potted_plant Landscaping · Patio

Modern backyard bluestone patio with outdoor dining and olive trees

Patio Cost Calculator

Q: Is stamped concrete cheaper than pavers?

Yes, stamped concrete is usually cheaper than pavers. Stamped concrete costs $10–$20 per square foot compared to $10–$25 for pavers. However, stamped concrete can crack over time (especially in freeze-thaw climates), while individual pavers can be replaced if damaged. On a cost-per-year basis, pavers often win due to their longer 25–50 year lifespan.

Q: How long does a patio last?

Patio lifespan varies by material: gravel patios last 10–15 years with regular maintenance, poured concrete lasts 25–30 years, stamped concrete 20–25 years, brick and concrete pavers 25–50 years, and natural stone 50+ years. Proper drainage, a good base, and periodic maintenance (sealing, releveling) extend lifespan for all materials.

Compare concrete, pavers, stamped concrete, natural stone, and gravel patio costs side by side for your state. Instant estimate, no sign-up.

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1. Your Patio

Patio Size

Length (feet)

Width (feet)

Total area: 192 sq ft

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2. Your Location

State

Removing an Existing Patio?

Material Cost Overrides ($ per sq ft installed)

Gravel ($/sqft)

Concrete ($/sqft)

Stamped Concrete ($/sqft)

Brick Pavers ($/sqft)

Concrete Pavers ($/sqft)

Natural Stone ($/sqft)

Demolition ($/sqft)

Prices are national averages adjusted by state-level labor cost multipliers. For exact quotes, get estimates from local contractors. Use Advanced Settings to enter your actual contractor quotes.

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Patio Material Reference

Natural flagstone patio with irregular stone shapes

Flagstone / Natural Stone

Premium look, 50 yr lifespan

Concrete paver patio with interlocking pattern

Concrete Pavers

$8–$18/sq ft · 30 yr lifespan

Brick paver patio in herringbone pattern

Brick Pavers

$10–$20/sq ft · 35 yr lifespan

Concrete

$6–$12/sq ft · 28 yr lifespan

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3. Your Patio Cost Comparison

Material	$/SqFt	Material	Labor	Total	Lifespan	Cost/Year
Select a state above to see your cost comparison.

Estimates based on national averages adjusted for your state. Actual costs depend on site preparation, grading, drainage, base work, access, and contractor pricing. This is a planning tool, not a binding quote. Get at least 3 quotes from local contractors.

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How This Calculator Works

This calculator estimates the total installed cost of six common patio materials based on your patio dimensions and state.

Material costs use national average price ranges from contractor pricing surveys. Prices are per square foot installed and include the material, base preparation (gravel + sand for pavers), labor, and finishing. Paver costs include edge restraints and polymeric sand.

Regional multipliers reflect that labor and material delivery costs vary across the country. States are grouped into four tiers: Low cost (rural South/Midwest, 0.85×), Average (most states, 1.0×), High (Northeast/West Coast, 1.15×), and Very High (NYC metro, SF Bay Area, Hawaii, Alaska, 1.30×).

Cost per year divides total cost by expected lifespan. This is the fairest comparison — a gravel patio is cheap upfront but needs refreshing every 10–15 years, while natural stone can last 50+ years. The "BEST VALUE" tag highlights the material with the lowest annual cost.

Cheapest Option

Select a state — Total installed cost for your patio

Materials—

Labor—

Cost per year—

Lifespan—

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No email, phone number, or sign-up required. State-level pricing adjustments use Bureau of Labor Statistics regional cost data.

Patio Cost Guides

In-depth articles on materials, costs, and decisions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common patio cost questions.

How much does a patio cost?

A new patio costs between $6 and $50 per square foot depending on the material. For a typical 12×16 patio (192 sq ft), expect to pay $1,150–$2,300 for concrete, $1,900–$3,800 for stamped concrete, $1,900–$4,800 for pavers, or $4,800–$9,600 for natural stone. Regional labor costs can push prices 15–30% higher in major metro areas.

What is the cheapest patio material?

Gravel is the cheapest patio material at $2–$5 per square foot installed. For a more finished look, poured concrete is the most affordable solid option at $6–$12 per square foot. When factoring in lifespan (concrete lasts 25–30 years vs gravel at 10–15 years), concrete often has a lower cost per year.

How much do paver patios cost?

Paver patios cost $10–$25 per square foot installed, depending on the paver type. Brick pavers run $10–$20, concrete pavers $8–$18, and natural stone pavers $15–$30. Installation includes base preparation (4–6 inches of compacted gravel + 1 inch of sand), the pavers, edge restraints, and polymeric sand for the joints.

Is stamped concrete cheaper than pavers?

Stamped concrete is usually cheaper upfront at $10–$20 per square foot vs $10–$25 for pavers. However, stamped concrete can crack over time (especially in freeze-thaw climates), while individual pavers can be easily replaced if damaged. On a cost-per-year basis, pavers often win due to their longer 25–50 year lifespan vs 20–25 years for stamped concrete.

How long does a patio last?

Patio lifespan varies by material: gravel lasts 10–15 years with regular maintenance, poured concrete 25–30 years, stamped concrete 20–25 years, brick and concrete pavers 25–50 years, and natural stone 50+ years. Proper drainage, a good compacted base, and periodic maintenance all extend the lifespan regardless of material.

What size patio do I need?

A dining patio for 4–6 people needs at least 10×12 feet (120 sq ft). A more comfortable entertaining space is 12×16 (192 sq ft) or larger. For a full outdoor living area with seating, dining, and a grill zone, plan for 16×20 feet (320 sq ft) or more. A good rule of thumb is 25 square feet per person for comfortable seating and circulation.