How Much Does a Raised Patio Cost?

Average Cost to Build a Raised Patio

Raised Patio Price

The price of materials to build a raised patio varies from $1 to $35 per square foot. At the lower end, gravel is the least expensive while high-end granite cobblestones cost the most.

Raised Patio Installation Costs

Labor costs $8 to $50 per square foot, with most people paying $10 to $30 per square foot. How much you'll pay for labor depends on your location, how much preparation and leveling is needed on the construction site, and which materials you choose. 

For example, labor for installing a raised patio with gravel or large slabs costs considerably less than the labor necessary for a raised granite cobblestone patio where each stone is set, by hand, in concrete or resin.

Raised Patio Cost by Size

Just like regular patios, raised patios can be any size you need. You may want a small 8-foot area to accommodate a little bistro dining table for two and a few tiki torches. Alternatively, you might want something grander that's big enough to accommodate an outdoor kitchen, a hot tub, and an outdoor lounge or dining area.

The cost of your patio depends on the size as well as the materials.

Cost to Build a Raised Patio by Material

The choice of materials is extensive. If you're building a raised patio on a tight budget, you can opt for gravel or concrete. If, however, you're building a higher-end patio, consider flagstone or slate. Take a look at popular raised patio materials and their typical costs.

Cost of Raised Patio Extras and Upgrades

For most people, having the bare patio laid is only the foundation of perfecting their outdoor space. Once the patio is laid and ready to use, you'll most likely want to add a range of extras to the space, or even have them built-in during construction as part of your project, so remember to budget for these finishing touches and upgrades when you're planning your project.

Factors That Impact the Cost of Installing a Raised Patio

It's not just the materials, labor, and upgrades that make up the total cost of your raised patio project. There are several other factors that can also impact how much you'll pay. 

Permits

Permits can set you back up to $500. How much you'll pay for permits, whether you need a permit at all, and the type of permit you need depends on where you live and the size and structure of the patio you're building. It's worth checking the necessary regulations with your municipality. However, talk to your contractor, too. If you've hired a reputable local patio installer, they will most likely take care of all permit issues as part of your project fee.

Extending a Roof

Much like a porch roof, you can extend your home's roof to cover your patio, assuming the patio is suitably located. Extending the roof to shelter the patio costs $7 to $11 per square foot, on average. 

Adding a Roof

If you want to add a roof to your patio, you'll pay $10 to $62 per square foot, depending on if you go for a removable soft cover, like an awning, a shady, decorative structure like a pergola, or a permanent, durable structure like a fully shingled roof. Each of these options can be freestanding or attached to your home.

Repair and Maintenance

Repair should be minimal if the installation quality is high because brick, stone, and concrete tend to be very durable and long-lasting. Your raised patio will, however, need some regular basic cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking its best. If you've used concrete and you notice cracking, you'll need to hire a local patio repair company to repair it before it worsens. And, to keep the patio looking like new, it's a good idea to pressure wash it yearly.

Drainage

If the patio has a natural slope away from your property, you likely won't need an additional drain at all. However, if the patio is flat or the ground beneath slopes towards your house, you'll need to have suitable drainage installed. Patio drainage costs $10 to $50 per linear foot.

You can choose from a French drain that sits beneath the patio's surface and directs the water away from your home, or a slope drain that sits on the outside of the patio and drains water through a pipe down a slope to a more suitable location.

Demolition

If you have an existing patio but want to replace it with a new one, you need to account for the cost of demolition in your project budget. Expect to pay $5 per square foot to remove the old patio before the crew can begin building the new one.

DIY vs. Professional Raised Patio Installation

Because of the level of work and the skill involved in correctly building a raised patio, it's better to hire a professional than to try and do it yourself. If, for example, the subbase or the foundation is laid incorrectly or the ground beneath is too unstable, your patio will require continual repair and maintenance and will have a very short lifespan. However, with professional installation, a patio can last decades with minimal maintenance and add value to your home. Plus, patio repair typically costs $675 to $2,175, so repeated repair calls can quickly add up.

Therefore, it makes more financial sense to hire a patio installer than to go the DIY route.

FAQs About Raised Patio Installation

Is it more affordable to build a raised deck or a raised patio?

Patios are usually more affordable to build than decks. However, it depends on the material you use to build with and the type of deck or patio you want. Take a look at our deck vs. patio guide for a detailed comparison.

Does a raised patio increase the value of a home?

Yes, a raised patio can increase your property value. You should recoup 55% of the cost of the patio installation in the increased value of your home. Note that decks and porches increase home value and offer a better ROI than patios. 

Do I need a permit to build a patio?

Yes, you usually need a permit to build a patio. But the exact requirements vary by state and municipality, so be sure to talk with your contractor and understand the requirements before you begin construction.