Patio Cost Calculator
This free patio cost estimator prices your size, surface and features line by line, including the base that keeps it flat. Adjusted for your state.
- Prices reviewed September 2026
- Adjusted for all 50 states
- No sign-up to see your number
Step 1 of 4
Your patio
Size and site.
Labor costs differ a lot by state. This adjusts every line.
A 12 × 12 patio is 144 sq ft. A 16 × 20 is 320.
Site conditions
Estimated patio cost
$8,600
$5,500 – $11,700
How we calculate your patio cost
We price the project line by line: demolition, cabinetry or fixtures, finishes, labor, permits, and a contingency buffer. Every line has its own low and high unit price, so the range you see comes from real spread in the market, not a flat percentage. Labor is then adjusted by state, and materials move far less by location than labor does.
Unit prices are national benchmark ranges last reviewed September 2026. Treat the result as a planning number for setting a budget and judging contractor bids. It is not a quote. Read our full methodology.
What a patio estimate includes
- Excavation and compacted base
- Surface material and installation
- Grading and drainage (optional)
- Borders, seating wall, fire pit and lighting (optional)
- Sealer (optional)
What the patio estimate leaves out
- Pergola, roof or outdoor kitchen
- Retaining walls beyond the seating wall
- Irrigation or landscaping
- Furniture
Patio cost FAQs
How much does a patio cost?
Most patios cost roughly $10 to $35 per square foot installed. A 300 sq ft paver patio often lands between $6,000 and $12,000.
What is cheaper: concrete or pavers?
Poured concrete is cheaper upfront. Pavers cost more but can be repaired individually and often age better than cracked concrete.
Does the estimate include excavation and base?
Yes. Excavation and a compacted gravel base are separate lines because they are what keeps a patio from settling.
Do I need a permit for a patio?
Often not for a ground-level patio, but some cities require one, especially with walls, fire features or drainage changes. You can add a permit line in the last step.
Why does drainage matter?
Water pooling under a patio undermines the base. Choosing "Needs grading or drainage" adds the cost of fixing it first.
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