Adding a patio to your backyard can vastly improve the look and function of your outdoor space. After just a few short days, you’ll be left with a space perfect for lounging, reading, or dining outdoors. You may have looked into what goes into building a patio, you may not know the costs associated. While you’ll have full control of patio size, shape and material, these choices will impact the cost of your project. Here’s how much it will cost to install your dream patio.
Materials
In Canada, you have a few material options for your patio. Most homeowners choose brick, pavers or flagstone for their yards. These options hold up well in cold climates, unlike more affordable options like stamped concrete.
Brick and pavers will typically cost between $12 and $25 per square foot for smaller areas. Some pros will offer a cheaper rate per square foot for a larger project. Remember that the cost of materials should also include material for a gravel and sand base. The base is especially important given extreme Canadian temperatures.
Flagstone, also referred to as natural stone, includes materials like slate, travertine, limestone, sandstone, and bluestone. These options will be slightly more expensive and can cost anywhere from $15 to $30 per square foot, depending on the specific stone you choose and the size of your project.
Labour
The labour involved includes grading the area, preparing the base and installing the stone. Costs for labour can also be calculated by the square foot. For a straightforward build, labour will cost an additional $8 to $12 per square foot. However, there are a few factors that impact labour costs.
Interestingly enough, smaller patios are often less efficient to build compared to a large-scale project. This means that small patios end up costing more per square foot. It’s also important to remember that complex shapes, patterns and designs can add up to $6 per square foot to your installation cost.
Access is another important factor to consider. The more machinery that can access your backyard, the easier the build will be. Likewise, more work done by hand means higher labour costs.
Below are the average costs of Decks & Patio services across different cities in Canada:
|
City |
Average |
Minimum |
Maximum |
|
$11,533 |
$100 |
$50,000 |
|
|
$12,474 |
$1,000 |
$50,000 |
|
|
$13,836 |
$2,500 |
$45,000 |
|
|
$11,450 |
$500 |
$50,000 |
|
|
$7,965 |
$350 |
$28,000 |
|
|
$13,565 |
$135 |
$50,000 |
|
|
$6,456 |
$300 |
$30,000 |
*Costs based on 1264 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
Removal & Disposal
Another factor to consider is whether you need an existing patio removed and disposed of before construction can begin. Removal and disposal will typically add around $2,000 to your project cost. That said, it’s a necessary step before you can build your new structure.
Using these baselines, you should be able to get a better idea of how much your final patio project will cost. Keep in mind that adding anything from steps to a fireplace or water feature will add to your final cost. While this project is an investment, you’ll end up getting tons of use out of your new space. If you’re eager to start, use the banner below to connect with patio experts in your area today.
Article Updated June 2022.
