cost to build a patio with such durability and style.
Flagstone
This refers to pretty much any stone cut into layers and laid out in interlocking shapes. The fancy name reflects the luxurious nature of this option, easily the most expensive but also one of the most appealing of materials for a truly highbrow patio.
Flagstone usually requires professional installation, and the nature of the designs and the time required to lay them out properly contribute to the high cost. Once installed, however, they’re quite durable and need only be swept from time to time and treated with sealer annually.
Like pavers, grading varies widely. The most expensive options should be the most durable, but ask your local professionals about their experiences with the specific options available in your area and how they’ve fared in your particular environment and local weather conditions.
Is the Land Level?
If your land requires leveling (with a slight intentional slope) – a process they call “grading” – this will add to the cost of the project. Grading is essential for stability, of course, but also for proper drainage away from the patio and away from your home.
Grading may require adding or removing soil or other materials. If the changes are substantial, there may be local building codes that apply – and you know how the city is about these things. Check out local requirements before beginning!
Size & Design
This is self-explanatory, I assume. Bigger and fancier equals more expensive. It might also equal way cooler, however, so there’s that.
Accessories
You can probably figure out accessories as well. This can cover everything from a pergola to a fire pit to some simple furniture and an upside-down bucket as a side table. It’s up to you what goes WITH your new patio, just remember that these choices will impact your cost to build a patio.
Where You Live
Materials and labor, like so many things, vary with location. It’s part of that whole “cost of living” thing we hear about when discussing housing prices or the job market in different regions. As a broad range, a decent patio is likely to cost somewhere between $3,000 - $5,500 – although those aren’t hard limits either way.
Obviously, the more work you do yourself, the lower the cost. The better the materials you choose, the more it will cost to build a patio. It’s all about finding the best balance for your situation.
Home Advisor has the coolest little estimator service you can utilize, which considers your ZIP code along with some of your options as you build. It’s certainly worth checking out.
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Why Build a Patio?
It’s possible you’ve had to answer this several times, even if the explanation seems so obvious to you. Chances are, whoever’s asking it is worried about the cost, the logistics, the upkeep – maybe even the quality of the final product.
It might not hurt to step back and ask yourself what you’re really hoping for out of a new patio. The answer will largely determine not only IF you build, but WHAT you build, and HOW. Only then can you put together an estimate of what it might cost to build a patio.
Visions of Outdoor Relaxation
There’s something inherently American about the outdoors, even if our surroundings are more “suburban” than “untamed wilderness.” We love to picture ourselves watching the sunrise while sipping our coffee or set while sampling craft beer. There may be reading involved or flirtatious laughter with someone special.
It’s an image exploited by endless commercials and print ads, suggesting that whether or not it’s who we really are, it’s some part of who we’d like to think we can be. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that – it’s not a bad reason for wanting to build a patio or anything else. We should, however, consider just how realistic it is in our circumstances, with our lifestyle, in our neighborhood or other living space, before talking too seriously about the logistics and what it cost to build a patio like the one in our visions (and beer commercials).
Entertaining Friends
It’s almost difficult to imagine a new patio without a fancy grill, isn’t it? A backyard patio can be especially effective at giving you living and entertaining space without expanding your indoors. It’s more relaxing when there’s food being passed around on paper plates or drinks being left in precarious positions, and even boisterous get-togethers seem less rowdy when half the crowd is outside.
Just make them bring some of the food, and maybe a few extra bags of ice.
Adding Value to Your Home
This isn’t usually the primary reason you consider adding a patio, but it’s worth considering. If you ever decide to sell your home, those same visions of outdoor relaxation and successful entertaining will tickle the imaginations of many potential buyers. That means better offers and happier moving.
You might want to freshen up the finish or paint and sweep off those leaves first, though.
How Will You Build Your Patio?
At some point, you’ll need to nail down the size, materials, and design specifics, but first comes a bigger question. Who’s going to do the actual building?
One option, of course, is to do it yourself. If all goes well, this gives you the most flexibility at the lowest possible cost to build a patio. This certainly feels the most emotionally satisfying, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a great idea. It may look easy enough to cut some wood, measure some steps, and throw on some stain, but a quality patio is a sophisticated piece of construction and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
If you’re legitimately qualified to take on a task like this, by all means – have at it and have fun. I’ve known married couples who find stuff like this “romantic” and swear it helps them “bond.” More power to them – seriously. It’s just that I’ve known MORE couples who end up fighting for three days over how to do X or what to do next about Y and end up leaving a thousand dollars worth of materials in the yard over the winter until half of it’s not usable anymore and they have no choice but to get a divorce and fight over who gets the toolbox.
OK, it’s not usually THAT extreme, but you get my point. If you want to do something fun but challenging together as a couple to strengthen your relationship, have a baby or go into the mission field together or something. Building a patio can be stressful.
Another option is to find someone locally who knows about such things and trust them the same way you would if you were building a home or remodeling inside. They’ll advise you on materials and logistics, then hire the right people for each step of the process.
This may be less expensive than simply hiring a company that builds patios, but it comes with greater risks. While most contractors are decent, hard-working people who want to do right by you, there are too many horror stories to completely ignore. If you go this route, do your best to find someone with a strong, positive local reputation.
It might be worth looking at a slightly higher cost to build a patio that comes with a stronger guarantee of your satisfaction.
This option usually represents a higher initial cost to build a patio, but also offers the greatest security. By going with a name-brand company (someone with their own vans, an actual storefront, and history in the area of happy customers, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance of ending up with a porch like the one in your vision. You’re also taking the safest route to a porch likely to increase the value of your home.
Experienced specialists can also offer you insights and advice you may not even realize you need regarding materials, location, and other logistics from the outset. Most importantly, they should be able to give you a solid estimate of the cost and time frame, along with whatever guarantee they offer on everything they do.
Yes, that runs up the cost to build a patio, but if you can manage it, it might just be worth it.
How Can I Afford a Patio?
You may be wondering at this point if you can even manage the cost to build a patio, no matter how appealing your vision or what it would add to the value of your home. While it’s important to consider the cost vs. the benefit, there’s no reason to be discouraged if it’s still something you really want to do. There are several ways to approach funding your project – especially if you start now.
Create and Use a Household Budget
We’ve talked about this elsewhere, and it’s something I’ll keep harping on to anyone who’ll listen. The number one way to take control of our financial lives and maximize what we’re able to have and do over time is also the most basic – keep track of bills and payments. It’s one thing when we simply can’t afford what we owe; it’s another when we’re simply unorganized.
Cut Expenses
Most of us don’t actually do everything we could be doing to shave our monthly expenses. Like seeing a dime on the sidewalk and not bothering to pick it up, we may not think the effort is worth it.
Consider a Savings Account
Maybe shaving a few dollars off of one bill isn’t life-changing, but saving a little money on many different things over time can be. It can also be the beginning of your special savings account for the cost to build a patio!
Here Are Just a Few Ideas On How To Reduce Your Spending
RenegotiateYour Credit Card Interest Rates
If the card you have won’t work with you, actively look for a new card with better rates, and transfer your balance.
Refinance Your Mortgage
Depending on when you first financed your home and what sorts of terms you received, this can be a major money-saver in a relatively short amount of time.
Revisit Your Subscriptions
This includes cell phone, cable TV, and other subscription plans. Most of the major companies have an entire department devoted to “please don’t cancel!” While you don’t want to be disingenuous about the purpose of your call, don’t be afraid to talk about cutting some of the features you currently pay for in order to save money or switching providers altogether. You’ll probably find they have a sudden interest in cutting you a deal.
Change Your Insurance
Reconsider your home and auto insurance, and anything else you have packaged with them. Much like with credit cards or cable, insurance is a competitive business and if they want to keep your business, they might be willing to get creative.
Save on Utilities
Do the little things to shave monthly utility costs. Close curtains. Turn off the lights. Get a programmable thermostat. Unplug appliances. That kind of thing.
Consolidate Bills
Consolidate bills for a lower monthly payment and lower interest. If you have outstanding debts that you can’t ever quite seem to pay off, a personal loan for bill consolidation might be a game-changer.
Cancel Stuff You Are Not Using or Don’t Really Need
Let’s be honest – if you keep finding excuses not to go to that gym, or keep meaning to read those magazines but rarely get around to them, you can probably do without. And don’t even get me started on all those ‘recurring billing’ things you’ve set up on your credit cards then forgotten about!
Find the Right Personal Loan
Of course, the other option for covering the cost to build a patio is to borrow the money. You may be able to secure promising terms through a home equity loan or other secured personal loans. Or, you may have a pretty good credit score and find any number of lenders – in town or online – ready to compete for your business.
Whatever your credit history and financial circumstances, however, chances are good there are lenders out there who specialize in situations just like yours. This isn’t your father’s savings and loan – it’s the 21st century.
To Sum up
It’s up to you what sort of patio you build. It’s entirely your decision about what to pay and how to finance it. We are, however, happy to help if you choose to ask us. Plus, we’re kinda hoping you’ll invite us to your first outdoor get together. Is that a new grill? Excellent!