A thoughtfully designed patio with appealing features can significantly increase your home’s value while creating an outdoor oasis perfectly suited to your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re envisioning intimate family dinners under the stars, hosting weekend barbecues with friends, or simply relaxing with morning coffee surrounded by nature, the right patio remodel transforms your backyard into a true extension of your living space.

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we’ve flawlessly completed countless home improvement projects throughout Pittsburgh and surrounding Pennsylvania areas. Our team of skilled designers always aims to remodel your space within budget and beyond your expectations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore popular patio remodeling ideas along with their costs to help you plan and execute your dream backyard transformation.

How Much Does a Patio Remodel Cost?

Understanding costs helps you plan effectively and make informed decisions about which upgrades fit your budget.

Average Patio Remodel Costs by Scope

Project Scope	Cost Range	What’s Included
Basic Surface Remodel	$2,000-5,000	Concrete resurfacing, simple landscaping, furniture updates
Mid-Range Renovation	$5,000-15,000	New paver installation, pergola addition, fire pit, upgraded lighting
High-End Luxury Remodel	$20,000-50,000+	Outdoor kitchens, pools, elaborate covered structures, complete redesign
New Patio Construction	$2,000-6,000	Basic ground-level patio installation

Building a new patio from scratch typically costs less than remodeling an existing space due to demolition, disposal, and additional prep work required for renovations.

What Factors Affect Patio Remodel Costs?

Several key factors determine your final investment:

Size and Square Footage: Larger patio spaces naturally require more materials and labor. A 100-square-foot patio costs significantly less than a 400-square-foot entertainment area.

Complexity of Design: Simple rectangular patios cost less than curved designs with multiple levels, intricate patterns, or custom features. Each curve, angle, or elevation change adds labor time and material waste.

Material Selection: Your choice represents one of the biggest cost determinants, ranging from budget-friendly concrete at $4-7 per square foot to premium natural stone at $15-30 per square foot.

Labor Costs: In the Pittsburgh area, professional installation typically accounts for 30-50% of your total project budget, varying by contractor expertise and project complexity.

Additional Features: Outdoor kitchens, fire features, lighting systems, water features, and landscaping all add to final costs but dramatically enhance enjoyment and property value.

Should You Hire Professionals or DIY Your Patio Remodel?

This decision significantly impacts your project outcome, timeline, and satisfaction with the finished space.

Why Professional Installation Makes Sense

While DIY patio remodeling can save upfront costs for skilled homeowners, professional contractors bring expertise that ensures high-quality, lasting work. Professionals work efficiently, allowing you to enjoy your new patio sooner, and provide quality assurance with flawless, professional finishes that DIY projects often struggle to achieve.

Key Professional Advantages:

✓ Expert knowledge of drainage solutions and grading
✓ Access to specialized equipment and tools
✓ Understanding of local building codes and permit requirements
✓ Proper installation techniques that prevent future problems
✓ Warranty protection on both materials and workmanship
✓ Completion in days rather than weeks or months

Safety represents another major advantage—trained professionals handle hazardous materials and tasks properly, avoiding potential accidents that can occur during complex installations. Professional patio remodeling costs more due to labor expenses but represents an investment in quality, expertise, and peace of mind. The job gets done right the first time, eliminating costly repairs that often result from amateur mistakes.

When Does DIY Make Sense?

DIY patio remodels can be budget-friendly for skilled homeowners tackling straightforward projects. However, complex projects involving structural work, drainage solutions, heavy materials, gas or electrical lines, or permanent installations typically warrant professional expertise.

Good DIY Projects:

Concrete resurfacing or staining
Simple furniture updates and arrangements
Adding container gardens and plantings
Installing basic gravel paths or borders
Pressure washing and maintenance

Leave to Professionals:

Structural installations requiring permits
Gas line work for fire features or outdoor kitchens
Electrical installations for lighting or appliances
Heavy stone or paver installations
Complex drainage solutions

What Are Popular Concrete Patio Remodel Ideas?

Concrete patios offer durability, versatility, and numerous design possibilities that work well in Pittsburgh’s varied climate.

Stamped Concrete Designs

This technique involves imprinting patterns and textures into the concrete surface, replicating the appearance of more expensive materials like tile, brick, stone, or even wood. Professional installers use specialized tools and texturized mats to create custom patterns ranging from cobblestone to slate to wood plank designs.

Stamped concrete delivers high-end aesthetics at a fraction of the cost of actual stone or pavers while providing excellent durability for Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw cycles. Popular patterns include ashlar slate, random stone, herringbone brick, and wood plank textures.

Average Cost: $9-15 per square foot installed

Stained Concrete

Staining your concrete patio adds vibrant color and visual interest through acid-based or water-based stains that penetrate the surface. This approach creates a polished, sophisticated look that transforms plain gray concrete into an attractive design element.

Staining offers an affordable, long-lasting, and remarkably low-maintenance way to revitalize your concrete patio. Colors range from earthy terracottas and browns to modern grays and even multi-toned variegated effects. Acid stains create unique mottled appearances, while water-based stains offer more consistent coloring.

Average Cost: $2-4 per square foot for staining existing concrete

Resurfaced Concrete

If your existing concrete patio suffers from cracks, surface damage, or worn appearance, resurfacing with a new overlay gives it a fresh, modern look without the expense of complete replacement. Contractors apply a thin cement-based overlay that bonds to existing concrete, creating a smooth new surface. You can combine resurfacing with stamping or staining for enhanced visual appeal.

Average Cost: $4-7 per square foot

What Paver Patio Remodeling Options Should You Consider?

Pavers offer endless design possibilities, natural beauty, and practical benefits that make them perennially popular for patio projects.

Interlocking Pavers

These modular pavers provide unique, customized appearances with exceptional versatility. They’re known for superior strength and resistance to Pennsylvania’s weathering—freeze-thaw cycles that damage lesser materials. Interlocking systems distribute weight effectively, making them practical and long-lasting solutions for high-traffic areas.

Design Options Include:

Traditional brick patterns (herringbone, basket weave, running bond)
Contemporary linear designs
Intricate geometric arrangements
Mixed material combinations

Damaged individual pavers can be replaced without disturbing surrounding areas, offering significant repair advantages over monolithic concrete.

Average Cost: $12-22 per square foot including installation

Natural Stone Pavers

Natural stone pavers like bluestone (locally popular in Pennsylvania), flagstone, or travertine offer rustic, organic character that adds timeless charm to outdoor spaces. When properly installed over well-prepared bases, natural stone creates classic, remarkably low-maintenance surfaces that withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions for decades.

Each stone features unique coloring and texture, ensuring your patio remains truly one-of-a-kind. Natural stone’s thermal properties make it comfortable underfoot even during hot summer days—it doesn’t retain heat like concrete or asphalt.

Average Cost: $15-30 per square foot including installation

What Covered Patio Remodeling Features Work Best?

Adding overhead coverage extends your patio’s usability throughout Pittsburgh’s variable weather while creating defined outdoor rooms.

Outdoor Kitchen Integration

Incorporating a built-in grill, prep countertops, storage cabinets, and perhaps a sink or refrigerator into your covered patio design creates an alfresco dining and entertaining space that rivals indoor kitchens. A covered patio protects your kitchen appliances from unexpected weather damage and extends their lifespan significantly.

Outdoor Kitchen Components:

Built-in gas or charcoal grill
Prep countertops (granite, concrete, or tile)
Storage cabinets for utensils and supplies
Mini refrigerator for beverages
Sink with hot and cold water
Pizza oven or smoker (luxury additions)
Bar seating area

Average Cost: $7,000-35,000 depending on features and appliances included

Fireplace or Fire Pit Addition

Setting up a cozy fireplace area on your covered patio creates a warm, inviting gathering spot for cool evenings and year-round enjoyment. A well-designed fireplace serves as both functional heating element and stylish centerpiece that intensifies the comfort and charm of your revamped patio space.

Options range from simple portable fire pits to elaborate built-in fireplaces with stone surrounds and hearths. Gas fireplaces offer convenience with instant ignition and adjustable flames, while wood-burning options provide traditional ambiance and crackling sounds.

Average Cost:

Basic portable fire pits: $325-2,000
Built-in fire pits: $1,500-5,000
Custom outdoor fireplaces: $3,000-9,000

Covered Dining Areas

Adding a dedicated dining space to your covered patio area allows you to enjoy meals outdoors regardless of weather. The cost varies based on coverage type (pergola, solid roof, or retractable awning), size of space, lighting needs, and furniture selections.

Lighting Options:

Pendant lights: $50-500 each
Recessed lights: $300-550 each installed
String lights: $100-400 for quality weatherproof sets
Ceiling fans with lights: $200-800 installed

Furniture Investment:

Basic dining set: $500-2,000
Mid-range quality: $2,000-7,000
Premium weather-resistant: $7,000-15,000+

Pergola Structures

Incorporating a pergola over your patio provides filtered shade while maintaining an open, airy feel. Pergolas can stand alone or connect to your home, offering architectural interest and supporting climbing plants like wisteria, clematis, or grapevines that provide additional shade and beauty over time.

Modern pergolas come in wood (cedar, redwood), vinyl, aluminum, or composite materials requiring varying maintenance levels. Wood offers natural beauty but needs periodic staining or sealing, while vinyl and aluminum provide maintenance-free alternatives.

Average Cost: $2,500-10,000 for professional installation

What Features Enhance Open Patio Spaces?

Uncovered patios benefit from different design approaches that maximize sun exposure while creating functional outdoor living areas.

Swimming Pool Integration

Adding a swimming pool to your patio area dramatically increases home value while providing fun recreational space right in your backyard. Even modest pools create attractive focal points that enhance your outdoor aesthetic. Proper planning ensures your patio and pool work together cohesively with coordinated materials, appropriate decking, and safe transitions between wet and dry areas.

Pool Options and Costs:

Small plunge pools: $25,000-40,000
Standard inground pools (12’x24′): $35,000-65,000
Large custom pools (20’x40’+): $60,000-100,000+
Luxury features (waterfalls, spas, elaborate finishes): Add $10,000-50,000+

Garden Seating Integration

If you love staying connected to nature and plants, adding garden seating to your patio creates an appealing, tranquil environment. With flowering plantings surrounding your open patio space, the area transforms into a calming retreat.

Strategic plantings provide natural privacy screening, soften hard patio edges, and create seasonal interest with changing blooms and foliage. Container gardens offer flexibility for renters or those who enjoy frequently updating their outdoor decor.

Average Cost: $500-8,000 for quality patio furniture and plantings

How Can You Maximize Small Patio Spaces?

Even limited spaces can become functional, stylish patio areas without compromising design or comfort.

Multifunctional Furniture Solutions

Choosing space-saving, multifunctional furniture pieces maximizes small patio functionality while maintaining style and comfort.

Smart Furniture Choices:

Built-in benches with hidden storage for cushions and supplies
Convertible tables that expand for entertaining, fold for everyday use
Stackable or folding chairs stored when not needed
Wall-mounted drop-leaf tables
Ottoman seats that double as storage
Nesting side tables

Average Cost: $500-5,000 depending on furniture selection, materials, and custom features

Gazebo or Intimate Structures

Transforming a small patio with a cozy gazebo creates a defined hangout spot perfect for reading, relaxing, or spending quality time with family and friends. The right structure makes even tiny patios feel intentional and finished.

Small-scale gazebos or cabanas provide shade and architectural interest without overwhelming limited square footage. Open-sided designs maintain airflow while creating psychological boundaries that define your outdoor room.

Average Cost: $2,500-10,000 for professional installation

What Luxury Patio Features Create Resort-Like Spaces?

These premium additions elevate your patio into an extraordinary outdoor retreat.

Built-In Hot Tub Integration

Incorporating a hot tub into your patio design, surrounded by coordinating pavers or decking, creates a seamless, spa-like atmosphere. Patio remodels with hot tubs have become increasingly popular for good reason—they’re ideal for therapeutic relaxation, entertaining, and creating a private sanctuary.

Planning Considerations:

Proximity to home for electrical requirements and convenience
Sight lines and privacy screening
Integration with existing patio design and materials
Year-round access and snow removal paths
Built-in steps or deck for safe entry/exit

Average Cost: $3,000-10,000 for basic hot tubs (not including electrical work and patio integration)

Outdoor Shower Addition

Adding an outdoor shower near your hot tub or pool provides convenient rinsing before and after use while creating a luxurious spa-like element. Outdoor showers range from simple hose-attached fixtures to elaborate tiled enclosures with hot water, built-in seating, and premium fixtures.

They’re particularly practical for families with pools, beachgoers, or active households where muddy kids and pets benefit from exterior cleanup options before entering the home.

Average Cost: $1,000-5,000 depending on complexity and finishes

Should You Combine Deck and Patio in Your Remodel?

Integrating both deck and patio elements creates dynamic outdoor spaces with varied elevations, materials, and functional zones.

Raised Deck with Ground-Level Patio

Building a raised deck for lounging and dining, connected to a ground-level patio for entertaining and activities, maximizes your outdoor space’s versatility. This combination allows you to take advantage of different areas for different purposes—perhaps elevated deck space for meals with views, transitioning to patio areas with fire features or children’s play zones.

The elevation change creates visual interest while solving practical challenges on sloped properties. Material contrast between wood or composite decking and stone or paver patios adds textural variety that enhances overall design.

Average Cost: $15-35 per square foot for deck construction, plus patio installation costs

Total costs vary based on materials chosen, complexity of design, and integration elements like stairs, railings, and transitions between levels. Working with experienced professionals ensures proper engineering, drainage planning, and cohesive design that makes different elevations feel intentional rather than disjointed.

What Should You Know Before Starting Your Patio Remodel?

Thoughtful planning ensures your patio project succeeds and meets your long-term needs.

Determine Your Primary Patio Function

Before selecting materials or features, clarify how you’ll primarily use your patio. Will it serve as an outdoor dining room for family meals? Do you need casual lounging space for reading and relaxation? Are you creating an entertainment hub for hosting gatherings? Will the patio accommodate children’s play or integrate with pool areas?

Your patio’s primary use dictates appropriate size, materials, and features. A dining-focused patio needs different configurations than a meditation retreat or party venue.

Establish a Realistic Budget

Patio remodeling costs escalate quickly when plans expand beyond initial intentions. Use your primary function as an anchor, preventing scope creep that strains budgets.

Budget Planning Steps:

Research material costs for your preferred options
Obtain at least three detailed contractor quotes
Build in 10-15% contingency for unexpected issues
Consider phasing projects over multiple years if needed
Prioritize must-have features vs. nice-to-have additions

Consider phasing your project—perhaps completing basic patio structure this year and adding luxury features like outdoor kitchens or fire elements in future years.

Consider Long-Term Maintenance

Different materials require varying maintenance commitments. Concrete needs occasional power washing and resealing every 2-3 years. Pavers may require periodic re-leveling and joint sand replenishment every 3-5 years. Wood decking demands annual cleaning and staining or sealing. Natural stone requires sealing to prevent staining, typically every 1-2 years.

Factor ongoing maintenance time and costs into your material selection—a slightly more expensive low-maintenance option often proves more economical long-term than cheap materials requiring constant upkeep.

Verify Permits and Regulations

Check local Pittsburgh area building codes and homeowners association rules before starting your project. While many patio renovations don’t require permits, projects involving permanent structures, gas lines, electrical work, or significant drainage alterations often do.

Typically Requires Permits:

Covered structures attached to home
Permanent outdoor kitchens with gas/electric
Major grading or drainage modifications
Structures over certain square footage

Usually No Permit Needed:

Ground-level paver patios
Furniture and plantings
Portable fire pits
Surface-level improvements

Permit costs typically range $50-200 but ensure your project meets safety standards and won’t create issues when selling your home.

Get Professional Patio Remodeling Services in Pittsburgh, PA

If you’re looking for a trustworthy partner to remodel your exterior space in Pittsburgh, PA, and surrounding Pennsylvania areas, McClellands Contracting and Roofing is here to assist you. We provide comprehensive home improvement services that surpass expectations, from initial design consultation through final installation.

Why Choose McClellands for Your Patio Project?

Our experienced team brings years of exterior remodeling expertise to every project. We understand Pittsburgh’s climate challenges and design patios that withstand our region’s weather extremes while maximizing your outdoor enjoyment.

Our Comprehensive Services Include:

✓ Design consultation and material selection
✓ Detailed planning and project management
✓ Skilled installation with quality craftsmanship
✓ Coordination with necessary permits and inspections
✓ Integration with existing landscaping and home exterior
✓ Warranty protection on workmanship

Our Service Areas

We proudly serve Pittsburgh and surrounding communities including Bridgeville, Sewickley, Ross Township, Fox Chapel, Mt. Lebanon, and all areas within 25 miles of Pittsburgh.

Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?

Don’t continue dreaming about your ideal patio—let’s make it reality. Whether you’re ready for immediate renovation or still exploring options, our team provides expert guidance without pressure.

Popular Patio Remodel Ideas & Cost Guide for 2026