How Much Does a Patio Cost?

A patio adds a relaxing space to unwind at day’s end or entertain guests. It also increases the value of your home.

Choosing the right materials can significantly reduce your patio cost. Consider these factors when making your decision:

Natural Stone

Jack and Jill wanted their patio to evoke the same feeling they get when hiking in the woods or eating at a park with their children. They chose to have a natural stone surface and feel that this is an investment they will be able to enjoy for years. They have seen people with aging concrete patios and felt that natural stone is far more durable and will stand the test of time.

Unlike other paving materials, such as concrete pavers, natural stone is formed over thousands or even millions of years through intense pressure and bits of minerals and sand. This creates a tough, long-lasting material that will stand the test of time and is sure to turn heads.

Natural stone can be dry-laid into a gravel base or wet-set into a bed of mortar. A mortar-set patio is more stable and won’t grow weeds or shift over time, but it also comes at a higher cost.

Brick

Brick patios add warmth to a home’s exterior. They’re also durable, requiring less maintenance than other types of patio surfaces. A brick patio also complements a variety of architectural styles, from colonial to modern. It’s easy to create a custom look with brick pavers because they come in many colors, shapes and sizes.

Installing a brick patio requires excavation to a depth of 8 inches, with the downhill end sloped 2 1/2 inches toward the house foundation. TOH mason Mark McCullough recommends using a “paver sand” mix, which contains additives to hold the pavers together and discourage weed growth. Regular sand can stain the brick.

Unlike poured concrete, which must cure for several days before use, brick patios are ready to be used immediately. Bricks are naturally textured and resist slipping, and they won’t crack like concrete. Their adaptable integrity enables them to react to changes in the earth beneath them, and this durability reduces repair costs over time, making them a wise investment.

Concrete

Concrete is an economical choice for patios because it’s durable, versatile and doesn’t require much maintenance. It’s also a cost-effective material for large patios that can be built flat or with rounded edges, and it’s the best option for budget-friendly, one-time pours in flat areas that are easy for contractors to access.

Concrete prices depend on location and the contractor’s experience level. For instance, a contractor with decades of experience in the local market will charge more than an average contractor who works in a rural area. Labor rates are another factor. Urban areas have a high demand for concrete work, keeping contractors busy and driving up hourly labor rates.

If you choose to order ready-mixed concrete, expect to pay extra for delivery charges and concrete reinforcing fibers that add strength and durability. Concrete finishing costs also vary. A standard troweled smooth finish costs the least, while a broom finish and scoring with a pattern or geometric design will increase the price.

Pavers

A paver patio costs more upfront than a poured concrete or asphalt one, but it lasts longer and is easier to maintain. Its cost also depends on the type of pavers used. Interlocking pavers with multiple colors and patterns are more budget-friendly, while flagstone or natural stone pavers are the most expensive.

Homeowners can lower their paver installation costs by choosing stones that are local to their area. This will keep transportation costs down. They can also choose pavers that are made from recycled materials to cut costs further.

In some cases, homeowners may need to add base materials such as geotextile fabric, class II road base, and bedding sand. They can also install drainage slopes to direct excess water away from the patio. The final step involves adding polymeric sand, which helps to keep the pavers in place and prevent them from moving. The sand also helps to protect the joints from frost. Homeowners should speak to their contractors about re-sealing the pavers.

from Patios Perth Elite https://ift.tt/lJYs5ER
via IFTTT