What Does a Patio Cost in Australia? Here’s the Real Story
- Premium Patios
- Feb 12
- 3 min read
We get asked this constantly:
“What am I actually looking at, price-wise?”
And honestly, it’s a fair question. Nobody wants to spend a big chunk of money without knowing what they’re getting into.Most people don’t sit around planning home improvements for fun. Usually something’s been bugging you for months.
Maybe your backyard is unbearable in summer. Maybe every second barbecue gets rained out and everyone ends up jammed inside. Maybe your outdoor setting has been sitting unused because there’s nowhere properly covered to put it.
Eventually you say, “Right, that’s it. We’re getting a patio built.”
Then the questions start piling up. Should we wait? Why are quotes all different? What should we realistically budget?
Here’s the tricky bit — there’s no single answer. Every home is different. Roof layouts vary. Access changes things. Weather exposure also varies around Australia.
But once you talk to a few builders and people who’ve already done it, the picture becomes clearer pretty quickly. Most jobs end up in a similar price range.
And nearly everyone says the same thing afterwards: “We should’ve done this ages ago.”
What Will a Patio Probably Cost in Australia?
Once someone actually visits your property and provides a real quote, most Australian homeowners end up spending somewhere between $10,000 and $20,000.Smaller patios sometimes come in under that. Bigger or more customised patios go over. Pretty standard.Budgets creep up because people realise they want the space to actually work for entertaining and everyday use. Once built, most homeowners find they use their outdoor space far more than expected.
Melbourne Patio Costs
While exact quotes depend on your block and design, typical builder cost ranges seen in Melbourne are:
Patio Type / Size | Estimated Cost |
Small / Basic Patio (flat roof, simple structure) | $5,000 – $8,000 |
Mid-Range Patio (insulated roof, larger area) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
Premium / Large Patio (gabled, custom finishes) | $20,000 – $35,000+ |
These typically include structural framing, roofing and standard finishing — but not always flooring, lighting or outdoor additions.
Gold Coast Patio Costs
There isn’t a single published local guide, but costs on the Gold Coast are generally similar to Queensland averages and slightly below some southern cities due to lower local labour costs.
Patio Scale | Typical Range |
Small / Basic (e.g., 10–15 m²) | $5,000 – $12,000 |
Medium / Covered Patio | $12,000 – $20,000 |
Large / Premium (custom designs) | $20,000 – $40,000+ |
Actual costs depend on design, roof type and extras such as roofing, gutters and finishes.
Cost Example Scenarios
Basic Patio (Melbourne)
20 m²
Flat roof, standard Colorbond, concrete slab
Approx $8,000 – $12,000
Mid-Range Patio (Gold Coast)
25 m²
Insulated roof, paving or decorative concrete
Approx $15,000 – $25,000
Premium Outdoor Living Upgrade•
35+ m²
Gabled roof, premium materials, lighting, screens•
$30,000 – $50,000+
What Factors Influence the Cost
Size
Larger patios use more materials and labour.
Roof & Structure Type
Flat roofs are cheaper than gabled or skillion roofs.
Insulated roofing adds comfort but increases cost.
Materials
Concrete slabs and standard Colorbond are more affordable.
Pavers, stone, decking and premium finishes cost more.
Site Preparation
Difficult access, sloping land or demolition work can add costs.
Extras & Add-Ons
Lighting, heating, screens, fans and outdoor kitchens increase budgets.
Council Approvals & Compliance
Some patios require permits or approvals depending on location.
Common Patio Questions Homeowners Ask
Why Patio Quotes Can Differ So Much
Different sizes, materials, access conditions and design complexity all influence pricing. Council approvals and structural requirements can also affect final quotes.
The Moment Plans Usually Change
During planning, many homeowners upgrade designs slightly to ensure the space works well long term, often adding lighting, fans or extending coverage.
Why Choosing the Cheapest Quote Can Backfire
Very low quotes often mean compromises in materials or workmanship, which may lead to repairs later costing more than building properly initially.
How Long Does Construction Take?
Construction typically takes one to two weeks once approvals and scheduling are complete
Why Getting a Proper Quote Matters
A site visit allows builders to provide accurate pricing based on measurements, access and property conditions.
Bottom Line
Most Australian homeowners spend between $10,000 and $20,000 on patios, and most later say they wish they had done it sooner.
Patio Cost FAQs in Australia
Do patios always need council approval?
It depends on local council rules and patio size. Builders usually help homeowners work through approval requirements.
How long does patio installation take?
Most patios take one to two weeks once construction begins.
Does a patio add value to a home?
Covered outdoor areas improve lifestyle and often increase property appeal when selling.
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