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Where to Invest and Save on a New Patio
Learn how different choices can give you a patio you’ll love that also suits your needs and means
As you embark on your patio project, you may realize how quickly costs (and important decisions surrounding them) can add up. To help you navigate this journey, we asked landscape pros on Houzz to share their advice on where you might want to invest in your project and where you can save — all while making your dream patio a reality.
Algozzini and Strite also suggest considering phasing your project as a way to help manage patio costs. “If you’re phasing a project, do the preparations for future additions ahead of time, such as running pipes and electrical and sinking piers for posts,” Algozzini says. At the same time, Arnold cautions homeowners that costs will probably continue to increase, so that may affect what project parts you want to delay.
What to Know About Adding a Patio
What to Know About Adding a Patio
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Let Houzz find the best pros for you
Patio Infrastructure
What lies beneath a patio, or what Algozzini refers to as “the unseen pieces in a landscape,” is equally as important as the patio surface itself. A strong infrastructure will ensure that your patio remains stable. While it’s tempting to try to save some money here, this is a place where it makes sense to invest, even if the work is not obvious when the patio is finished.
Infrastructure costs will vary. The largest factor will be the type of paving you choose. Ask your landscape designer and construction crew for recommendations for base materials. “Wet-set stone veneer patios are installed on a pre-constructed 4-inch-minimum concrete slab,” Strite says. Other materials may be set over aggregate bases, usually crushed stone or crushed concrete.
Your climate also will play a role. In warm-winter areas, a patio will not need as much support. If your area has cold winters, you’ll have to take into account the depth to which the ground will freeze in winter, along with heaving or other issues. A concrete patio also will need rebar reinforcements.
Stormwater management, which includes grading and drainage, is a mitigating factor for every patio and might require engineering help. “It’s a component that’s critical to high function and comfort,” Algozzini says. The understructure of your patio should be designed to route water away from the house, whether into the yard, an underground cache or storm drains.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
What lies beneath a patio, or what Algozzini refers to as “the unseen pieces in a landscape,” is equally as important as the patio surface itself. A strong infrastructure will ensure that your patio remains stable. While it’s tempting to try to save some money here, this is a place where it makes sense to invest, even if the work is not obvious when the patio is finished.
Infrastructure costs will vary. The largest factor will be the type of paving you choose. Ask your landscape designer and construction crew for recommendations for base materials. “Wet-set stone veneer patios are installed on a pre-constructed 4-inch-minimum concrete slab,” Strite says. Other materials may be set over aggregate bases, usually crushed stone or crushed concrete.
Your climate also will play a role. In warm-winter areas, a patio will not need as much support. If your area has cold winters, you’ll have to take into account the depth to which the ground will freeze in winter, along with heaving or other issues. A concrete patio also will need rebar reinforcements.
Stormwater management, which includes grading and drainage, is a mitigating factor for every patio and might require engineering help. “It’s a component that’s critical to high function and comfort,” Algozzini says. The understructure of your patio should be designed to route water away from the house, whether into the yard, an underground cache or storm drains.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Paving
The paving you choose will set the tone and style of your patio, so investing a good portion of your budget on something you like makes sense. You needn’t opt for the most expensive options to get a high-end look and feel, however. Many of the lower-priced paving materials may even be a better fit overall. “Choices of patio surfaces have come a long way in my 30-year building career,” Strite says.
Natural stone is a classic and long-lasting material that works well with almost any home and landscape design, and is generally the most expensive paving option. Bluestone, limestone and sandstone are popular choices as well.
Locally sourced stone might be more economical than you would expect — and also more environmentally friendly, as it would travel a shorter distance to reach your project site than a nonlocal stone would. You also can incorporate stone as a special feature mixed with lower-priced materials.
The paving you choose will set the tone and style of your patio, so investing a good portion of your budget on something you like makes sense. You needn’t opt for the most expensive options to get a high-end look and feel, however. Many of the lower-priced paving materials may even be a better fit overall. “Choices of patio surfaces have come a long way in my 30-year building career,” Strite says.
Natural stone is a classic and long-lasting material that works well with almost any home and landscape design, and is generally the most expensive paving option. Bluestone, limestone and sandstone are popular choices as well.
Locally sourced stone might be more economical than you would expect — and also more environmentally friendly, as it would travel a shorter distance to reach your project site than a nonlocal stone would. You also can incorporate stone as a special feature mixed with lower-priced materials.
Brick, clay and concrete pavers are less expensive than natural stone but also quite versatile and durable. And they work with almost any style of home and landscape. “Nowadays, paver technology has come a long way, offering many colors, textures, sizes and surfaces to meet your taste,” Strite says. “Colors do not fade over time nearly to that same degree as the past.” Another option is tile, such as the Saltillo-style tiles used here.
Some of the least expensive paving options have become very popular choices for today’s patios. Poured-in-place concrete tops that list. It’s a good match for many homes and landscapes.
Algozzini says that loose materials, such as gravel, crushed stone and decomposed granite (DG), have the advantage of being budget-friendly, easy to install and permeable. They also blend well with rustic, farmhouse and contemporary homes.
Algozzini says that loose materials, such as gravel, crushed stone and decomposed granite (DG), have the advantage of being budget-friendly, easy to install and permeable. They also blend well with rustic, farmhouse and contemporary homes.
Fire Features
A fire feature draws people outside almost year-round. “The biggest trend on patios [is] fire enjoyment of some sort,” Strite says.
A permanent gas fireplace or fire pit is the top of the line when it comes to fire features. It has a higher upfront cost but offers longevity, durability and ease of use.
A fire feature draws people outside almost year-round. “The biggest trend on patios [is] fire enjoyment of some sort,” Strite says.
A permanent gas fireplace or fire pit is the top of the line when it comes to fire features. It has a higher upfront cost but offers longevity, durability and ease of use.
A wood-burning fire feature, whether a fireplace or a fire pit, will save you on plumbing costs. Be sure to check local regulations before moving forward with a wood-burning fire feature, or any fire feature. Municipalities are increasingly regulating wood-burning fire pits due to environmental concerns about air-polluting smoke.
You also can choose a portable fire pit or fire table that uses propane gas, gel canisters or electricity. “A simple fire bowl or fire table is an option for less money,” Algozzini says. Smoke-free options also are available; they’re useful in areas with no-burn restrictions.
A small, portable fire pit or chiminea that you can easily relocate around your yard can give you the same general feel with a smaller investment of time and money. It’s also a more temporary option, which could benefit renters.
A small, portable fire pit or chiminea that you can easily relocate around your yard can give you the same general feel with a smaller investment of time and money. It’s also a more temporary option, which could benefit renters.
The finish you choose for a fireplace also can impact your budget. Stone and brick fireplace finishes are the most expensive, followed by stucco, concrete and concrete pavers. Clay is an option for smaller ovens or fire features. Metal is a popular material choice for fire bowls and chimineas.
10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your Yard
10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your Yard
Water Features
A water feature adds a sense of serenity to a yard. A small in-ground pool can be a spot for quiet contemplation, a fountain adds a peaceful backdrop of sound, and a water basin provides a reflective surface for the rest of the patio. Bonus: A water feature attracts wildlife, such as birds.
As with fire features, permanent pools and fountains will give your yard a focal point but at a cost. You’ll need to factor in a pumping system, water lines, finishes and construction costs.
A water feature adds a sense of serenity to a yard. A small in-ground pool can be a spot for quiet contemplation, a fountain adds a peaceful backdrop of sound, and a water basin provides a reflective surface for the rest of the patio. Bonus: A water feature attracts wildlife, such as birds.
As with fire features, permanent pools and fountains will give your yard a focal point but at a cost. You’ll need to factor in a pumping system, water lines, finishes and construction costs.
A stand-alone fountain will have its own water reservoir and pump. You’ll need to place the reservoir in the ground or disguise it by surrounding it with plants or hardscape. You can create a stand-alone fountain from almost any watertight container, so long as you also add a pump.
In warm, dry climates, be conscious of how much water your pond or fountain would consume. Be strategic about its design, where you locate it in your yard and how you maintain it.
Have Your Garden Fountain and Be Water Wise Too
In warm, dry climates, be conscious of how much water your pond or fountain would consume. Be strategic about its design, where you locate it in your yard and how you maintain it.
Have Your Garden Fountain and Be Water Wise Too
Pergolas or Shade Structures
Shade over a patio is often welcome on hot summer days, so adding a pergola, pavilion or roof over all or part of your patio can be a great addition. “Pergolas, pavilions and arbors are much more routine today than they were 30 years ago,” Algozzini says.
Costs depend on size, materials and how elaborate the structure is. Fiberglass and steel are among the most expensive; other metals, wood and wood composites are more midrange. Vinyl pergolas have the lowest price tags.
What to Know About Adding a Pergola
Shade over a patio is often welcome on hot summer days, so adding a pergola, pavilion or roof over all or part of your patio can be a great addition. “Pergolas, pavilions and arbors are much more routine today than they were 30 years ago,” Algozzini says.
Costs depend on size, materials and how elaborate the structure is. Fiberglass and steel are among the most expensive; other metals, wood and wood composites are more midrange. Vinyl pergolas have the lowest price tags.
What to Know About Adding a Pergola
If you’re looking for a more temporary shade option, consider a shade cloth or patio umbrella. You’ll find both in a range of sizes, and you can add them where needed. Some umbrellas can be tilted, so you can adjust them throughout the day and year.
Outdoor Kitchens
A full outdoor kitchen is a splurge, but it’s perhaps worth the investment if you entertain often or simply enjoy cooking and eating outdoors in warmer weather. A full kitchen setup with a grill, sink, refrigerator, storage, counter space and sink will add up. You’ll also want room for a table and chairs, and possibly a place to sit and keep the grill chef company.
Material and amenity selections will drive the costs, so expect that you might need to pare down your wish list.
What to Know About Adding an Outdoor Kitchen
A full outdoor kitchen is a splurge, but it’s perhaps worth the investment if you entertain often or simply enjoy cooking and eating outdoors in warmer weather. A full kitchen setup with a grill, sink, refrigerator, storage, counter space and sink will add up. You’ll also want room for a table and chairs, and possibly a place to sit and keep the grill chef company.
Material and amenity selections will drive the costs, so expect that you might need to pare down your wish list.
What to Know About Adding an Outdoor Kitchen
If a full outdoor kitchen isn’t in your budget, look for ways to create an efficient grill center. A countertop and storage with a built-in or freestanding grill can give you a functional space at a lower cost.
Other Amenities
The list of possible patio amenities is almost endless. For comfort, topping the list are lights as well as heating and cooling systems.
Lights. “Lighting is a key upgrade to a patio space that will keep your gathering spot illuminated past sundown,” Strite says. Permanent options include sconce lamps or other wall lighting. Another idea is to add lighting under a bench or other seating. It will illuminate the space without causing glare.
The list of possible patio amenities is almost endless. For comfort, topping the list are lights as well as heating and cooling systems.
Lights. “Lighting is a key upgrade to a patio space that will keep your gathering spot illuminated past sundown,” Strite says. Permanent options include sconce lamps or other wall lighting. Another idea is to add lighting under a bench or other seating. It will illuminate the space without causing glare.
Overhead string lights (one or more strands) are easy to install and relatively inexpensive. They can be plugged into an outdoor outlet or be solar-powered. The former type will last for some time; the latter probably will have a shorter life span.
Shop for outdoor lighting on Houzz
Shop for outdoor lighting on Houzz
Heating. Extend your outdoor time with heating options. Adding permanent heaters overhead will ensure that your space stays warm at the flick of a switch. You also can add stand-alone heaters, usually fueled by propane, for less cost upfront. These are a good choice if you don’t have an overhead structure. They also can be easily moved from place to place.
Cooling. When it’s hot, humid or both, a breeze across your patio can go a long way toward cooling things down. For hot-summer climates, a permanent fan wired into an overhead structure or wall can give you the breeze you need to help the temperature drop a few degrees. Choose one with a light or two so it can do double duty outside.
A stand-alone fan that’s rated for outdoors will give you a similar effect at a lower price. Place it in a discreet corner.
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A stand-alone fan that’s rated for outdoors will give you a similar effect at a lower price. Place it in a discreet corner.
More on Houzz
Read more landscape design stories
Browse thousands of landscape photos
Find a landscape architect or designer
Shop for your outdoor space
Balancing the ideas that grab your attention with those that will work well for you and your space involves three factors: functionality, style and amenities.
Once you have your wish list, it’s time to create a realistic budget and then prioritize. “Ask yourself what you really have to have and what would be nice,” says John Algozzini of Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors in Chicago.
Scott Arnold of Arnold Masonry & Landscape in Atlanta agrees that having a reasonable budget in mind will help keep you and your contractor or designer on track, as will keeping an open mind. “Realize that the photos you see might not encompass the materials in your area, but there are many types of patios and materials available,” he says.
The pros we spoke with also stress that many materials are not as available as they once were, costs have increased and delivery times are being delayed. “Check with your contractor and be ready to visit the suppliers they recommend,” says Jeff Strite of Core Outdoor Living in Clifton, Virginia.
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