Finding information about the cost of a new paver patio can be complicated. Most companies charge by the square foot when figuring out patio costs.
Creating a new paver patio is one of the most popular ways to enhance your outdoor living space and create a functional area for relaxation, entertainment, and aesthetics. A brand-new paver patio in Savannah also adds value to your property. However, the cost of installing a new patio can vary widely depending on the materials you choose and the project’s complexity.
In this article, Coastal Hardscapes of Georgia will explore different paver materials, their costs, and labor averages to help you make an informed decision about a new patio!
How Much Does a New Paver Patio Cost? A Guide to Paver Materials and Installation Costs:
First, when it comes to understanding how paver patio costs can vary, you have to keep in mind several factors will increase or decrease the overall price. Those factors include:
- The size,
- The materials,
- The complexity of the design.
On average, a paver patio can cost between $8 and $25 per square foot, with industry averages around $15 to $20 per square foot. Your location (Savannah, for example) could reduce the paver installation cost compared to a city like Miami. The total cost of a new patio installation includes materials, labor, and other expenses like sand, leaving, and so on.
Average Installed Paver Patio Cost (Quick Info):
- The average installed cost of a paver patio is around $15-$20 per square foot.
- This cost includes the price of pavers, sand, gravel, and labor.
- The cost can vary depending on the location, contractor, and design complexity.
Paver Patio Costs (Materials Only)
The average prices for a new paver area in your yard factor in the materials needed and installation. The cost of the actual pavers:
- Brick pavers cost between $1-$4 and $8 per square foot.
- Concrete pavers can cost between $1-$3 per square foot.
Depending on how many pavers you can allow for cheaper pricing. However, this does not include gravel, sand, joint sand, and installation. As you can see, the cost to install pavers correctly is where the expenses can increase. It is essential to remember that while it might be somewhat expensive upfront, it does add value to your home to have an outdoor space with a patio!
Paver Patio Cost Estimator
If you want to gather the approximate cost of installing new patio pavers, you can calculate the approximate square footage of the area in your yard and multiply it by the cost per square foot ($15 to $20). While this will give you an approximate cost, keep in mind the cost of materials you select, labor, and other expenses, such as permits and inspections can vary.
When you are seriously considering a paver installation project, booking a consultation with a hardscape contractor such as Coastal Hardscapes can help you get the full scope of design and pricing!
Types of Patio Materials:
Pavers are popular for patios due to their durability, design flexibility, and low maintenance requirements. However, other patio materials, such as natural stone, concrete, and brick, are also available. We will highlight the pros and cons of each below and the material cost!
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are one of the most versatile and affordable options for a new patio often installed by a landscaping company. Because they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, they allow for creative designs merged with retaining walls, fire places, and more. Pavers are very durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Cost: Concrete pavers typically range from $2 to $10 per square foot, depending on the quality and style.
- Pros: Affordable, durable, easy to install, and available in many styles.
- Cons: May fade over time, can crack in extreme weather, and might require sealing to maintain appearance.
Brick Pavers
Brick pavers are a classic choice that is not commonly used. However, they still offer a timeless and elegant look. Made from clay, brick pavers provide a warm, earthy aesthetic that complements various architectural styles which is what you might find in old historic areas of Savannah or other cities. Unlike interlocking pavers, bricks do require some maintenance and are not as durable.
- Cost: Brick pavers generally cost between $5 and $15 per square foot.
- Pros: Long-lasting, environmentally friendly, and retains color well.
- Cons: Can chip or crack and may require periodic maintenance to prevent moss growth, often costing more than a paver project.
Natural Stone Pavers
Natural stone patios can be more expensive than previously mentioned paver patios but offer a unique and elegant look. Natural stone pavers, such as granite, slate, limestone, or travertine, provide a unique appearance. Additional benefits include heat tolerance with materials such as travertine.
- Cost: Depending on the type of stone and its origin, it ranges from $10 to $30 per square foot.
- Pros: It is highly durable, has a unique appearance, and adds significant value to your home. Added benefits include heat tolerance, a natural look, and customization.
- Cons: Expensive, heavy, and often more challenging to install, which can increase labor costs.
Flagstone Pavers
Flagstone is a type of natural stone that is particularly popular for patios due to its irregular shapes and earthy tones. Providing a rustic, natural look that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, flagstone patios are more expensive than concrete patios but offer more curb appeal.
- Cost: Flagstone pavers cost between $15 and $25 per square foot.
- Pros: Natural look, slip-resistant surface, and durability.
- Cons: High cost, can be difficult to install, and requires sealing to prevent staining over time.
Gravel or Decomposed Granite
Are you looking for a more affordable and informal patio option? Gravel or decomposed granite can be a cheap, low-maintenance option that can easily complement landscaping and be installed quickly. Gravel, river rock, and decompressed granite are easy to install and provide excellent drainage, which is vital for the Low Country and Coastal Empire.
- Cost: Gravel or decomposed granite costs between $1 to $5 per square foot.
- Pros: Very affordable, easy to install, and allows for flexibility in design.
- Cons: Less durable, can shift over time, and may need periodic replenishment.
Additional Cost Factors:
Other factors that can cause the cost of your patio to increase include site preparation and excavation and any necessary permits and inspections that may be required. While these may vary depending on the location and design of your project, removing old landscaping, navigating obstacles (think moving fence sections), and dealing with permits can increase the price of a new patio. These prices are generally communicated up front, and the Coastal Hardscape team always strives to minimize expenses like these.
How Much Does a New Patio Cost? 300 Square Feet:
If you are looking to estimate how much a new patio costs and you want to base it off a 20′ by 15′ area totaling 300 square feet, you can expect the patio to cost to install as follows:
- Concrete Paver Patio: $10 to $30 per square foot or $3,000 to $9,000
- Brick Paver Patio: $13 to $35 per square foot or $3,900 to $10,500
- Natural Stone Patio: $20 to $60 per square foot or $6,000 to $18,000
- Flagstone Patio: $25 to $70 per square foot or $7,500 to $21,000
- Gravel or Decomposed Granite Patio: $5 to $15 per square foot or $1,500 to $4,500
Benefits of Paver Patios
The benefits of paver patios far outweigh the cost of installation, and many homeowners are encouraged by their optimized outdoor space with a new patio. Spending more time outdoors is vital for your health, and paver patios offer several benefits, including durability and low maintenance. The aesthetic appeal and design options like fireplaces, landscaping, and more excite paver projects.
The top benefits of paver patios include:
- Durability and low maintenance
- Aesthetic appeal and design options
- Adding curb appeal and value to your home
Paver patios are durable and can withstand heavy use, from stormy weather in Savannah to snow in the north. Pavers require minimal maintenance, making them a low-maintenance option, and they tend to hold up better than concrete slabs or stamped concrete patios.
The aesthetic appeal and design options for outdoor spaces are super customizable since pavers can be installed in various patterns and designs. A concrete patio is not very attractive, whereas a paver driveway or patio offers beauty in the design! You don’t have to worry about cracked concrete or staining.
Tips for Hiring a Hardscape Contractor Near You
Now that you know the costs of a new patio and the varying prices for concrete pavers to high-end materials, the last thing you need to figure out is how to hire the best hardscape contractor near you! As one of the premier hardscape contractors in the Savannah, GA region (think Coastal Georgia and South Carolina), we have learned that a paver project only works when the contractor you hire has a great reputation!
Be sure to always do the following before hiring someone for paver installation:
- Research and compare different contractors to find the best one for your project.
- Check references and reviews to ensure the paver installation contractor has a good reputation.
- Get multiple quotes and compare prices to find the best deal, but don’t forget quality!
Don’t forget to consider other factors for top hardscape contractors near you such as their landscaping and outdoor living design capabilities. After you install a new patio, you always want to landscape around the area to have a complete project!
The Verdict
When planning your patio project, it’s essential to consider the initial installation costs and the long-term maintenance and durability of the materials you choose. Investing in higher-quality materials and professional installation can save you money on repairs and maintenance. Here at Coastal Hardscapes, a well-designed and well-built patio can significantly enhance your outdoor living space and increase your home’s value.
For the best results, consider consulting with a professional landscape designer or contractor like Coastal who can provide expert advice tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Keep in mind the following:
- The paver installation cost can vary widely depending on the size, materials, and design.
- Paver patios offer several benefits, including durability and low maintenance.
- Research and compare different contractors to find the best one for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do contractors offer flat labor rates per hour?
Some hardscaping contractors may offer flat labor costs per hour, which can range from $50 to $100 per hour depending on experience, demand, and the size/complexity of the patio design. Labor cost is factored into hardscape contractor pricing and the overall cost.
2. Can I install a patio by myself? DIY Paver Patio vs. Hiring a Pro:
DIY installation can save money but may require more time and effort than most homeowners estimate. For example, simply installing the paver base and digging required can take several days to weeks for the average homeowner. Hiring a professional contractor can ensure a high-quality installation, and while it might be seen as expensive upfront, over time, the cost is worth professional installation. The bigger the patio area, the harder the project will become.
3. Why do complex designs cost more?
If your patio involves intricate patterns, multiple levels, or the use of natural stone, labor costs can rise to $20 to $50 per square foot. These projects require more site preparation, more base materials, and require more time. However, the end result is always something worth the price! The initial cost of a new patio can increase when you add things like fireplaces or a retaining wall. The largest factor is still the project’s size.
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