In this guide

Patio Cost per Square Foot

Patios come in a wide range of styles and materials. They can be made of gravel or poured concrete or designed with irregular flagstones in a mosaic pattern or elaborate stamped concrete designs. There is an enormous cost range for patios per square foot, with installed costs ranging from $8 to $25 a square foot. Most patios fall between $10 and $15 a square foot for average materials. The more intricate the design or more labor-intensive the layout, the higher the costs.

Patio Construction Cost by Size

Patios come in any size. They can be tiny areas large enough for a grill and a few chairs or accommodate an outdoor kitchen and living room with room for entertaining. In some cases, the space you have dictates the patio size. In others, what you intend to do there dictates the layout.

Bistro Patio Cost

A bistro patio costs between $336 and $1,050. This is a very small patio, measuring just 6’ x 7’ or 42 sq.ft. on average. It is large enough to hold a small table and is designed for small family gatherings and outdoor meals. This is a great addition if you do not have much outdoor space. It adds function and interest without taking up much room. You can use any size pavers, but smaller pavers arranged in patterns look better than larger materials.

Outdoor Sunroom Cost

An outdoor sunroom patio ranges from $1,152 to $3,600. This patio is 12’ x 12’ or 144 sq.ft. and large enough to arrange chairs for relaxing or a quiet conversation when entertaining. This patio typically has a cover. This can be a pergola ¹, pavilion, or awning. It can be screened but is typically not. This patio often uses outdoor tile or pavers for the flooring. This creates a space bridging between indoors and outdoors.

Dining Room Patio Cost

The cost of a dining room patio averages $1,344 to $4,200. Dining room patios are roughly the size of an indoor dining room. The most common measurements are 12’ x 14’ or 168 sq.ft. This patio is for dining. It can hold a full-sized table with chairs or a smaller table and chairs with additional seating. Dining room patios are usually more formal than others. Intricate paver or stamped concrete designs are common.

Living Room Patio Cost

The cost of a living room patio is between $1,728 and $5,400. Living room patios are usually about the size of an indoor living room. The most common measurements are 12’ x 18’ or 216 sq.ft. This size is large enough for various uses, and you can include a fire pit, seating areas, or a small dining area with nearby seating. This patio can include nearly any material or design, depending on your style preferences.

Living Room/Dining Room Patio Cost

The cost of a combined living room/dining room patio averages $3,456 to $10,800. This is a larger patio designed to give you space for various activities. Typical measurements are 18’ x 24’ or 432 sq.ft. This patio may not be strictly rectangular or oval but may be L-shaped or U-shaped to show the different areas distinctly. This patio can have seating, dining areas, a fire pit, or other entertainment spaces. It is large enough to add a full-sized hot tub and still has space left over for entertaining.

Outdoor Kitchen and Entertainment Patio Cost

The cost of a patio large enough to hold an outdoor kitchen and entertainment area ranges from $6,912 to $21,600. This is a large, spacious patio that can be used for several things. Typical measurements are 24’ x 36’ or 864 sq.ft. This patio can be shaped in multiple ways to designate various areas. The kitchen may be located on one side, while a fire pit, seating areas, or hot tub may be on another. It is common for this patio to have pattern changes to designate various areas and create a visual separation.

Cost to Build a Patio by Construction Type

While most people typically build their patio on the ground level outside their backdoor, this is not the only method. While ground patios are very popular, you can also build a raised patio, which elevates it slightly above the ground. This is a good choice for backyards that are not level. It can be less expensive to build a raised patio than completely leveling a yard.

Ground and raised patios can also be covered or have a roof or shade. These construction methods give your patio different looks and functions. They also have varying costs, which range depending on the material choices and style.

Cost to Build a Ground Patio

The typical ground patio costs between $1,728 and $5,400 for a 12’ x 18’ patio fully installed. This is the most common patio. It is installed on the ground in your backyard. The area is cleared and leveled, then laid with the patio material. It can be located outside your back door or a distance away, such as near a pool or other area. You must have a relatively flat area for this patio.

Raised Patio Cost

The cost to build a fully installed raised patio ranges from $2,160 to $6,696 for a 12’ x 18’ patio. On average, raised patios cost between $2 and $6 more a square foot than ground patios. A raised patio lifts the patio, sometimes with a retaining wall ² at one end or one or two surrounding rows of concrete blocks. There are many reasons why you may want to add a raised patio, from a ground that is not level to wanting to eliminate a step from the house onto the patio. You can use the same patio materials for a raised patio. The difference is that it is slightly built up so that there is a step down from the patio to the ground. If your ground is not level, you may find the patio only needs to be “raised” with a short retaining wall section at one end, while the rest can sit on the elevated section of land.

Cost to Build a Covered Patio

The average cost to build a covered patio is $3,074 to $20,196 for a 12’ x 18’ patio. Covered patios are a great way to add shade to your yard. The cover can be created in many ways, from using an awning to building a structure like a pergola or pavilion. The cover’s roof can also be made from many materials, including cloth, aluminum, insulated aluminum, and wood. This means there is a very wide range of associated costs for building a covered patio. You also have the standard costs associated with the patio.

Patio Cover Cost per Square Foot

Patio covers have a wide range of costs per square foot, from $6 to $62. Simple covers like awnings cost the least. However, your costs are significantly higher if you want a permanent structure above your patio. The cover you choose can dictate the patio material. Heavy covers need a concrete base or footers at a minimum, increasing the project’s cost. Covers can be an extension of your roof, similar to how a porch roof works, or stand-alone structures. Each construction type has attributes and costs to consider.

Patio Costs by Material

You have many flooring materials to choose from for the patio. Many are identical in durability, use, and care while looking wildly different. Some may be higher maintenance than others. Each has costs to consider for installation.

Gravel Patio Cost

The average cost to build a gravel patio is between $5 and $10 a square foot. Gravel patios are often the least expensive but require the highest maintenance. Like all patios, the area must be cleared and leveled, which accounts for a large part of the cost. Gravel is used in nearly all patios with additional material on top. If you use gravel alone, it can migrate. This means you need to refresh the amount of gravel periodically and rake it back into position.

Cost to Build a Concrete Patio

The cost to build a poured concrete patio averages $6 to $10 a square foot. Poured concrete patios are fairly common, particularly for small spaces. This is a fast-and-easy patio to build. It is also lower maintenance than gravel while remaining inexpensive. Concrete patios can be stained in different colors. They should be sealed to prevent staining.

Cost to Build a Brick Patio

The cost to build a brick patio ranges from $8 to $12 a square foot. Brick patios are not as common as pavers but can create a range of looks and styles. The bricks most commonly used are thinner than full bricks. They are laid in a bed of sand ³ and gravel with sand between the joints. Bricks weather well and are available in a range of colors and textures. You can create many designs with bricks to enhance the patio’s look.

Cost to Build a Stone Patio

The average cost to build a stone patio is between $10 and $40 a square foot. Many types of stone can be used to build a patio. This can range from loose landscaping stones to large bluestone pavers. Natural stone has variation and beauty that cannot be duplicated. This means your stone patio is unique in color, veining, and stone size and texture. This is true regardless of the stone type and if they are loose or in a paver shape.

Patio Tile Installation Cost

The cost to install a tile patio ranges from $15 to $20 a square foot. Patio tiles can be made of many materials. This includes quarry pavers, brick tiles, porcelain, and stone tile. All tiles used outdoors on a patio must be rated for outdoor use. This often means the tiles are thicker and nonporous, in the case of man-made materials. The tiles are laid in a bed of sand or gravel and usually have sand packed between the joints ⁴.

Stamped Concrete Patio Cost

The cost of a stamped concrete patio averages $15 to $30 a square foot. Stamped concrete provides the look of many materials, including pavers, stone, wood, and other looks. It is made with poured concrete that is colored and pressed with molds to resemble other materials. It is very durable and does not need joints packed with sand. This can mean it is lower maintenance long term than other materials.

Cost to Install a Flagstone Patio

The cost to install a flagstone ⁵ patio is $15 to $30 a square foot. Flagstones are large flat stone pieces. The stones’ shape and size are irregular. They must be individually fitted like a puzzle or mosaic on the patio. The joints between them must be larger to make up for the irregular edges. These joints are filled with sand for a finished appearance. Flagstones often come in several colors, sometimes within one piece, giving the patio a varied appearance.

Slate Patio Cost

The average costs of an installed slate ⁶ patio are between $15 and $40 a square foot. Slate is a unique material that naturally splits along clefts. It can be formed into precise pavers or tiles or roughly split into ungauged pieces. The machined pieces have clean edges with straight lines that are relatively easy to install. The ungauged pieces are irregular and need more installation expertise. Both are laid in a bed of sand or gravel and have sand packed between the joints.

Cost to Build a Paver Patio

The cost to build a paver patio ranges from $16 to $25 a square foot. Pavers come in a range of shapes and sizes. In the case of stone pavers, they are thicker and larger than other materials. Pavers are set in a bed of sand or gravel. Sand is pushed between the joints to fill them. With the different available paver sizes and shapes, you can lay them in different patterns and configurations. This creates various styles and appearances for a patio.

Cost to Install a Bluestone Patio

The cost to build a bluestone patio averages $18 to $24 a square foot. Bluestone pavers are large, thick, flat stone rectangles or squares. They have a rich, blue/gray color that gives them their name. The flags or pavers are very heavy and may be slightly irregular in size or shape. They are laid in a bed of sand or gravel and have sand pushed between the joints. Bluestone flags are often very large, which can give your patio a more subtle look versus smaller pavers with a busier appearance.

Labor Costs to Install Patio

The labor costs to install a patio varies depending on the material. Labor for a very basic gravel patio starts at around $4 a square foot. For a stamped concrete patio, labor costs may reach $25 a square foot. For a 12’ x 18’ patio made of pavers, the labor is roughly $1,900 to $2,000 out of the $5,400 total. The remainder is made up of the pavers, sand, gravel bed, and delivery and equipment fees.

For all patios, the ground must be cleared and leveled. This can be a very simple process or more extensive, depending on your yard, soil, and current landscaping. From here, the process changes, depending on the patio type. For gravel patios, the gravel can be put down immediately once the area is cleared. For concrete, drainage may be necessary in some cases. In others, the concrete may go down right away onto the cleared area.

In the case of any individual material, such as bricks, tiles, or pavers, a bed of gravel or sand is put down first. Then, individual materials are placed and arranged. These variations mean the labor costs range. The more involved the process, the more layers of material, the more hands-on the work is, laying individual tiles or pavers or shaping the stamped concrete, the higher the labor costs.

Patio Shapes

Patios can also be built or designed in numerous shapes, including those that work with natural features and landscaping. Some shapes are more common than others because of how pavers and other patio building materials are shaped and laid.

Squares, rectangles, and ovals are the three most common shapes you can find for standard patios. L or U-shaped patios are available for multi-use patios, particularly if they wrap another landscaping feature like a fountain, fire pit, or pool. You can also custom design your patio. This gives you a patio in any organic shape you desire, or you can find a patio that works with your yard’s natural shape and landscaping.

Patio Drainage Options Cost

Drainage is an important part of patio design. A flat patio collects water and develops issues, such as cracking or sinking. Most patios are designed to slope away from your house, which allows the water to drain naturally. If this is the case, you do not need additional drainage added, and you can install your patio right away.

However, some patios are located on landscaping that wants to drain back toward the house. In those cases, you may need to install a drain. The most common drain is a French drain ⁷. It may also be called a trench drain ⁷, tile drain, or pipe drain. It is a perforated pipe installed beneath the patio. It carries excess water away to another part of the yard, usually in a lower area away from the house. French drains require more labor, excavation, and trenching, increasing your costs regardless of the material.

Patio Lighting Cost

If you intend to use your patio in the evening and nighttime, install lighting. There are many ways to illuminate a patio. You can use outdoor landscaping lighting or specific patio lights, such as string ⁸ lights or lanterns. You may also have the option of using recessed lights if you have a covered patio, depending on the cover material.

Many people combine different lighting for the best results. You can also combine your landscaping lighting with patio lighting to light your entire yard.

Solar Patio Lights

The cost of solar lights for your patio ranges from $10 to $150. Solar lights are a great addition to patios because they do not require an electrical connection. Most can also be installed DIY, so there are no additional costs. The lights come in many varieties, from those attached to your home’s side or a pillar to those staked in the ground. Some solar lights can even be disguised as rocks so that you can hide them in your landscaping. Most solar lights come in groups so that you can purchase up to 10 at once and illuminate large areas in minutes.

Patio String Lights

String lights for a patio cost between $30 and $100. String lights are a great way of illuminating the patio and adding ambiance. They come in multiple bulb and string length sizes. You can string them along a patio cover, twist them around poles, or attach them to the house beside the patio. They can be hung in minutes by the homeowner, so they do not require professional installation. You can also find a range of colors and styles to customize and complement your patio.

Outdoor Lanterns for a Patio

The cost of outdoor lanterns for the patio averages $45 to $200. Outdoor lanterns come in a range of styles and materials. Some are designed for temporary use, but most are made to be permanent. They can be hung from a patio cover or placed on poles. They have varying degrees of brightness, and many can also accommodate smart bulbs to control brightness and use from a smartphone or smart speaker. Most lanterns require professional installation.

Recessed Patio Lights

Recessed patio lights cost between $100 and $200 for a full set of lights. To use recessed patio lights, you need a cover to accommodate them. This usually means a wooden cover or roof, but some aluminum roofs may also work. The lights are installed like indoor recessed lights. They connect together and to the same power supply. Like interior recessed lights ⁹, you have several style and color choices.

Patio Upgrades Cost

You can add to or upgrade your patio in many ways. This improves its appearance and makes it more functional. Patio upgrades include things like furniture and heaters that can be moved or used as needed, or they can include permanent additions like outdoor kitchens and hot tubs. Not every patio needs these upgrades, but many improve the way you interact with the area.

Patio Sitting Wall Cost

The cost of installing a patio sitting wall is between $40 and $60 a linear foot. Patio sitting walls are usually constructed of a similar material. If you use pavers, you can have a wall constructed of the same material as the pavers, usually slightly larger. The sitting wall usually encompasses one end of the patio and can also wrap the entire area if desired. They can separate the patio from other areas, define the space, or be used near a dining area, outdoor kitchen, or fire pit for extra seating. Because they are custom-made, the exact cost depends on the length and material.

Patio Heater Price

The cost of a patio heater averages $100 to $500. Patio heaters are a great way to extend the use of your patio into the cooler months. Patio heaters are typically tall, thin heaters that put out enough heat to adequately warm the space around them. They come in many sizes and BTUs. Larger patios may need a larger heater, or you may need to invest in two heaters to place one at either end for the best results. They can be powered by gas, propane ¹⁰, or electricity, depending on your needs and their placement.

Patio Furniture Cost

Patio furniture costs between $200 and $2,000. Patio furniture comes in many forms. It can be inexpensive plastic chairs and table sets or have elaborate upholstered couches, chairs, and glass and metal tables. When choosing a patio set, keep several things in mind. The first is: who is using it? Families with young children might want to start with cheap items and invest in higher quality later. The next is: how often is it used and in what climate? Sturdier items used year-round cost more than things you might only bring out in the warmer months.

Cost of a Patio with a Fire Pit

The cost of adding a fire pit to your patio ranges from $300 to $1,400. There are many ways to add a fire pit to your patio. You can purchase a ready-made pit made of ready-to-use metal. You can also purchase a kit and build one yourself or have a fire pit built for you. Fire pits can burn wood or use fuel from your gas line. Fire pits come in a range of sizes and styles. Consider its placement on the patio and seating and walking space around it when choosing and adding a fire pit.

Patio Walkway Cost

The cost of adding a patio walkway is between $500 and $1,000. There are many reasons why you may want to add a walkway to or from your patio. If your patio is not beside your home, you may need a way to get to it. If you have other landscaping features, you can add walkways from the patio to reach them. For example, you may want a walkway to a pool, fountain, garden, or other feature. Your walkway’s cost is determined by its length and material.

Cost to Build a Patio Roof

The cost to build a patio roof averages $2,200 to $13,500. Patio roofs are a type of patio cover. Rather than a softcover like an awning, this is a permanent hardcover closely resembling a pavilion. These roofs can be made of many materials, with wood and aluminum being the two most common. You can also build a patio roof and shingle ¹¹ it to resemble your home’s roof. All patio roofs come in a range of styles, pitches, and sizes.

Pergola Patio Cost

The average cost of a pergola ¹ ranges from $2,500 to $6,000. Pergolas add definition, style, and shade to your patio. Depending on the pergola you choose, you can have louvered slats that add varying amounts of shade, sailcloth, vines, or even UV-blocking plexiglass on top. The pergola can be built of many materials, including wood, aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl. Pergolas are completely open on the sides so that they add shade without enclosing your patio. They can be freestanding or attached to your home.

Outdoor Patio with a Hot Tub

The cost of a hot tub for your patio is between $4,000 and $8,500. Hot tubs come in several shapes, sizes, and styles. Add one on your patio where it can be easily wired to your home’s electrical supply. Ensure it is large enough to comfortably seat your family and guests and have enough space on the patio to move around it. Hot tubs come in a wide range of materials, so you can easily match the appearance to the rest of your patio and landscaping. They can also be added at any time, provided you have the space.

Outdoor Kitchen and Patio

The average cost of adding an outdoor kitchen to your patio ranges from $7,000 to $20,000. Outdoor kitchens add function to your patio area. They are great for entertaining and prevent children and guests from constantly entering and exiting the house during the warmer months. Outdoor kitchens come in many shapes and sizes. They can be simple and have only a few appliances or fully fitted to include barbecues or pizza ovens. They can be built of the same material as your patio for a cohesive look.

Deck vs Patio

Both decks and patios often serve the same functions. They are places for recreation and relaxation and gathering places for families and friends. Decks tend to be elevated, while patios are usually at ground level. Decks are also more expensive than patios, costing $5,000 to $15,000, while patios cost between $2,000 and $8,000. Patios tend to be slightly more accessible for those using the yard. However, decks are easier to access for those inside the house on an upper floor. Both can enhance your home and home’s value, with the ultimate choice coming down to personal preference.

Patio vs Porch

Patios and porches are sometimes used in similar ways, but porches are more different than decks and patios. While patios can be covered, this is not necessary for their use or function, and they can be covered with many methods and materials. Porches are always covered with a roof extending from the house. Porches are located on the front of the house and may wrap around to the sides. Patios are typically located on the back of the house. While porches can be used for entertaining and relaxing, they are also used to add curb appeal and create a welcoming area for guests. Patios are not seen from the street and do not create curb appeal. Porches are much more expensive, with an average cost of $12,000 to $30,000.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Cost to Extend a Roof over a Patio

You can extend your home’s roof over your patio. This costs an average of $4 a board foot for the framing, plus the cost of the shingles and their installation, which comes to around $3 to $5 a square foot for standard asphalt shingles. The exact cost depends on the roof’s shape, size, and materials.

Sundek Patio Cost

You can have your concrete patio resurfaced and protected by Sundek. This colors and seals the concrete for a new look and extends its life. The cost of a Sundek patio usually ranges from $850 to $3,500.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Pergola: An arched structure with an open roof and cross rafters, supported by posts or columns, typically installed in a garden, park, or backyard and usually covered with climbing plants or vines.

² Retaining wall: A structure used to support vertical slopes of earth or to hold back water

³ Sand: Process of removing the top surface of a material, such as wood, using sandpaper and/or a specialized sanding machine (for large surface areas)

⁶ Slate: A fine-grained rock, typically bluish-gray in color, that can easily be split into thin layers and is commonly used as a roofing material

⁷ Trench drain: (Also known as French drain) An outdoor buried drain line that leads water away from the house. Water runs through a trench filled with gravel into a perforated pipe underneath, which leads the water downhill to a safe area

¹⁰ Propane: A hydrocarbon gas used as a common fuel source

¹¹ Shingle: A smooth, uniform, flat piece of construction material, available in a wide variety of materials and laid in a series of overlapping rows, used to cover the outside of roofs or walls to protect against weather damage and leaks.