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Following the lazy days of summer, everyone’s back to the grind in autumn, back to school, and starting to prepare for the hectic holiday season. Even though we’re busy, we still crave respite right at home and enjoyment of cooler dusks and evenings, whether it be on our front porch or backyard patio.
As it turns out, patios are more popular than ever. According to a new survey from the National Association of Home Builders, the share of new homes with patios increased to a new record high in 2023. About 63 percent of new homes were built with patios, marking the eighth consecutive year the percentage set a new record high. The average size of these patios is about 290 square feet, and the preferred material continues to be poured concrete over other options like brick pavers, concrete pavers, and natural stone.
The survey also noted regional differences, although patios have become more popular throughout the country overall. At the low end, only 17 percent of new single-family homes built in New England and 20 percent in the Middle Atlantic came with patios in 2023, while at the high end, 80 percent of new homes in the West South Central region and about 70 percent in the South Atlantic and Mountain areas were built with patios.
Keep reading to find out why patios are hot right now, if this is a smart time of year to add a patio to your home, and tips for maximizing an outdoor patio during the cooler weather.
Why are patios more popular than ever?
We spoke to several contractors and landscaping experts, and they agree that patios are highly sought-after for several key reasons. “As a home remodeler for over 25 years, I’ve built many patios and seen their popularity skyrocket,” says Jesse Andrews, owner of New England Home Pros in Londonderry, New Hampshire. “Homeowners crave outdoor living space, and patios provide an affordable way to spend more time outside while boosting home value,” says Andrews.
As a seasoned landscaping expert, Alex Ketty of Glow Path Technology in Michigan has noticed patios becoming increasingly popular and a strong selling point for homes. “People want to maximize outdoor living space and connect with nature. Patios provide an ideal opportunity for homeowners to extend their living space and get more use out of their yards,” says Ketty.
Shlomo Cherniak, owner of Cherniak Home Services in Baltimore, Maryland, believes patios are incredibly popular now for several reasons. “They provide additional outdoor living space, which became especially valuable during the pandemic when people spent more time at home. Moreover, patios are great for gatherings, allowing friends and family to socialize while maintaining some distance.” He also has seen a growing trend of homeowners investing in home improvement projects, including patio installations.
Indeed, industry research backs up what these experts are observing. According to the International Casual Furnishings Association, 80 percent of consumers report that their outdoor living space is more valuable to them than ever, as they are spending an average of 9 hours per week outdoors. That’s up from 7 hours per week in 2022.
Furthermore, 64 percent of Americans are spending a lot more time in their outdoor spaces compared to a year ago, and 54 percent plan to purchase new furnishings and decor for their decks, yards, and patios this year. A huge reason for this shift is that people recognize how beneficial it is to spend time outdoors. A recent COGNITION survey found that nearly 90 percent of homeowners consider their outdoor areas to be important to their health and well-being.
There’s still time to put in a patio this year.
Late summer and early fall are excellent times to build a patio, says Ketty. “Contractors often have more availability, and material costs are lower since demand declines after peak season.”
One perk to starting a patio project during this time of year is that it often takes less time for contractors to complete the project, between the milder weather and less busy schedules. “Patio installations can often be completed quickly, so you can still enjoy your new outdoor space before winter sets in,” says Cherniak. “On average, a patio installation takes about 3 to 4 weeks to complete.”
This is also the perfect time to get a deal on your patio construction project. The average cost to install a 280-square-foot paver patio is $3,400, or between $2,400 and $7,000, but off-season prices can be lower. Because of the decrease in demand during the fall, contractors may offer discounts of 10 to 15 percent or more. “Use this slower period to negotiate better terms or additional services with your chosen contractor,” says Cherniak.
6 Ways to Maximize Your Patio During Cooler Weather
Many people bring in all their backyard furniture during the colder months, but this is completely unnecessary. With a few creative tweaks, you can extend the time to enjoy your porch or outdoor patio. “A thoughtfully designed patio greatly improves a home’s curb appeal and provides opportunities for entertainment or relaxation any time of year,” says Ketty.
Maximize your patio space by following these tips:
- Add a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. A fire pit or fireplace helps you stay warm when outside and can double as a focal point for you and your guests to gather around and socialize. Additionally, they are mesmerizing to look at and fun for roasting marshmallows, creating a campfire-like atmosphere.
- Turn the heat on. Another way to stay warm is to either install a patio heater or keep a portable propane heater handy. Propane heaters are a less expensive option, but just be sure to follow safety precautions since they come with some risks.
- Cover up. To minimize chilly breezes, freezing rain, and snow flurries, enclose your patio using outdoor roller shades, curtains, patio umbrellas, gazebos, pergolas, or canopies. With a cover in place, you’ll still be able to hang out on your patio no matter the weather.
- Choose cozy décor. When the cold weather rolls in, bring out the comfy décor like furry pillows, heavy throw blankets, plush outdoor furniture, and outdoor rugs.
- Set the mood with seasonal lighting. Coax people to head outside no matter the temperature and time of the setting sun by creating a special mood with lighting. Hang white or colorful string lights, set up lanterns with flameless candles, put out battery-operated tea lights, and install a porch light with a dimmer to control the mood lighting throughout the evening.
- Serve some warm refreshments. By having an outdoor kitchen near your patio, you can serve up some soup, hot tea, cider, chili, etc. to warm everyone up.
