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How to Budget for a Paver Patio

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How to Budget for a Paver Patio

A backyard upgrade changes how you use your home, but it requires a solid plan to manage the $6500 price tag without stress.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $6,500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $361.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $6,500 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A new patio shifts your living space outside, turning a patch of grass into a spot for morning coffee or evening dinners. Contractors usually wrap up this kind of work in a week, but the real trick is the timing. Booking in late fall for an early spring start often gets you a better spot on their schedule before the rush hits.

You need to be picky about who you hire to avoid expensive mistakes. Get at least three quotes from local professionals to see the difference in material quality and labor costs. Don't just pick the cheapest bid, as a solid foundation is the difference between a flat surface and a trip hazard in two years.

The 0% offer is a temporary window, not a free pass. If you have a balance left when the 18 months are up, the card will start charging interest on that remaining amount, which can get expensive quickly.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get multiple quotes

    Call at least three licensed contractors to walk your yard. Ask them how they prep the soil, because a bad base causes pavers to sink. Compare their estimates carefully to ensure they include both labor and materials.

  2. 02

    Book in the off-season

    Reach out to contractors once the weather cools down in late fall. They are often looking for work to fill their winter and early spring calendars. You might get a better rate than you would in the heat of summer.

  3. 03

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card

    This card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. It gives you an 18-month window to pay off the $6500 without paying interest. You would need to pay $361.11 per month to clear the balance before the offer expires.

  4. 04

    Set up autopay

    Link your checking account to your card for the exact monthly payment amount. This keeps you on track to clear the debt before the intro window on purchases ends. Don't rely on your memory to send the payment each month.

  5. 05

    Verify permits

    Check with your local building office to see if a patio requires a permit. Reliable contractors handle this, but it is your property, so it is your responsibility to confirm it is done. Avoid any contractor who suggests skipping this step.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I buy the pavers myself?

Usually, no. Contractors get professional discounts you cannot access and they know exactly how much gravel and sand to order. Let them handle the materials so they are responsible if the supply is damaged or short.

What happens if the patio goes over budget?

Always add a 10% buffer to your $6500 estimate for unexpected site issues like bad drainage. If you don't use it, you can put it straight toward your card balance.

Do I need to be home during the install?

It helps to be around on the first day to confirm the layout with the crew. After that, they usually just need access to your backyard and a place to plug in their tools.

Is a concrete patio cheaper than pavers?

Concrete is often cheaper upfront, but pavers are easier to fix if they crack or if you need to reach underground pipes. Pavers also tend to last longer if installed correctly.