What Is The Cost Of Having A Paver Patio Professionally Built In Toronto?

Here at Luke's Landscaping, our mission as leaders and educators in the hardscaping industry is to keep our customers informed and answer questions you may have for us. These include questions from the most basic, like how often a lawn should be cut, to the most technical, like, what is the difference between concrete pavers and stone pavers.

The most common questions we are usually asked revolve around cost. A new paver patio can be a significant investment, so we understand people want to know how much they are about to spend and what their money is going towards.

How Much Does An Interlock Patio Cost?

Most comfortably sized paver patios cost $12,800 - $22,000 upfront. Patios in this price range would be about 250-400 square feet. The smaller size is approximately 20x12 and 20x20 on the larger end. Unfortunately, installation is more than just finding a suitable piece of land, laying down the materials, and calling it a day.

There are many choices to make, and each can affect the upfront costs. Some of those are:

• Size and shape
• Straight vs. curved edges
• Choice of materials (this is a big one) 
• Site access
• Ground conditions
• Base preparation
• Optional upgrades
• DIY vs. professional installation
  

Base Preparation For A Paver Patio

"You can't build a great building on a weak foundation" Most of us have heard this expression or a similar one before. We like to say, "You can't build a great patio with a weak base."

Base preparation is the most crucial step in the patio building process. Here in Toronto, Ontario, we go through a heavy freeze-thaw cycle. The ground freezes in winter, and ice can settle into openings and expand the opening itself. As the ground thaws early in the spring, and there is a void left in the space the ice was, your patio may be susceptible to movement if the base has not been prepared correctly. 

Most major paver manufacturers specify a minimum base depth of 4-6 inches. In our experience, this just doesn't cut it in our climate. We aim to install between 7-9 inches of well-compacted crushed gravel on a standard residential patio. It is crucial to ensure your contractor installs and compacts the gravel base in "lifts." A lift refers to the thickness of the base material we install at one time. We don't do more than 3-4 inches of the base without prior compaction. Compacting more than that at one time can lead to expensive problems like improper compaction and, over time, a shifting or sinking patio.

Base preparation should be a key factor in your decision-making process on your new investment. A cheaper upfront cost may reflect in poor base preparation practices and a big headache in the future.

Patio Materials

All pavers are not created equally, and the choice of materials is generally one of the most significant factors in price disparity. For example, concrete and brick pavers are on the lower price scale, while marble and granite can be almost three times as expensive. There is even a higher and lower end of the price structure when it comes to the base materials, and this is one area where cheaper now can affect the longevity of your new patio.

Patio Maintenance

Low maintenance is one of the luxuries of a well-thought-out and properly constructed patio. When installed correctly, an interlocking paver patio requires a good pressure wash every few years and a top-up on polymeric sand. Aside from that, maintenance typically requires sweeping or blowing off debris on the patio's surface and a pressure wash and reseal every two to three years.

Overall, you should expect to spend between $12,800 - $22,000 for a comfortably sized patio for your Toronto home. A smaller patio could be a bit less, and of course, a patio upwards of 400 square feet results in a higher price point.

At Luke's Landscaping, we design and install patios using industry-leading techniques and products from many major paver manufacturers. If you have questions about the costs associated with a new patio or best practices for installation, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are the leading outdoor living space contractors in Toronto, Ontario, and we aren't a one-trick pony. We also specialize in landscape design, fire pits, deck building, outdoor kitchens, and more. We are here for all of your snow removal needs when winter sets in too. Contact us today for an estimate, and we look forward to hearing from you.