- Building a patio can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000 depending on your home.
- A peaked-roof gable patio is one of the most popular options, averaging at $12,000.
- Concrete with timber roofing is budget-savvy, decking with Colorbond is premium.
Like any home improvements, the cost of a patio can vary widely depending on the size, materials used, and other factors that are unique to your property.
Spanish in origin, a patio is a paved area adjoining your house that is designed to extend your liveable space to the great outdoors.
While a patio is traditionally roofless, the Australian market has expanded on the term to include roofed structures which protect the space from the harsh elements and allow it to be used year-round.
Installing a patio is an incredibly flexible option to personalise your outdoor area, and extend your living space with an indoor-outdoor flow, as it can be constructed with a range of materials and styles.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the options you have in creating your own patio and break down the cost factors you can expect.
How much is the average Australian patio?
For a basic patio built in Australia, prices begin at around $2,000 and rise as you increase the size and complexity of your structure.
Those looking to build a more top-of-the-line structure with all the bells and whistles, however, can be faced with costs in the vicinity of $20,000.
Of course, you will also have to factor in extras and styling costs if you’d like your patio to be furnished, have lighting and heating, or even feature an outdoor kitchen.
As a starting point, let’s take a look at the average cost of the most popular types of patio:
- Square patio approx. 3.5m x 3.5m: $4,000 – $5,000
- Side of home patio approx. 8m x 2.5m: $5,000 – $6,000
- Half-dome patio: $9,000 – $10,000
- Gable patio approx. 7m x 5m: $11,500 – $12,500
Factors that will influence the cost of your patio
Size
Size is one of the most important factors that will influence the cost of constructing your patio, and is a factor you should put a lot of consideration into.
The cost per square metre for constructing a patio at your home in Australia begins at around $200.
When deciding the size of your patio, it’s important to consider what you’d like to use the space for, how many people you typically host at your home at any one time, and what furniture or additional features you’re wanting to add once it’s finished.
Location
The location of your home will also play a big part in deciding the elements that your patio will consist of.
It’s crucial that your patio is constructed to withstand typical weather conditions in the area. For example, areas that experience a lot of rain will require a patio that is resistant to rust or rotting, while sunny areas may need outdoor blinds to protect your furniture from the glare.
Another important factor is which direction your patio will be facing, as this will allow you to consider wind and sun conditions.
Design
How your patio looks will of course be of great importance to you, and it’s necessary that you explore some options for your home so that you can be happy with the finished product.
You should keep in mind the design style of the rest of your home and incorporate this into your patio design, to achieve flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Materials will play a big part in achieving your desired style, so read ahead as we take a look at the cost of the most popular material choices.
How much will patio flooring cost me?
Any well-made patio must start with a solid and level floor. The cost of this however, varies greatly depending on the material you choose.
Concrete
Concrete is a fantastic option for those looking to build a durable and low-maintenance patio on a budget.
Having a plain concrete slab poured can cost between $60 – $85 per square metre, while adding a more personal touch with coloured concrete or chips added can set you back between $75 – $100 per square metre.
Decking
Decking is another great option that allows a lot of flexibility in pricing, as there are several types you can choose between.
Treated pine decking is typically the most budget-friendly option, with a cost of $200 per square metre. Hardwood timber decking is a more premium alternative to pine and will set you back roughly $320 per square metre. For these natural decking options however, keep in mind that wood will require staining and sealing every few years because of the typical wear on your flooring.
Composite decking, made from a mixture of timber fibre and plastic, gives you the same look as timber, but with the added benefit of no future maintenance. Installing composite decking is a little pricier, starting from $350 per square metre, but removes the need for maintenance costs down the track.
Paving
Paving your patio is another incredibly versatile option that can change the look and cost of your outdoor space dramatically.
A paving job typically starts at around $40 per square metre, and can reach the $100 mark for a more premium finish.
Concrete pavers are again your most inexpensive option, ranging between $45 – $60 per square metre, followed by brick pavers which range from $70 – $90.
Stone pavers are the most expensive option at around $75 – $100, but can really elevate the look of your patio.
Choosing your patio roof design
While a patio in the traditional sense of the word did not include a roof, the term has been modernised to incorporate a cover to maximise the comfort and usability of a patio.
A patio with a roof is especially common in Australia, where our weather conditions can be quite extreme at either end of the scale. If your budget allows, adding a roof to your patio will ensure you can make the most of your outdoor space at all times.
Luckily, there are many patio roof designs you can choose from.
Gable
A gable roof has two sloped sides which meet at a peak in the middle, allowing rain to run off the sides easily. This is the same design seen in most modern houses and will blend seamlessly with your existing structure, while allowing lots of light into your outdoor area and adjoining rooms thanks to its height.
Flat
A flat patio roof is as simplistic as it sounds, and is a more affordable way to provide cover over a large area.
Skillion
A skillion roof is a single piece of material that is angled upwards on one side, which is optimal if there is a certain time of day you want to have shade cover. It also allows for rain runoff, similar to the gable roof.
Dome
A dome roof is a rounded structure that is becoming increasingly popular in modern housing. This option is great for adding a stylish touch to your outdoor area.
How much will a patio roof cost me?
The cost of your patio roof will come down to a combination of the design you choose, the area you want it to cover, and the materials you use.
Let’s break down the costs of the most popular roofing materials:
Timber
Timber is one of the most cost-effective materials for covering your patio, beginning at $5 per square metre and ranging up to about $25. While timber looks great when first installed, it may not be the right choice for everyone as it can become weather-worn over time.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is made from strong plastic and is much loved by the roofing industry for its resilient and durable nature. Polycarbonate holds up better in weather conditions than timber, but can make temperature control within your patio difficult as it is transparent. For a 1.8m sheet of polycarbonate, prices begin at $34.
Colorbond
Colorbond is perhaps the most innovative roofing option, offering acoustic and thermal insulation and a solar-reflecting colour range that keeps your patio cool and energy efficient. It is also low-maintenance and long-lasting and will set you back anywhere between $18/m2 for corrugated steel and $37/m2 for Colorbond Ultra.
What is the process of building a patio?
1. Check your council regulations
Like any construction project you’re thinking of undertaking on your property, it’s important to check that your council doesn’t restrict you from doing so. It’s best to get in contact with them or read up on their building regulations so that you don’t run into any issues down the line.
2. Get a quote
It’s always best to call in the professionals when you’re looking to get a big home improvement done. To make sure that you’re getting the most value for your money, it’s recommended that you contact a few companies for a measure and quote so that you can evaluate your options.
3. Design and installation
Once you’ve settled on a company to work with on building your patio, you will consult with your project managers to choose the perfect design and style for you. Installation of your patio can take anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks depending on the complexity of the design.
4. Styling
Perhaps the most exciting part of your patio process is styling your finished patio. From furniture and plants to dress the space up, to an outdoor barbeque and kitchenette, the possibilities are endless.
