How Much Does a Patio Cost?
Average patio installation costs for concrete, pavers, and natural stone, broken down by material and project size.
| Item / Category | Low End | Average | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poured Concrete (plain) | $6/sq ft | $10/sq ft | $15/sq ft |
| Stamped Concrete | $10/sq ft | $16/sq ft | $25/sq ft |
| Concrete Pavers | $10/sq ft | $18/sq ft | $28/sq ft |
| Brick Pavers | $12/sq ft | $20/sq ft | $30/sq ft |
| Natural Stone (flagstone) | $15/sq ft | $28/sq ft | $50/sq ft |
| Gravel Base Material | $0.50/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | $3/sq ft |
| Labor (per sq ft) | $5 | $10 | $20 |
Average Costs by Project Size
Patio costs scale with both size and material choice. A small 100 sq ft concrete patio (roughly 10x10 feet) costs $600–$1,500 for materials and $1,200–$2,500 installed. A mid-size 300 sq ft patio (a popular size for entertaining) runs $2,000–$5,000 for concrete or $3,500–$8,000 for pavers. Large patios of 500 sq ft or more cost $4,000–$10,000 for concrete and $6,000–$15,000+ for pavers or natural stone. Per-square-foot costs often decrease slightly on larger projects since site preparation and equipment costs are spread across more area.
Factors That Affect Cost
Your final patio cost depends on several important factors:
- Material choice: Plain concrete is the most affordable. Stamped concrete, pavers, and natural stone cost progressively more but offer better aesthetics.
- Patio size: Larger patios cost more overall but may have a lower cost per square foot due to economies of scale.
- Site preparation: Grading, excavation, and base material add $2–$5 per sq ft. Sloped lots or areas with poor drainage cost more to prep.
- Design complexity: Curved edges, multiple patterns, borders, and inlays add 15–30% to labor and material costs vs simple rectangular designs.
- Accessibility: If materials can't be delivered close to the build site, hand-carrying them through the yard or house adds labor costs.
- Drainage solutions: Proper grading, French drains, or channel drains may be needed, adding $500–$2,000 depending on the scope.
- Sealing and finishing: Sealant for concrete or pavers adds $1–$3 per sq ft but extends lifespan and improves appearance.
- Retaining walls or steps: If your patio site is sloped, retaining walls ($20–$50 per sq ft of wall face) or steps ($100–$300 per step) may be required.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
Patio installation is a popular DIY project, and doing it yourself can save 40–60% of the total cost. For a 300 sq ft paver patio, materials run about $1,500–$3,500 (including pavers, base gravel, sand, edge restraints, and polymeric sand). A contractor would charge $3,500–$8,000 for the same project, meaning you save $2,000–$4,500 in labor.
Paver patios are the most DIY-friendly option since there's no mixing, pouring, or timing involved. Concrete patios are more challenging for DIYers because the pour must be done quickly and finished before the concrete sets. Stamped concrete is especially difficult without experience and specialized stamps. Natural stone is labor-intensive due to irregular shapes but very forgiving of small mistakes. The most critical DIY step for any patio is proper base preparation — a well-compacted gravel base prevents settling, cracking, and drainage issues.
How to Save Money on a Patio
- Choose plain concrete or basic pavers: A simple broom-finished concrete patio or standard rectangular pavers cost half as much as stamped concrete or premium stone.
- Do the prep work yourself: Even if you hire a contractor for the finishing work, excavating and compacting the base yourself can save $500–$1,500.
- Start smaller: Build a 200 sq ft patio now and expand later. Pavers make this easy since you can add sections over time without seams.
- Shop material sales: Home improvement stores often discount pavers 20–30% during spring sales. End-of-season clearance offers even better deals.
- Use a simple layout: Rectangular designs with straight edges use less material and labor than curved or irregular shapes.
- Skip the border: Decorative border pavers add $2–$5 per linear foot. A clean edge with standard pavers looks good and costs less.
- Rent equipment: A plate compactor rental ($60–$100/day) is essential for DIY and much cheaper than hand-tamping a large area.
When to Splurge vs When to Save
Splurge on: Base preparation — this is the foundation of your patio and determines whether it stays level for decades or develops cracks and settling within a few years. Use at least 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base and 1 inch of leveling sand. Also consider spending more on material quality if the patio is large and highly visible — a well-built paver or stone patio adds significant curb appeal and can return 50–75% of its cost in home value.
Save on: Decorative extras like soldier course borders, intricate patterns, or color-matched polymeric sand that add cost without much structural benefit. Standard running bond or herringbone patterns look great and are simpler to install. You can also save on remote or less-visible patios (like a side-yard utility pad) by using plain concrete or basic pavers instead of premium materials.
Ready to Plan Your Patio?
Use our calculators to estimate materials for your patio project.
Paver Calculator → Concrete Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Plain poured concrete is the cheapest patio option, costing $6–$15 per sq ft installed or as low as $2–$4 per sq ft for DIY materials. A basic 200 sq ft concrete patio can be built for $400–$800 in materials if you do it yourself. Gravel patios are even cheaper ($1–$3 per sq ft in materials) but lack the solid, finished surface most homeowners want. For a hard-surface patio on a tight budget, broom-finished concrete is the best value.
Patio costs per square foot vary by material: plain concrete runs $6–$15/sq ft installed, stamped concrete costs $10–$25/sq ft, concrete pavers run $10–$28/sq ft, brick pavers cost $12–$30/sq ft, and natural stone (flagstone) ranges from $15–$50/sq ft. These prices include materials, base preparation, and professional installation. DIY material costs are typically 40–60% less than installed prices.
A professional crew can complete a 300 sq ft paver patio in 2–4 days, including excavation, base preparation, and paver installation. Concrete patios are poured in 1–2 days but need 3–7 days of curing time before use. DIY paver projects typically take 2–3 weekends for a 200–300 sq ft patio. The most time-consuming steps are excavation and base compaction, which account for about half the total project time.
DIY patio installation typically saves 40–60% compared to hiring a contractor. For a 300 sq ft paver patio, materials cost $1,500–$3,500 while a contractor would charge $3,500–$8,000 for the same project — a savings of $2,000–$4,500. For concrete patios, DIY savings are $1,000–$3,000. You'll need to rent a plate compactor ($60–$100/day) and possibly a small excavator ($200–$350/day) for large projects. The savings are significant but factor in your time — a DIY patio takes 2–3 weekends vs 2–4 days for pros.
Yes, a well-built patio typically returns 50–75% of its cost in added home value and can make a home sell faster. A $5,000 paver patio might add $2,500–$3,750 to your home's resale value. Patios also expand usable living space, which is attractive to buyers. The return on investment is highest for modest-size patios (200–400 sq ft) made from durable materials like concrete pavers or natural stone. An overly elaborate or expensive patio may not recoup its full cost in most markets.