How much does it cost to remodel a patio?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

As people spend more time at home, certain areas take on new importance. The patio is one of these areas. A patio can be a place for family and friends to gather and relax or used for outdoor entertainment. If you already have a patio, you may want to consider remodeling to add features and enhance the space.

Patio remodels can range from simple additions to complex overhauls that replace your existing patio with something completely new.

Expect a wide range of costs for this project. The national average cost to remodel a patio ranges from $3,500 to $20,000, with most people paying around $10,000 to build a fire pit, add a pergola, update the lighting, and add built-in seating to the perimeter. This project’s low cost is $2,000 for adding a fire pit and awning. The high cost is $50,000 to completely replace an existing 18’x24’ patio with new concrete pavers, cover, retaining wall with seating, fire pit, lighting, and surrounding landscaping.

Cost to Remodel a Patio

Cost to Remodel a Patio by Size

You can do the remodel in many ways. These can be simple additions or a complete renovation and upgrade. The cost to remodel a patio by size can have an extremely large range of costs.

However, you can estimate some costs based on the size because the larger it is, the more you can add, raising costs.

Every remodel begins with basic additions that cost under $1,000. However, the larger it is, the higher your total costs can be. Below are the average cost ranges for varying patio sizes, focusing on the most common costs associated with patios of that size. You might have higher or lower costs for patios of any size, depending on the remodel and the things you do.

Small Patio Remodel

Small patio remodels can encompass many things. This may include adding new furniture, an awning and a fire pit, or replacing your pavers, adding a pergola, fire pit, and built-in retaining wall and seating. For this reason, a small patio remodel can have a very wide range of costs starting at $1,500 and going as high as $15,000, depending on the patio size and the projects you undertake. Most small remodels cost between $2,000 and $10,000.

Patio Remodel Cost by Type

The type can also impact the remodel cost. Patios are most commonly installed on the ground, but some are raised or sunken. Many are open, but some may be covered. Depending on your remodel, your costs can be higher for things like replacing or adding a cover, or creating a sunken fire pit in an already sunken patio. Each type may also come in a range of sizes, impacting costs, particularly when replacing your flooring.

Below are the average cost ranges to remodel each type, assuming you replace the flooring or make another structural change to the area and the most common additions. These costs assume a size of around 12’x18’. If your patio is larger or smaller, your costs can be different.

Ground

The average cost of a ground patio remodel is $3,240 to $10,800, assuming you replace your pavers during the remodel. Your costs could be lower if you do not replace the pavers. They can be higher if you add a cover or another structure. Ground patio remodels most commonly involve adding things to the patio that enhance its use. These include fire pits, pergolas, retaining walls with seating, new furniture, and outdoor cooking or grilling space. You can also add many of these without changing your current patio shape or flooring, keeping costs down.

Sunken Patio

The cost of a sunken patio remodel averages $4,320 to $12,800. This assumes you replace the pavers and make other potential design changes. They are less common than ground patios. They assume you must excavate to lower the patio. Sometimes instead of creating an entire sunken patio, many homeowners create a sunken area. This area may include a fire pit and built-in seating made possible by creating a sunken area in the center of the patio. The perimeter areas are at ground level in this scenario.

Raised

The average cost of a raised patio remodel ranges from $4,320 to $12,800. This assumes you replace the flooring. They are most commonly wood. They are lifted off ground level, making them more accessible to your home if your home features a step to get down to the yard. They can sometimes also be placed farther away from your home in the shape of a platform. Remodeling them may replace the planks, add a structure, or change the size and shape.

Covered Patio Remodel

The cost of a covered patio remodel averages $5,400 to $20,000. They come in many shapes, styles, and sizes. The cover can be made of many materials, impacting costs. When remodeling a covered patio, you may want to replace the cover and flooring. Or, you may leave these and add features frequently found in this patio, such as an outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, fire pit, outdoor fireplace, or other entertainment feature. The things you add or replace in this patio dictate your costs.

Patio Remodel Cost by Project

Patio remodels can encompass many things. Sometimes, the entire patio needs replacing. Other times, the flooring may be in good shape, but the patio does not suit your needs. This can mean a partial remodel, including lighting, furniture, and additions like a fire pit or pergola. Or, you can have a total remodel, including the complete removal and replacement of the existing patio in the same or a different size and configuration. Because many projects can be undertaken in a remodel, there is a very wide range of costs. Below are the average costs for each of the most common remodel projects, assuming an average patio size of 12’x18’.

Patio Furniture Cost

The cost of patio furniture ranges from $200 to $5,000. For many people, remodeling your patio may be as simple as purchasing new furniture. Furniture can help you interact with and enjoy your patio in new ways. Even if you have furniture, you may wish to add new or different furniture to expand how you use the space. For example, if you currently have a table and chairs, you may want to add a sofa or hammock for relaxing or additional chairs to seat more guests. It comes in many styles and materials and can be inexpensive to costly, depending on the type. Below are the average cost ranges for most pieces of patio furniture.

Fire Pit Installation Cost

The cost of adding a fire pit to your patio averages $300 to $1,400. One of the most common remodels is a fire pit addition. Adding a fire pit can enhance many parts of the space and its use. Fire pits are great gathering spots, and they can extend the patio’s use into the evening and cold months. Fire pits can be built to sink into the patio or up from it. If you plan on sinking it into the patio, be aware that this may be best done when replacing the flooring.

Cost of Patio Flooring

The cost of patio flooring ranges from $1,080 to $5,180. If your patio is in poor condition, has many cracks in the flooring, or looks worn or is the wrong size or shape for your use, consider replacing the flooring. This is not always done during a patio remodel, but it is part of a full remodel that can transform your patio. Costs vary depending on the new material and the old materials you have installed, their condition, and how hard they are to remove.

There are many flooring types, ranging from gravel and poured concrete to luxury pavers made of bluestone. Of these, the most popular is generally stamped concrete. This material is easier to maintain than pavers but provides the same look as stone, brick, or wood.

If you live in a climate with freeze/thaw conditions, certain porous materials, including concrete and some stone types, can crack. Always check to see if the material is rated for freeze/thaw conditions, and no matter what climate you live in, if you choose tile, make sure it is rated for outdoor use.

Below are the average costs per square foot installed for the most common patio flooring materials.

Cost of a Patio Cover

The cost of a patio cover ranges from $1,080 to $12,750. They can improve your usage of the area all year long. A cover can block the sun or just UV rays. They can also keep out rain, snow, and falling debris like leaves and pine needles. This means you can enjoy your patio in varying weather conditions at more times of the year. Covers come in a wide range of materials and styles. Some choices are purely aesthetic, such as using lattice to grow vines over or glass for a contemporary look. Other materials, such as fiberglass, wood, and aluminum, give you a very sturdy cover with varying degrees of maintenance. A vinyl cover is a good low-cost option if you live in a moderate climate. Vinyl does not always perform well in very cold or very hot climates.

If you live in an area with extreme temperatures and want to insulate your patio, a patio made of insulated panels, while expensive, can help you make better use of the space no matter the temperature outside.

Below are the average costs per square foot installed for various materials used to build patio covers.

Pergola Installation Cost

The cost of a pergola installed on a patio is $1,900 to $6,500. Pergolas are a very popular addition to a patio during a remodel. A pergola is a structure that provides some shade but is not fully enclosed. Pergolas do not have walls or separate floors, and most do not have full roofs. Instead, they have a series of beams and posts that provide varying amounts of shade, depending on how far apart they are. To add more shade to the pergola area, you can use sailcloth or train plants and vines to climb over it. Pergolas come in many styles and materials. They can be attached to your home or be freestanding. The most common pergolas are built from wood, but you can also find fiberglass, composite, vinyl, aluminum, and vinyl-clad aluminum. These materials tend to be much lower-maintenance than wood but have fewer options for style or customization.

Below are the average costs for the most popular materials from which a pergola may be built.

Patio Lighting Cost

The average cost of adding patio lighting during a remodel ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. Lighting is another popular and important part of many patio remodels. Good lighting can improve the patio’s ambiance, increase its safe use during dark hours, and keep gatherings with friends and family going well into the night. Depending on your patio, the layout, and nearby landscaping, you can use a wide range of outdoor lighting types. Many people mount lights onto the side of their home or pillars holding a roof or pergola. These may include solar lights, lanterns, and sconces designed for outdoor use. If you have a roof over your patio, you can also install recessed lighting in this area. String lights are good for temporary lighting, while mounting outdoor lights on posts around the landscaping is good for those who like to use the space around the patio. For safety and security purposes, you can also put lights on motion sensors to go on when people approach the door.

Below are the average costs of different lighting types you may want to include in your design. Most people use several lights for the ideal illumination.

Patio Retaining Wall

The cost of adding a retaining wall to the side of a patio averages $3,500 to $10,000. Depending on the location, adding a retaining wall to one or more sides can be common. This can serve several purposes. It can stop soil erosion, lets your patio exist in otherwise unfit areas, and can add built-in seating for the area when done correctly. The retaining wall can have different levels, with a shorter level in the side facing into the patio. This can be used as a bench and functions as a retaining wall. This is often necessary for sunken patios and patios carved into hillsides and other non-flat landscaping.

Your retaining wall can be made of many materials. The most common include concrete, pavers, and many of the materials you build your patio flooring or fire pit from for continuity. Depending on your area and the type of retaining wall you build, some options may not be possible. Below are the average costs per foot for the most popular retaining wall materials installed.

Hot Tub Installation Cost

The cost of adding a hot tub to your patio remodel is $4,000 to $8,500. Hot tubs are very popular additions. The patio is one of the most ideal places to situate a hot tub because it is close to the home and on firm and level ground that can hold its weight. Hot tubs come in many sizes and styles. They can be built to hold 2 to 12 people and can be made of different materials to match your design.

The hot tub can be prefab or custom and can sit on your patio or be built into it so that you step down from the patio into the tub. They can be added at any time, but the remodel of the rest of the area is an ideal time to add one because you can incorporate style, material, size, and placement into the layout.

Below are the average costs for different hot tub materials installed.

Outdoor Kitchen Installation Cost

The average cost of remodeling your patio to become an outdoor kitchen is $7,000 to $20,000. Patios can easily be converted into outdoor kitchens. They are close to the home, making it easy to extend electricity and plumbing. Outdoor kitchens can include grills, refrigerators, countertops, eating areas, pizza ovens, and bars. Depending on the setup, you may want to include cabinetry, seating areas, retaining walls, or a cover overhead. Outdoor kitchens can be very useful for those who entertain frequently. They can also be a good addition if you and your family spend a lot of time outdoors because you can keep things on hand where you need them.

Patio Landscaping Cost

The cost of landscaping in your patio and surrounding area ranges from $8,000 to $15,000. Landscaping can encompass many things, including hardscaping and building the patio, your lighting, retaining wall, and plants you may add to the area. Depending on how invasive the project is, you may need to reseed or replant around the patio.

Landscaping for this area can also lead to other parts of the yard through landscaped and lit paths. It can include features, such as fountains, landscaping rocks, and plants, or xeriscaping. Involve your landscaper in the project from the start of the remodel. This way, they can begin planning and setting the landscaping for the area to create a cohesive and unified look.

Labor Cost to Remodel a Patio

The labor costs to remodel a patio can be extremely varied because of the many projects that may be involved. Depending on what you are doing, you may have different contractors working on the project, including electricians, carpenters, concrete specialists, and landscapers. In most cases, you are working with a landscaping company for most of the project, which can have costs from $50 to $200 an hour, depending on the scope of the work and design level. It is not uncommon for half of the costs to go to the labor. However, there are also remodeling projects with no labor at all, including adding new furnishings and putting up solar or string lights. Your total labor costs can range tremendously. For the average patio remodel with costs ranging from $3,500 to $20,000, expect labor costs of between $1,000 and $10,000.

Patio Add-Ons

In addition to the remodel, you may want to make other additions to your patio or yard. Sometimes, patios can be installed adjacent to other landscaping, such as swimming pools, ponds, fountains, and playgrounds. This can increase the usability of your yard and allow different groups to all use the space together. Some additions can be made to the patio, such as a trellis or awning, while others may be done during a remodel but do not necessarily impact the patio. Below are some of the most common projects and additions done at the same time as a patio remodel and their average costs.

Patio Heater

The cost of a patio heater is $50 to $500. They are a great addition to patios that do not have fire pits or other heat sources. Heaters come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Some run on gas or propane, while others are designed to plug in. Most are portable and can move around your patio as needed. If you have a large patio, you may need more than one to heat the areas evenly.

Awning Installation

The cost of an awning installation averages $400 to $4,000. Awnings can be a nice way to add shade and protection. Awnings extend from your home and cover all or part of your patio. They can be fixed or retractable. They can also come in different materials, including various metals and fabrics. Retractable awnings can also be motorized or manually operated, providing a range of options to fit any style and budget.

Playground Installation

The cost of a playground installation ranges from $500 to $5,000. If you have young children, adding a playground gives you a chance to relax while you supervise their play. Playgrounds come in many sizes and types. They can be small metal swing sets or elaborate wooden structures with slides, bridges, and climbing walls. Many playgrounds also have soft surface material installed beneath to make the area safer. These factors result in a wide range of costs and options.

Trellis Installation

The cost to install a trellis averages $650 to $950. If you have a garden adjacent to your patio or want to add more greenery and definition, a trellis can be a nice addition. Trellises allow plants and vines to climb and become part of the structure. They can be placed on the side of your home to become a living wall. Or, you can use one to create an archway leading from your patio into the garden. Trellises can be found in many styles and materials, so you can easily find one to match your patio’s style.

Outdoor Water Fountain Installation

The cost to install an outdoor water fountain ranges from $1,250 to $3,750. Water fountains can be added to the center or adjacent to the patio. Many people may want to install the fountain at a slight distance and create walking paths to the fountain from the patio. Others want to install a smaller fountain, but this can detract from the amount of usable patio space you have. Fountains come in several sizes and styles. They can make an attractive focal point in your landscaping, no matter where they are installed.

Pond Installation

The average cost to install a pond on your property is $5,000 to $20,000. Ponds may be installed adjacent to the patio. Depending on the pond type and size, you may want to edge the pond in the same materials to create a cohesive design. Ponds can be small and decorative, such as koi ponds. They can also be much larger and stocked for fishing or allow native wildlife to visit. The pond size, shape, and placement dictate the final costs.

Average Cost to Build a Pool

The average cost to build a pool ranges from $10,000 to $100,000. Pools are most often installed adjacent to the patio. The pool frequently has a patio of its own that is farther from the house than a typical patio. However, you can install some types of very small pools closer to your home and on or adjacent to your main patio. These can include plunge pools or spools, generally smaller and designed to cool off and relax in rather than swim. A full-sized pool must be installed much farther from the house and takes up much more space.

Patio Conversion Cost

If you currently have a patio that is not getting much use, you may want to convert it into another space. Because they are generally adjacent to the back or side of the house, you can turn it into another room. The simplest of these projects is a screened porch, which can include a roof and three screened “walls.” The most elaborate setup is converting it into a fully insulated habitable room, while converting it to a sunroom may be a more moderate choice. Each project has a range of costs, depending on the materials and size. Below are the average costs for converting a patio that is roughly 12’x18’.

Convert a Patio to a Screened Porch

The cost to turn a patio into a screened porch is $2,160 to $6,480. This includes creating a roof, erecting a frame around the patio, and screening it. This is the most simple method of converting a patio. The space is technically still used in the same way, but it can be more comfortable with a roof and screen. The roof can keep out the sun and rain, while the screen keeps bugs and debris out. This can extend the space’s use and make it more comfortable.

Convert a Patio to a Sunroom

The cost to convert a patio into a sunroom averages $10,000 to $35,000. Sunrooms can encompass many styles and designs. For some, they can be a three-season room that is not insulated or used during the colder months. In other areas, they may be insulated with plenty of windows or a glass roof to let in maximum light. Your exact costs are determined by the type of sunroom you create and the materials. Glass walls and ceiling, movable glass doors, and insulating panels cost the most.

Converting a Patio Into a Habitable Room

The cost of converting a patio into a habitable room ranges from $25,000 to $45,000. This is the most challenging and complete conversion. This project is essentially a full addition, using the space where the patio was previously located. The new room must have a roof made of the same materials as the home. It also must have fully erected walls clad in the same siding. Inside, you have insulation, electricity, and HVAC costs to make the room fully habitable.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is a landscaping type frequently used in areas of drought or low water. It is also typically done around patios because it can include pavers, rocks, and low-water native plants. This is one of the most expensive forms of landscaping, costing $16,000 to $18,000.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Building code. Patios may not be subject to building codes, but structures you build on them may be. Always check with your builder or local municipality for more information.
• Resale value. Adding a patio or remodeling one may increase your home’s resale value. Usable yard space and landscaping have been shown to have a high ROI in most areas.
• Permit. Depending on where you are located and what type of remodel you are undertaking, you may need a permit. Always speak to your contractor or local municipality before beginning.
• Maintenance. Your patio may require different amounts of maintenance, depending on the materials, your climate, and what it is exposed to. Always follow the directions set out by your installer and the manufacturer of any materials used.
• Ask for different quotes. Always get at least three different quotes from three contractors before undertaking a project. This allows you to compare projects and ensure you are getting the right fit for the job.
• Drainage. All patios require drainage to funnel water from your home. During your remodel, you may want to address issues you have with your drainage system.