Key takeaways
- Square footage and material set the starting price
- The base and edges decide how long it lasts
- Slopes, access and old slab removal add cost
- Compare bids with the same written scope
Size and material
Patio price starts with square footage, then moves with the material. Concrete pavers are usually the most affordable paver choice, clay brick and natural stone cost more, and cut stone or thick flagstone sits at the high end.
Pattern matters too. A plain running bond is quicker to lay than a herringbone or a pattern with curves and borders, and every cut adds labor.
What is under the surface
The base is where good patios and bad patios part ways. Excavation, compacted stone and a bedding layer take time and material, and they decide whether the surface stays flat for decades or settles in a few seasons.
Poor access, steep slopes, drainage problems or the removal of an old slab all add to the work, and a visit shows what applies to your yard.
Comparing bids
Ask each contractor for the same scope in writing: area, material, base depth, edge restraints, joint material, drainage, removal of old surfaces and cleanup. A lower price often leaves out base depth or edges.
Our Material Calculator and Cost Estimator show how the size, material and extras change a planning range, and a written estimate after a visit gives the real number.
Related services
Quick answers
Which patio material lasts the longest?
Brick, natural stone and quality pavers can all last for decades. How well the base is built and how well the edges hold usually matters more than the surface.
Do pavers or poured concrete cost more?
It varies with the design. Basic concrete is often less expensive up front, while pavers cost more and are easy to repair. A written estimate compares both for your yard.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.