Patio quotes in the Seattle area can range wildly for what sounds like the same project, and most of that spread comes down to material choice, site access, and drainage requirements — not just the contractor's markup. Here's what typically drives the number, broken down by material, so you can sanity-check a bid against something real.
These are directional planning ranges, not quotes. Actual pricing depends on site access, soil conditions, demolition needs, and the specific firm. Use our budget estimator for a rough number on your specific project, then get 2–3 real bids.
Gravel or decomposed granite
Typical range: $8–$18 / sq ft installed. The most budget-friendly option and genuinely well-suited to informal lounging zones. Drains well through our wet winters if properly base-prepped, though it needs occasional refreshing and isn't ideal directly under outdoor furniture with narrow legs.
Poured concrete
Typical range: $15–$28 / sq ft installed. Plain broom-finish concrete sits at the low end; stamped or exposed-aggregate concrete (which mimics stone at a lower cost) pushes toward the higher end. Concrete performs well here as long as it's properly reinforced and sloped — freeze-thaw cycles are mild in Seattle proper but more of a factor at higher elevations or in the foothills.
Concrete pavers
Typical range: $20–$38 / sq ft installed. The most popular mid-range choice for a reason: individual units flex slightly with ground movement rather than cracking as a single slab, they're easier to repair (pull one unit vs. jackhammering), and there's a wide range of looks from basic gray to more designer finishes.
Natural stone (flagstone, bluestone)
Typical range: $30–$55+ / sq ft installed. The premium option, and the one most associated with the "PNW cottage garden" look homeowners often bring in as inspiration. Cost varies enormously by stone type and whether it's dry-laid (more affordable, requires more maintenance over time) or mortared on a concrete base (more expensive, more stable).
What pushes any of these numbers higher
- Demolition of an existing patio, deck, or overgrown planting bed — easy to underestimate on older Seattle properties.
- Drainage work. Given our rainfall, proper base prep and drainage isn't optional, and a site with poor natural drainage (common on clay-heavy Seattle soil) can add meaningfully to the bid.
- Access. A patio in a backyard reachable only through a narrow side-yard gate costs more to build than one a truck can back right up to — materials and spoil often have to be moved by hand or wheelbarrow.
- Permitting. Depending on size, proximity to property lines, and whether it affects impervious surface limits, your jurisdiction may require a permit. Ask your contractor who's responsible for pulling it, and confirm that's included in the bid.
- Retaining walls or grading if your lot has any slope, which is common across Seattle's hillier neighborhoods.
A rule of thumb for comparing bids
If one bid comes in dramatically lower than the others for the same material and square footage, ask specifically what's included: base depth, drainage, permitting, and cleanup. A lowball number often means one of those got left out — not that you found a great deal.
Getting a real number for your project
Use the budget estimator to get a rough range based on your project type, size, and terrain. Then, before you commit, work through our hiring checklist and get bids from at least two or three firms — you can start with the directory.
