The importance of patios is known and I should not echo that. You can construct a patio in many different ways. This will add value and aesthetics to your home. It is a place where people could gather anytime and thus should not cost too much to construct.Â
You can construct the patio with your own hands. Imagine having a customized patio in your home. However, some of us have to work with budgets. You will thus have to be more careful about the materials and ways of constructing the patio. Check on durability, style, installation, and cost of materials before choosing one.
So, what is the cheapest way to have a patio in your home? Granite or gravel is mostly used as the first layer of the space. Pavers or tiles can then be added to provide the seating ground. Then you can add the furniture and anything of your choice. The estimated cost could just be $1 per square foot if you do it yourself. Hiring a professional adds the cost up.
In this article, we will look at the other specifics that contribute to the cost of a patio. Analyzing the categories will help you come up with inexpensive combinations.
Factors to Consider When Deciding On the Cost of Building a Patio
What things determine the cost of a patio? You could be getting the cost of building a patio being too expensive. The mistake could lie in making the wrong decisions on several factors. These include;
- Patio DIY vs Getting a Professional to Do It
Constructing a patio by yourself often gives many people satisfaction. You are free to express your creativity and personality. What about hiring a professional? Are you having problems deciding between the two? Consider the availability of tools, the value of the time you will spend, and your expertise level. Also, the possibility of wasting materials and no insurance are important considerations.
Hiring a professional to construct your patio will produce more polished work. The level of finesse is always very high unless someone does a shoddy job. Plus, the contractors have insurance that can help compensate you. Go for contractors with a reputable character if you wish to get the best patio.
This is not a sign that you should not build a patio by yourself. If you have a lot of time and tools, you can watch videos on how to do it. There are also manuals you can buy from the supermarket to help build one. The cost may potentially arise when trying to do it yourself as you will make mistakes.
- Determining the Size of Your Project
The bigger your patio, the more it will cost you to construct it. You cannot escape this circumstance. However, the cost is not linear in all scenarios. For instance, it will cost you more to install double a paver patio than a concrete patio. This is because the cost of installing a paver patio depends on each paver. For concrete, the cost of labor is determined by the mixing, transport, and application on-site.
It is therefore advised to consider the amount of space you need to use. What can you live without? Give the important things the priority. An example includes shrinking the patio size and surrounding it with lava rocks on the perimeter. You can make things cheaper by thinking out of the box.
- Cost of Materials
It is quite obvious that different materials have different costs. Let us dig into different materials and how they can affect the patio budget.
- Pea Gravel
These are popular in the English Gardens. They have a lovely and quaint look; something to add to your home. They cost less to purchase and are easy to install. The gravel is made up of small stones about one inch in diameter. This is the size of a pea hence the name pea gravel.
It will cost you $6 to $10 per square foot to install such stones. The small stones will remain loose and do not need a setting. This enables you to create a patio of any shape. Also, it suits any DIY project if you were planning on it. With proper care, a pea gravel patio can last for years.
- Stamped or Poured Concrete
Concrete is a common building material. It is also among the cheapest options for constructing building elements. The components include the aggregates and the paste which holds the aggregate together. The paste hardens after some time thus it is a good material for a custom-shaped outdoor space. The stamped concrete can be dyed to be in any color you want.
The initial cost will be about $6 to $13 per square foot. However, the concrete can fade over time and crack. This will force you to completely replace it. It lasts for approximately 20-30 years. Avoid using the material for DIY projects and hire a contractor.
- Tiles
The construction steps for tiles are almost the same for stamped concrete. It requires a base costing you between $4 and $6 per square foot. The tiles will cost you $1 to 10$ per square foot. Labor makes it more expensive with costs adding up to $20. You can do it yourself if you have the expertise.
- Concrete Pavers
These are manufactured concrete stones that are available in different colors. They differ from stamped concrete in that they are replaced individually. There is no need for you to destroy the whole patio if one cracks. The installation can be done as a DIY but is recommended for those that are pros.
The cost will be approximately $13 to $20 per square foot. They are durable and can last up to 100 years if taken care of properly. A paver patio is better at drainage compared to a concrete patio; the holes between the stones allow water to drain. Their wearing is caused by erosion but they rarely crack.
Other Considerations
Researching on brands’ prices can help you save a lot with quality products. You could ask your contractor for recommendations of the best inexpensive brands. Even better, if there are scrap materials, you can use them.
Conclusion
Patios are not only there to beautify the home; they can add value to your house. Imagine doubling the value of your house cheaply. Follow the factors above to arrive at the best patio for your budget. Regular proper care is necessary to maintain the value of the patio. Often, the patio creates a long-lasting effect on your home.