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How to Pay for a Backyard Patio

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How to Pay for a Backyard Patio

A patio turns a patch of dirt into a usable outdoor room, and timing your project for the off-season can save you thousands.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $5,000 before anything else
Across the 0% window $277.78/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $5,000 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 patio changes how you use your home, turning a messy yard into an extra room for dinners or coffee. Contractors are usually desperate for work in late autumn, which is the perfect time to get a quote since the rush of summer is over.

You want to pick a design that drains well so you don't end up with puddles near your foundation. Getting three separate quotes is the only way to know if you are being overcharged for labor or materials.

That 0% window is a hard deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance once the 18 months are up, the interest charges will kick in, which can quickly wipe out any savings you gained from off-season pricing.

The steps

  1. 01

    Gather your quotes

    Contact at least three local landscapers once the peak summer season ends. Ask each one for a breakdown of labor versus stone costs. Do not pick the cheapest offer if their portfolio looks sloppy.

  2. 02

    Check the ground

    Ensure the contractor explains how they will prep the soil. If they don't compact the base correctly, your new patio will sink or crack within a year. A solid base is more important than the fancy stone you choose.

  3. 03

    Set up your payment

    If you need to spread out the $5000 cost, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you pay roughly $277.78 per month during that 18-month window to clear the balance without paying interest.

  4. 04

    Clear the space

    Move your lawn furniture and any planters well before the crew arrives. Having a clean, accessible path for them to bring in heavy stone saves them time and keeps your project on schedule.

  5. 05

    Inspect the work

    Walk the patio with the lead contractor before you pay the final invoice. Check that the slope carries water away from your house and that all stone gaps are filled with polymeric sand to prevent weeds.

  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

Why is late autumn cheaper?

Landscaping is a seasonal business. Most crews are trying to finish their last jobs before the ground freezes, so they are more willing to negotiate on labor to keep their staff busy.

What is a base layer?

It is the crushed stone and gravel packed underneath your pavers. Think of it as the foundation of your patio; if it is not deep and well-compacted, your patio will shift.

Should I pay for the whole project on one card?

Only if your credit limit allows it and you can comfortably afford the monthly payments. Always keep an eye on your utilization so you don't hurt your credit score.

How long does the installation take?

A standard patio usually takes three to five days depending on the weather and the complexity of the design. Expect some noise and dirt in your yard for about a week.