Patio Cost Calculator

Patios add usable outdoor area at lower cost than decks for ground-level homes.

Patio sq ft

Per sq ft installed

Edging linear ft

Edging $/LF

Drainage

Total patio cost

$6,960

Surface cost

$5,600

All-in $/sf

$20

How the math works

Surface = sq ft × $/sf. Total = surface + edging + drainage.

350 × $16 + 70 × $8 + $800 = $5,600 + $560 + $800 = $6,960 patio cost.

How to Use

Enter patio sq ft.
Enter per sq ft installed.
Enter edging linear ft.
Enter edging $/lf.
Enter drainage.
Read total patio cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patio material costs?

Plain concrete: $4–10/sf. Stamped concrete: $8–18/sf. Brick paver: $10–25/sf. Concrete paver: $8–18/sf. Natural flagstone: $15–40/sf. Travertine: $14–28/sf. Slate: $14–30/sf. Permeable pavers: 20–40% premium for stormwater compliance. Site prep: $1–5/sf depending on grade work. Border/edging: $5–15/lf. Outdoor lighting: $1,500–8,000 fully integrated. Drainage: $500–3,000. Average patio: 200–500 sf.

How accurate is this estimate?

Material and labor estimates are accurate to ±15% with reasonable inputs but local market conditions vary. Major markets cost 30–60% more than rural. Labor rates regional (union vs non-union, prevailing wage). Material prices fluctuate with commodity cycles. Get 3 contractor bids for any work over $5k. This calculator is a sanity check, not a substitute for actual quotes.

DIY vs contractor?

DIY savings: 40–70% of contractor cost on labor. Realistic skill threshold: painting, basic plumbing, simple electrical, drywall, flooring. Pro required: structural, gas, complex electrical, HVAC, roofing (warranty + insurance), permits. Permitted work without license risks insurance and resale. Time: hobby DIYers 3–5x slower than pro. Tools and learning curve real.

Permit and code compliance?

Permits required for: structural changes, additions, electrical service changes, plumbing rough-in, HVAC replacement, roof replacement (varies), fence (varies). Cost: $50–2,000+ depending on scope. Skipping permit risks: stop work order, fines, forced removal, insurance denial, resale title issues. Always pull permit; cost is small relative to compliance friction.