Most patio building companies give a free estimate and calculate their bid based on the total patio square footage. Homeowners can spend anywhere from $10 – $20 per square foot to get a new patio installed. So, for example, a 500 sq ft patio will cost between $5,000 and $10,000. Patio design and all materials are included in this price. Cost will go up or down depending on the quality of pavers you select, whether steps are needed, and the amount of curves.

You will first need to determine the dimensions of your patio. Then excavate that area by digging down 8-9 inches deep. That might seem really deep but remember that you’ll need to install paver base, sand and pavers in order to get back up to ground level. Your patio needs to be flush with the surrounding grass.

The next step is to spread out 4-6 inches of gravel, also called paver base. Every 2 inches of gravel you lay should be compacted before laying more. You can rent a plate compactor or buy a hand tamper. A base is necessary because it provides a solid structural foundation to hold weight on top and prevent moisture and erosion from seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.

Once the base has been compacted, you should add 1 inch of sand. It’s essential to make sure that the sand is level before you start installing the pavers. Uneven sand leads to uneven pavers and that’s a big problem. The pavers should slope away from your house with a drop-off of about one inch every eight feet, so rain water will drain away.

After you’ve laid the pavers, the final step is to use a push broom to sweep polymeric sand into the gaps between the pavers. A 50 pound bag covers about 60-75 square feet of paver surface. The cracks in-between pavers should be filled to the top. Remove all excess sand from the top of the pavers. Use a garden hose with a misting nozzle to dampen the filled joints. Don’t overwater the joints. Allow to dry for 24 hours before any foot traffic.

A patio will extend your living area so you have more room to hang out. You can add couches and chairs to make the space more comfortable. When guests come over, spending time outside on your patio is a great way to show hospitality and entertain your neighbors. To top it off, having a patio will increase the value of your home. So even though there will be expenses associated with building a patio, you will likely recoup your costs when the house gets sold.

You should ask the patio contractor for a ballpark estimate on the total cost for your brick paved patio. Be prepared to collaborate with the hardscaper on your vision for the patio area. Ask the hardscaping company how long they’ve been in business. Google their company name and read a few reviews. Click here to get a free estimate on patio installation from His Workmanship.