Estimate patio area, materials, base gravel, and cost.
Patio Material Comparison
Your patio material choice affects cost, durability, maintenance, and the overall look of your outdoor living space.
| Material | Cost/sq ft | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poured Concrete | $6-15 | 25-50 yrs | Seal every 2-3 yrs |
| Pavers | $10-25 | 25-50 yrs | Re-sand joints periodically |
| Flagstone | $15-50 | Lifetime | Minimal |
| Stamped Concrete | $10-20 | 25-40 yrs | Reseal every 2-3 yrs |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a patio cost?
Concrete patio: $6-15 per sq ft. Paver patio: $10-25/sq ft. Flagstone: $15-50/sq ft. Stamped concrete: $10-20/sq ft. A standard 200 sq ft patio costs $1,200-5,000 depending on material.
What size should my patio be?
Minimum 10×10 feet for a small sitting area. 12×14 feet for dining. 16×18 feet for dining plus lounge area. 20×20+ feet for entertaining. Consider furniture placement — each chair needs about 4 sq ft of floor space.
How thick should a patio slab be?
Standard residential patio: 4 inches. If supporting heavy furniture or a hot tub: 6 inches. Always pour over a compacted gravel base (4-6 inches deep) for proper drainage and frost protection.
Do I need a permit for a patio?
Many jurisdictions don’t require permits for ground-level patios. Elevated patios, patios attached to the house, or those near property lines often need permits. Always check local building codes.
What is the best material for a patio?
Concrete: affordable, versatile, low maintenance. Pavers: attractive, easy to repair individual pieces. Natural stone: premium look, highest cost. Stamped concrete: looks like stone at lower cost.
How long does a concrete patio last?
A properly installed concrete patio lasts 25-50+ years. Pavers last 25-50 years. Natural stone can last a lifetime with proper base preparation. Seal coating extends the life of all materials.
Should I slope my patio away from the house?
Yes! Slope the patio 1/4 inch per foot away from the house foundation. A 12-foot wide patio should be 3 inches lower at the far edge. This prevents water from pooling against your foundation.
How much gravel base do I need for a patio?
Use 4-6 inches of compacted gravel for a patio base. For a 200 sq ft patio at 4 inches depth: about 2.5 cubic yards of gravel. Use crushed limestone or road base gravel for best compaction.
Can I build a patio on a slope?
Yes, but it requires retaining walls, extra base material, or terracing. Cut-and-fill methods level the area. On mild slopes, the low side can be built up with gravel and contained by a border.
When is the best time to build a patio?
Late spring through early fall when temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Avoid pouring concrete in extreme heat (above 90°F) or cold. Dry weather is preferred to prevent rain damage to fresh concrete.