Patios, pavers, concrete and retaining walls: what they cost, how they compare and how to keep them in good shape.
A flagstone patio usually costs $15 to $27 per square foot installed, or about $3,600 on average. Most are dry-laid on compacted gravel and sand; mortared stone on a concrete slab costs more and can crack in freeze-thaw climates.
October 3, 2026
Lay pavers on at least 4 inches of compacted crushed-stone base (more on clay or in freezing climates), then 1 inch of screeded concrete sand. Set the pavers, add edge restraints, compact and sweep in joint sand, with a slope of 1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot.
September 24, 2026
A new asphalt driveway usually costs $7 to $15 per square foot installed, or about $3,100 to $7,400 for a typical job. Gravel costs less, concrete a bit more, and pavers the most.
September 20, 2026
A stamped concrete patio usually costs about $8 to $25 per square foot installed, so a 20 x 20 ft patio often runs $4,000 to $8,000. It looks like stone or brick for less than pavers, but it can crack and needs resealing every 2 to 3 years.
September 15, 2026
Sweep polymeric sand into completely dry paver joints at least 1.5 inches deep, compact it with a plate compactor, clear every grain off the surface, then mist it with a hose. Install above 32°F with a dry forecast.
September 12, 2026
Sealing pavers is optional. It resists stains, salt and fading and can deepen color, but pros charge roughly $1.25–$2 per square foot and most sealers need redoing every 2–5 years. If you seal new pavers, wait at least 60 days and until any white efflorescence is gone.
September 7, 2026
Poured concrete is cheaper up front, at roughly $4–$10 per square foot versus $8–$25 for pavers. Pavers cost more but are made two to three times stronger, handle ground movement better and can be lifted and reset instead of patched. Stamped concrete sits in between.
September 1, 2026
Most paver patios cost $8–$25 per square foot installed, or about $2,275–$6,950 for a typical 280-square-foot patio. Material, base prep, shape, slope and local labor rates decide where your quote lands.
August 26, 2026
Most retaining walls cost $20–$53 per square foot of wall face, or about $3,500–$9,400 for a typical project. Material, height, drainage and site access drive the price, and walls over about 4 ft usually need an engineer and a permit.
August 20, 2026
