How much does a patio cost? [2024]

A patio is a great way for Aussies to improve their homes. While patios can be expensive depending on your desires, you can still get a great patio even if you’re on a budget. 

As well as the paving slabs and the labour, there are many costs that go into building a patio. This article will go step-by-step through the various patio costs, including:

• How much does a patio cost?
• Factors that influence patio cost
• Cost of patio roof or covers
• How much are add-ons for your patio
• Planning your patio

How much does a patio cost?

The cost of your patio will largely depend on the size of your patio, the materials you choose and any extra features you wish to add. Some of the most common add-ons are covers, water features, furniture and a BBQ area. 

So, how much does a patio actually cost? For a full patio renovation, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 for a smaller job and up to $50,000 for a bigger one. 

It’s worth remembering that different patio designs will come at different price points, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local tradie and get quotes. 

What factors influence patio costs? 

As mentioned above, there’s no one-size-fits-all costing method for a patio. Everything from the materials used, design chosen and inclusions you want will have an impact on your bill. 

Read on if you’re curious about the breakdown of costs for a patio - including typical pricing for your patio doors, flooring and roofing. 

Concrete flooring

An uncovered or covered patio needs a solid floor, as it defines the space and allows you to put outdoor furniture on the patio. However, you may be asking - how much does patio flooring really cost? The answer heavily depends on the type of flooring material you want.

Patios with plain concrete flooring are the least expensive at around $60 to $85 per m2, with coloured concrete coming in at a close second, priced around $75 to $90 per m2. While only slightly pricier, coloured concrete can be a great choice as it looks better aesthetically than plain concrete. Another tier up is stencilled concrete at around $100 to $150 per m2.

Concrete resurfacing is more expensive but can give a patio surface a beautiful finish. Concrete resurfacing can have a stencilled design or a stamped design. 

If you already know your square meterage, use a concrete cost calculator to better understand how much you can be paying for different concrete materials. 

Patio paving 

Pavers are another popular way to surface a patio. Pavers vary in price and should be laid by professionals due to the intricacy of the work needed. 

Different companies charge different rates but expect pavers to start from $25 per m2 and go up to $100 per m2. Concrete pavers are the cheapest option, while natural stone pavers cost more, especially granite and marble varieties. 

For more information on paving pricing, use a paving cost calculator.

Retaining walls

If you want pavers on your patio, you may need to build a short retaining wall first. You may also want to install fencing and stairs around the patio too. 

Retaining walls tend to be around 1.2 metres tall and they typically cost $300 per linear metre for timber or block or $450 per linear metre for a brick retaining wall. 

Depending on the size of the retaining wall and how close it is to your property’s boundary, you may need planning permission before you build it. 

Patio doors

Depending on where your patio is going, you might be looking to install a new door that leads from your house straight to the patio.

The cost of your patio door will vary depending on the material used (e.g., timber, PVC or aluminium) and the type of door (e.g., sliding, French or bi-folding). Like most things, patio doors come in a wide range of prices. For example, you can expect French doors to range between $400 to $2,000.

If you’re installing the patio doors as brand new, rather than replacing old ones, you also have to account for the cost of demolishing a hole to put in the doors as well.

How much do patio roofs or covers cost?

If you want to use a patio throughout the year, you will need a patio cover, as it will protect you from the harsh rays of the sun in Summer and rain in Winter.

Patio covers don’t need to be expensive and you’ve got options if you’ve got a tight budget to stick to. While a simple patio cover can be a DIY job, it’s always recommended to hire a professional to install more complex and larger patio covers - or if you just want the job done right. 

The cost of a patio cover will depend on the materials used and the size of the patio. Treated pine is one of the least expensive materials, but Colorbond patio covers are also popular. You can expect to pay around $1,000-$1,500 for a basic Colorbond patio cover kit.

You will also have to think about the type of cover you want. Polycarbonate covers allow light to show through and if you get a Colorbond roof on your patio, it's best to get Colorbond that has colours on both sides unless you are going to also put a ceiling on your patio cover.

An umbrella can cover a small patio or you can also purchase a retractable awning, which you can find for as little as around $400. A retractable awning will allow you to have shade when you want it and can be retracted to allow the winter sun to warm the house, which will also reduce heating bills.

Read more: How much does it cost to enclose a patio?

How much are patio add-ons?

A solid surface and a patio cover are two important parts of a patio, but your patio may need more than just the basics. Some other things a patio may have include:

• An outdoor kitchen
• Lighting
• Heating
• Outdoor furniture
• Plants

Outdoor kitchen

An outdoor kitchen can be a great addition to a patio, and the great part is that it doesn’t have to be a full kitchen either. 

Some people are happy with adding a simple barbecue to their patio, while others may also consider a fridge and a sink. 

If you need electricity, you’ll need to hire an electrician to add those connections for you, while you’ll need a plumber if you’re adding in a sink. 

You can expect to pay around $10,000 for an outdoor kitchen that comes as a package with a range of inclusions (e.g., a sink, double door fridge and cabinetry). 

Patio lighting

If you are connecting electricity to your patio, it’s worth thinking about lighting and heating too. Lighting will allow you to use the patio at night and heating will be a nice touch during the Winter months. 

Outdoor furniture

Outdoor furniture is an important part of any patio. Think about what you want to use the patio for and look for furniture that is ideal for your purposes. You may want to use the patio for dining or relaxing and outdoor furniture is available for both dining and relaxing. 

If you have a large patio, you might want to have a dining area and a relaxation area. Don't skimp on outdoor furniture because you'll appreciate having comfortable outdoor furniture all year round. 

Cushions and blankets can help make the space more enjoyable in winter. 

Plants

Plants can brighten up any patio, but you will need to choose them carefully. Some plants need lots of light and others can grow in shade or partial shade. Plants can be large or small depending on the size of your patio but should be placed in an area where they can thrive.

Planning your patio

While budgeting for the cost of your patio is the first step to your new garden, you need to set some time aside to plan your patio before you lay a paving stone or break any ground. You can start the planning process by asking the following questions.

What am I going to use the space for?

Your design will change if your main use will be entertaining, cooking, eating or just relaxing with friends and family. Once you have a clear idea, this will help you plan what to include in the patio. 

What size and layout do I want for my patio?

The size and layout of your area will determine what elements you include, specifically furniture, an outdoor kitchen or deck. Here you may like to get a professional tradie to help you with this job. An architect, landscape designer, drafter or even an interior designer can help make your space practical and functional.

What materials will I use across my patio?

Materials for any outdoor project need to be able to withstand the test of time, though you do need to bear in mind your budget. 

For outdoor furniture look for fabrics that are UV resistant, while metals like aluminium and stainless steel are also very resistant to the elements.

If you are constructing anything like a pergola or cover, then look to over-engineer it to ensure it will last.

How much specifically is my patio job going to cost?

Last but not least, it’s important to drill out the specific costs of your patio so you have it on hand throughout the process. Here you need to spreadsheet everything down to the last nail so you get an accurate idea of your costs.

We recommend adding a buffer of 10% to your budget for emergencies or anything unexpected that crops up.

Do I need a garden designer or landscape architect?

If you want a professional to help you plan how your patio is going to fit into your garden, or if you want a complete garden makeover all together – then you’ll need a garden designer or landscape architect. Typically, a garden designer will charge between $850 to $1,000 for simple plans and $2,750 to $6,000 for more complex plans.