A new patio adds functional value to your property by giving you a space to hang out, enjoy a meal, lounge and read a book, or even socialize with friends around the outdoor fire pit or fireplace. Besides knowing that you will get a good ROI (return on investment) on your patio by adding functional space, you’re also confident you’ll get good ROE—return on entertainment—as you’ll now be enjoying your outdoor space more than ever before.

Of course, you still want to be sure that you’re maximizing that investment by choosing the right materials and keeping the cost in line with your budget. You don’t want to overpay but you also don’t want to end up with a patio that will fail or that you won’t be happy about. You want to feel confident that you’re making the best possible choices for your property.

There’s a lot to consider and it can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together some helpful references so that you can have all of the information in one place that will help lead you to the best decision.

Patio Material Options

When it comes to choosing a patio material, you have a lot of options. Generally, the most popular include concrete, pavers, or natural stone.

Though you can read more about the pros and cons of concrete vs. pavers vs. natural stone in our more in-depth blog article, here’s a snapshot overview:

Concrete Patio Pros

• Most cost-effective material
• Minimal maintenance

Concrete Patio Cons

• Concrete is prone to cracking and inevitably will
• Repairing cracked concrete is difficult and unattractive
• Concrete is “cookie-cutter” in its appearance compared to other materials

Paver Patio Pros

• The variety in shapes, sizes, and colors of pavers is vast
• Pavers are not slippery when wet
• While problems with pavers are unlikely, should an issue arise, such as needing utility lines run or worked on, then pavers are easy to remove and replace

Paver Patio Cons

• Pavers cost more than concrete
• A perceived con of paver patios is that weeds grow between the pavers. However, this will not happen if they are properly installed

Natural Stone Patio Pros

• Natural stone is genuinely unique in aesthetics
• Natural stone is highly durable

Natural Stone Patio Cons

• Natural stone is the most expensive material
• Mortar used between stones can crack after 5 to 10 years and could need re-pointing

At Kingstowne, we work with all three of these materials, as well as brick, which may also be a unique consideration for your Alexandria, Arlington, or Springfield, VA home. If you require guidance in choosing the material that is best for your property, we can help lead you in the best direction for your unique needs.

How Much Does a Patio Cost?

Of course, one of the big questions that you might be asking, and which will come into play as you make a decision which material is best for you, is how much does a patio cost? At Kingstowne, we are not secretive or shy about cost. We know it’s an important factor for our customers and we are very forthcoming and upfront about patio costs from the onset so that you can be properly guided toward the best decision for your property.

Some of the factors that affect patio cost include the material chosen, the amount of labor involved, site conditions, and the size of the patio. While some of these factors are unchangeable, the size and material are two that can be changed in order to satisfy your budget.

For instance, we have had certain clients who were set on using pavers instead of concrete for their patio but in order to keep it within budget, opted for a slightly smaller patio. On the flip side, we’ve had clients who have downgraded material in order to keep their patio on the larger side without going over budget.  

In order to give you a better idea of patio cost, let’s look at some starting cost points.

Concrete Patio Cost

• Small (200 to 300 sq ft): starting at $4,500

• Medium (400 to 600 sq ft): starting at $5,800

• Large (600 + sq ft): starting at $11,000

Paver Patio Cost

• Small (200 to 300 sq ft): starting at $6,000 to $8,000

• Medium (400 to 600 sq ft): starting at $14,000 to $16,000

• Large (600 + sq ft): starting at $20,000

Stone Patio Cost

• Small (200 to 300 sq ft): starting at $7,000

• Medium (400 to 600 sq ft): starting at $15,000

• Large (600 + sq ft): starting at $22,000

Thinking about Patio Amenities (Now or in the Future)

Of course, these costs are for the patio itself and not any additional entertainment amenities you might also be considering. Keep in mind that adding a feature such as a fireplace, fire pit, or even something more elaborate such as an outdoor kitchen, is going to add more cost to your project. If these are features that don’t fit into your budget now but are something that you want in the future, then you should plan to talk to us about phasing out a larger scale project.

Phasing a project can save you long-term costs. For instance, running the utility lines for a future outdoor kitchen during the construction phase will save you money (and headaches) because you won’t have to dig up your patio to add to it later on.

Making the Best Choice

Certain decisions regarding your new patio obviously have the ability to drastically impact what you will pay. It can feel like a lot to analyze and choose but we’re here to help should you have any questions or require guidance. Ultimately, every budget and list of personal preferences is different, and you must choose what works best for you.

At Kingstowne, our extensive experience with all three materials makes us a good fit to help you weigh your options. Over the years we have installed thousands of patios in Alexandria, Arlington, and Springfield, VA, so we have lots of experience to draw from. That means, with our guidance, you can feel confident that you’ve made the best possible decision for your new patio. 

If you’d like some guidance on patio materials and cost, request a consultation, get your customized plan, and relax knowing you’re in good hands.