You have a lot of materials as options for your patio. If you’re dreaming of the new summer smells wafting out of the grill with your bosom buddies laughing around the table, then it’s time to build a patio. Patios are for families, as it’s where your kids can make s’mores using the fire pit. But if your patio is poorly built, then none of these will happen. 

A nicely built patio adds value to your landscaping and enhances your home’s curb appeal. Once you have determined how you plan to use the patio, a landscaping specialist can help you determine the correct size and material to use, as well as where to install it.  

Homeowners usually select from 4 materials, such as pavers, concrete, gravel, and flagstone. No two works are the same, so the cost of materials may also vary, depending on what you selected and where you’re located. 

The Cost of Patio Installation 

Determine your budget before speaking to a professional patio builder. Many people don’t know how much things cost, and that’s okay. The solution is to talk to someone whom you trust to assess the project. When preparing for a patio construction project, request the patio contractor to completely explain to you the entire process. If the patio is incorrectly prepared, then your backyard may shift or sink. Weeds may also sprout everywhere.  

The two most important parts of the project are base preparation and drainage construction. If you fail to get those things right, it’s better not to install a patio at all. You may just be ruining your home. Some patio projects are not suited for a certain type of soil. For starters, it’s not advisable to install paver patios in areas where the soil always shifts. For these areas, flagstones are highly recommended because they don’t have to interlock with each other. As such, they won’t shift or crack in the way that pavers and concrete do, respectively. 

Take to different providers to give you a quote on the prices of materials for your patio project. Ask about the estimated average cost of installing a new regular-sized patio. Tell them to include the charges in case there’s a need for demolition. Here’s an estimate: 

1. Flagstone  

Flagstone costs around $20 per square foot. A regular-sized patio may cost you some $3,000 or more. Flagstones are natural stones that require a slab of concrete underneath it. Its maintenance includes sealing every two years. However, the mortar may pop out from its joints after 10 years or so.  

2. Paver  

Paver patios may cost $15 each square foot. So, expect to pay more than $2,100 for the patio. Pavers are installed by reassembling bricks. This patio can only be installed in a soil that doesn’t shift. Maintenance includes touching up, adding polymeric sand, and sealing every three years.  

3. Concrete 

Concrete patios cost around $11 for each square foot. You may have to pay around $1,600 for a regular-sized patio. A concrete patio can be brushed or stamped, depending on the decorative option that you want. Maintenance involves sealing after three years. If the concrete cracks, then it may or may not be repaired anymore.