Outdoor Living Cost Guides

Have you wanted a new deck or a swimming pool for those summer months? Turning your outdoor space into a comfortable, fun and safe place for the whole family can be less costly than you think. Think about how you want to use your outdoor space. The more prepared you are when you talk to your contractor, the easier it will be to transform the backyard into your paradise.
Patios and Pathways
Patios act as great spaces for dining, grilling, putting swimming pool furniture and holding outdoor parties. They are often made of concrete, tiles or stone and installed directly on the ground. They can be any shape and either attached to the home or a detached free-standing space in the middle of the yard. They are used for everything, from sitting and enjoying the view to holding an outdoor BBQ to surrounding a pool. These are less expensive than decks and easier to maintain in the long run.  Continue Reading
  • Build a Deck Costs
    Most homeowners spent between:
    $4,052 - $10,126
    Average cost:
    $7,080
    Low cost:
    $1,800
     
    High cost:
    $17,000
  • Install a Patio or Pathway Costs
    Most homeowners spent between:
    $1,749 - $4,731
    Average cost:
    $3,235
    Low cost:
    $800
     
    High cost:
    $10,000
  • Repair a Deck Costs
    Most homeowners spent between:
    $727 - $2,406
    Average cost:
    $1,520
    Low cost:
    $250
     
    High cost:
    $4,800

Select your Outdoor Living project

Outdoor Living
Build a Deck
(10,267 projects)
Average National Cost:
$7,080
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Install a Patio or Pathway
(10,066 projects)
Average National Cost:
$3,678
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Repair a Deck
(6,631 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,520
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Seal or Waterproof a Deck
(5,949 projects)
Average National Cost:
$831
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Install or Repair Gas Pipes
(5,005 projects)
Average National Cost:
$495
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Install Asphalt Paving
(4,761 projects)
Average National Cost:
$4,314
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Maintain a Swimming Pool
(4,593 projects)
Average National Cost:
$231
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Install a Hot Tub
(4,255 projects)
Average National Cost:
$318
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Coat Concrete With Epoxy
(2,833 projects)
Average National Cost:
$2,003
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Repair Asphalt Paving
(1,858 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,957
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Remodel a Swimming Pool
(1,524 projects)
Average National Cost:
$8,176
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Build a Patio Enclosure
(1,407 projects)
Average National Cost:
$15,359
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Install an Awning
(1,362 projects)
Average National Cost:
$2,383
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Repair a Patio or Pathway
(1,133 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,326
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Repair a Swimming Pool Heater
(1,010 projects)
Average National Cost:
$405
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Build a Swimming Pool
(943 projects)
Average National Cost:
$19,100
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Install, Repair or Replace a Vinyl Swimming Pool Liner
(904 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,978
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Remove Concrete
(761 projects)
Average National Cost:
$953
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Install a Swimming Pool Heater
(538 projects)
Average National Cost:
$2,591
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Build an Arbor, Pergola or Trellis
(370 projects)
Average National Cost:
$3,493
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Repair an Awning
(247 projects)
Average National Cost:
$612
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Install an Inground Pool
(170 projects)
Average National Cost:
$48,986
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Install a Playground or Swing Set
(150 projects)
Average National Cost:
$492
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Deliver Concrete
(137 projects)
Average National Cost:
$3,397
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Install Swimming Pool Covers & Accessories
(126 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,316
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Repair a Gazebo
(96 projects)
Average National Cost:
$929
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Build an Outdoor Kitchen
(93 projects)
Average National Cost:
$10,833
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Repair a Hot Tub
(93 projects)
Average National Cost:
$2,253
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Build a Gazebo
(84 projects)
Average National Cost:
$6,535
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Install a Natural Gas BBQ
(84 projects)
Average National Cost:
$243
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Install an Above Ground Pool
(84 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,640
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Repair a Boat Dock
(60 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,209
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Install a Fiberglass Pool
(53 projects)
Average National Cost:
$27,092
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Install an Outdoor Misting System
(42 projects)
Average National Cost:
$2,342
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Build a Swimming Pool Enclosure
(34 projects)
Average National Cost:
$7,861
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Repair an Outdoor Misting System
(28 projects)
Average National Cost:
$352
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Build a Dock
(27 projects)
Average National Cost:
$8,322
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Make and Install Signs
(18 projects)
Average National Cost:
$390
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Build or Resurface a Tennis Court
(16 projects)
Average National Cost:
$7,537
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Repair Playground Equipment
(13 projects)
Average National Cost:
$336
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Repair a Greenhouse
(8 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,475
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Repair a Tennis Court
(6 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,537
View Costs in Your Area
Outdoor Living
Build a Greenhouse
(5 projects)
Average National Cost:
$13,893
View Costs in Your Area
Pathways are useful when wanting to create a walking space in your yard. They can be made of various materials depending on the garden: pebbles, mulch, flagstone, ceramic tiles, etc. Asphalt is a very cost-effective option. It also provides a better surface for snow and ice removal in winter climates. It's easier to repair and additional layers can be added if necessary. Consider the square footage of your yard and if a pathway would be ideal for walking your garden area.
Decks
Unlike patios, decks are designed with wood, often enclosed and act as extensions of the home as an additional room. Building a deck can enhance the beauty of your home. Although a new deck could turn into an expensive investment, picking the best contractor for the job, planning and asking questions will make the difference in the end sum.
Choose your design, materials and location. You can have the coolest idea for a deck, and it will never look the way you anticipated if it isn't designed properly. If you have an especially great view from one part of your home, then position the new deck to take full advantage of it. If you are considering a hot tub, consider the optimal wood material for holding its weight. Sealing the deck is another way to help it last longer and shine. Flower boxes and benches are some options to consider to make your deck more beautiful.
Gazebo
A gazebo is a free-standing structure designed to provide shelter from the elements. Gazebos are normally situated in gardens or other places with beautiful views, and they are constructed in a wide range of styles and with an assortment of materials. These simple structures are relatively easy to build but have a multitude of uses. Think of adding decorative lattice or pillars, even a hot tub! There are really no design limitations - just your imagination and budget!
Swimming Pools
A swimming pool used to be a privilege of the rich, but today that isn't necessarily true. There are many options to fit within your budget. In-ground pools are more expensive than their above-ground counterparts, but both provide terrific aesthetic options and sound investments. Don't only think about the cost of the pool itself, but maintenance as well. Although modern equipment makes maintenance easy, weekly cleanings and seasonal closings are necessary to preserve the life of your pool. Be sure to check your local building restrictions to determine how far your pool needs to be from field lines and septic tanks. Talk to your insurance agent before construction to find out about additional coverage needed for a new pool, and you may also want to talk to your local taxing authorities about possible property tax assessment increases so that you'll know what to expect.

Share your cost experience

Help others plan and budget for their projects

Kathy Vosburg More than 1 year ago
As an experienced landscape designer and builder, what I have shared with my clients is the cost of the labor is based on the region they live in, what the fair market for the skills or trades are, and actually what season the work will be done in. That cost is fixed for the most part. The area where budgets fluctuate is in the size of the project and the material selection. The best analogy is a vehicle. For example, we have a choice of a stripped down, manual two-seat truck, an automatic four-seat truck, or a four-seat, long-bed, custom wheels, top of the line stereo, two-tone paint job with a leather interior, diesel truck. They're all trucks, but the criteria, amenities, and material choices make the price go up or down. It is the same within the design/build fields. And it is the design/build firm's job to ask the right questions to guide and direct a property owner to make the best decisions and choices that fulfill what they are hoping to achieve, within cost constraints and within the budget. Each homeowner, property, and project are unique, one cost, one budget, one design does not fit all. As a matter of policy, we do not provide quotes or prices during the initial client consultation. If anything, only price ranges, as the true and final costs are always dependent on the scope of work required and the material choices made by our clients.
Joni Lupis More than 1 year ago
Im looking for someone to dig a small drywall in my yard.Water is building up 
Beatrice Almeida More than 1 year ago
I need someone to replace iginition on my Portable BarBQue. I will order part just install it
right now it will not light.  949  9222538.  I did not see a heading for this please help me out.
mimi westerfield More than 1 year ago
I need someone to care for my yard, mow, trim etc. The person you recommeded has many other businesses like carpet which come first on his lists. I would rather have someone who onlyspecializes in yard work.
More than 1 year ago
Hi Mimi, Thanks for reaching out, we’re happy to connect you with another pro for your project. You can submit a request to our pros here: www.homeadvisor.com, browse a list of local pros here: http://www.homeadvisor.com/c.html, or send your info to [email protected] and a project advisor will reach out to assist you. –HASupport
Ron Sibley More than 1 year ago
I'm looking for some one to brush out about an acre of ground on a sloping lot and maybe carry out some of it. Will pay by the job and need quote's first.
Loreice Yancey More than 1 year ago
I have two fountains that need to have water battery replaced. Also clean hard water off fountains. We can get the new batteries.
Kathy DeLong More than 1 year ago
I would like to screen in an existing patio
Ronnie Baerga More than 1 year ago
I need a complete new back yard, all i have is dirt and stumps, dont know where in landscaping to look??
More than 1 year ago
We've asked a representative to follow-up with you. -HASupport
Ric Ricard More than 1 year ago
You don't show "landscape design/installation"- like a front yard make-over, w/ the drought in mind ?? That's what I'm looking for!