How Much Does an Outdoor Living Space Cost?
No two outdoor living spaces are the same, and the same applies to budgets. Answering the question, “How much will an outdoor living space cost?” can be challenging because many factors influence the final price.
Key Considerations
To better understand your budget, you’ll need to address several questions:
What size do you want your patio to be? What size is allowed based on your lot survey?
Do we need to build retaining walls?
What types of finishes would you like?
Are there existing structures we need to tear down or work around?
What are your existing rooflines?
Will we build an outdoor kitchen?
Do you want a custom fireplace or firepit?
Do you want screens?
Will we install electric heaters?
Are we building a pool? Will it include a spa?
These are just a few of the many questions that determine the total cost of your outdoor living space.
Size and Scope of the Project
The first question is: What is the size of the project?
A 400–500 square foot space provides enough room for both a dining and living area. This size project typically includes concrete, a shingled covered patio, and basic finishes, and it falls in the $50K–$100K range. The price adjusts with upgraded finishes, such as premium ceilings, stone, tile, brick, stucco, or specialized flooring. Larger spaces naturally add to the cost.
Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens range from simple grilling stations to elaborate gourmet setups with islands. A straightforward design—8–10 linear feet—adds $10K–$25K to the project. Additional costs depend on options for appliances, countertops, backsplashes, and fascias such as brick, stone, stucco, or tile.
Fire Features
A custom wood-burning or natural gas fireplace generally adds $25K to your project. Options include stone, mantles, hearths, TV mounts, built-in storage, and cabinets.
Fire pits are more affordable, with wood-burning or natural gas options typically adding $5K–$10K. The size, shape, and type of stone affect the cost.
Pools & Spas
Pools vary in shape, size, and features. Starting prices range from $100K to $150K. Factors influencing costs include:
Waterline tile
Coping
Plaster
Fire and water features
Salt vs. chlorine systems
Spa inclusion (adding significantly to the cost)
Building a pool and spa involves extensive work, so careful planning is essential.
Additional Features
Custom-built motorized screens, great for keeping insects out, reducing sun glare, and blocking wind gusts, can add $2K–5K per opening.
Electric heaters are perfect for extending the use of your space on cooler evenings, enabling year-round enjoyment. They typically cost $2K-$4K each, depending on size and style.
Example Budgets
Planning is key to answering how much an outdoor patio should cost. Our project developers can guide you through the process. Here’s a general budget guide:
$50K–$100K: Approximately 400 sq. feet of covered patio space.
$10K–$25K: Outdoor kitchens.
$25K: Fireplaces.
$100K+: Pools (starting price).
Final Note
While this is a general budgeting guide, remember that prices fluctuate based on the economy, material costs, and labor availability. These figures provide a starting point, but they can vary from year to year.