Was this guide helpful to you?
How much does it cost to build a patio?
A patio can be made from many different materials including stone, pavers, and concrete. For this discussion we will look at the requirements and costs associated with the installation of a 192 square foot (12'x16') concrete patio. Of many home improvement projects, a patio installation is one considered to usually be a "DIY" project, but the scope of this particular design might require professionals to get the job done. After all, it is difficult to imagine handling the 200+ bags of Pre-Mix concrete that would be required for a patio of this size or the lifting of the hundreds of pounds of gravel that must be used as the base.
Cost breakdown
For the patio installation, the typical costs include:
- According to PaveTech, the average concrete patio will cost around $700 using pavers and doing all of the work independently. When professional concrete contractors and excavators are used the costs will obviously climb substantially. Traditionally, a patio at the size mentioned will cost roughly $2,000 to $4,000. The resale value of this update would hold at the high-end of $3,200, or an 80% return on investment.
- The above figures place the patio installation at $21 per square foot. This pricing structure assumes that masons, excavators and carpenters will charge an average of $70 per hour.
Enhancement and improvement costs
- Upgrading quality of materials, especially where concrete is concerned can often yield a much longer life span on the patio. This could mean a concrete with a "fiber mesh 1" added to the mixture, or one that has colored stones added for visual appeal instead. Some contractors will even reinforce a patio slab with "rebar 2" for longevity.
- Consider inquiring about "stamped" concrete if you want a textured or patterned look to the patio. This can give the concrete the look of stone, pavers, or bricks.
Additional considerations and costs
If you are going to work with a contractor it is completely acceptable to ask for at least four different bids from different groups. This is going to give a very accurate idea of the total costs and the level of control you will have over project.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Fiber mesh: Synthetic fibers mixed in with cement to help hold it together as it dries
2 Rebar: A mesh or bar made of alloy, used in construction projects to reinforce concrete
How much does it cost to build a patio in my city?
Cost to build a patio varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Labor cost by city and zip code
Compared to national average-14%
+2%
+13%
+11%
-9%
+24%
+10%
+13%
-14%
+32%
-1%
+6%
+40%
+7%
-3%
+5%
-15%
+8%
+10%
-11%
-7%
+5%
-6%
+13%
-14%
-7%
+38%
0%
+23%
-5%
-9%
+11%
-18%
+24%
+6%
+23%
-1%
+4%
+7%
+26%
+2%
+11%
-18%
-15%
-43%
+1%
+12%
+25%
-6%
-23%
Labor cost in your zip code
