2025 Kansas City Paver Patio Cost, Design & Build Guide

What most patios actually cost in KC

  • Baseline (no walls/steps): $28–$45/sq ft

  • Upgraded (pattern mix, borders, lighting): $45–$65/sq ft

  • Premium (walls, steps, kitchen, drainage, complex curves): $65–$110+/sq ft

Example: A clean 400 sq ft patio with border and a small landing typically lands $18k–$26k depending on access, soil, and finishes. Add $4k–$10k per set of steps, $4k–$8k for a low seating wall, and $3k–$7k for drainage corrections.

Why the range? Access, excavation/haul‑off, base thickness, drainage, steps/walls, utilities, and product selection move the number more than the paver brand.


Our non‑negotiable build spec (how patios actually last in KC)

  1. Layout & elevations: laser benchmarks, 2D plan with slopes, paint locates, call‑before‑you‑dig.

  2. Excavation: patio footprint + 8–12″ beyond edges; base depth 6–10″ depending on soils/load. Export spoils. Turf protection.

  3. Separation layer: woven geotextile over native clay to isolate base from fines.

  4. Base: compacted in 3″ lifts. AB‑3/road base or open‑graded (below) based on drainage plan.

  5. Open‑graded option (our go‑to near foundations): 4–6″ #57 stone + 1–2″ #8 bedding, free‑draining to reduce frost heave against the house.

  6. Slope: 1/8–1/4″ per ft away from structures; capture/pipe downspouts so the patio isn’t a retention pond.

  7. Edge restraint: concrete bead or aluminum spikes inside the bedding, not top‑coated mortar.

  8. Setting & cuts: tight joints, factory‑edge priority; mitered border corners so it doesn’t look pieced.

  9. Joints: polymeric HP‑type sand, vibrated into joints, light misting (no flood) to avoid haze.

  10. Finish: washdown, compaction check, topsoil + seed/sod perimeter, punch list.

KC soil reality: expansive clays + freeze/thaw. Drainage and a real base are mandatory. If a bid ignores geotextile, edge restraint, or slope math—run.


Design that works (and looks like money)

Patterns

  • Herringbone @ 45° for drive‑grade strength and visual energy on small patios.

  • Random ashlar (multi‑size) for larger formats; breaks up lines and hides cuts.

  • Soldier course border (contrasting color) to lock edges and frame the field.

Paver picks we trust

  • Techo‑Bloc: Blu 60 (HD2 for sleek), Para HD2 (contemporary, micro‑texture), Westmount (classic), Borealis step units for wood‑look risers.

  • Unilock: Beacon Hill, Umbriano (modern/speckled), Brussels (rustic edge).

Color logic for KC homes

  • Warm tan homes: go greige/charcoal border (e.g., Shale Gray field + Onyx Black border).

  • Cool gray/white homes: add warmth (Sandlewood/Champlain Grey) and keep border deep.

  • Brick homes: echo a charcoal border; avoid red‑on‑red.

Borders & inlays

  • 1‑ or 2‑course border, then a 3–4″ accent stripe if you want visual “custom” without labor bloat.

  • Keep grid lines continuous through borders at door thresholds and steps—no slivers.

Steps & transitions

  • 7″ riser / 12–14″ tread target; consistent is safer than “one‑big‑one‑small.”

  • Landings minimum 36–48″ deep at doors; more if it’s a main traffic path.

Utilities & features

  • Pre‑run conduit for future lighting/TV/gas.

  • Fire features: CSA burner kits, ¾” flex line, shut‑off outside heat zone.


What wrecks patios (avoid these)

  • Thin base to “save money” (it won’t).

  • No textile over clay = base pumps and settles.

  • Edge restraint missing or placed wrong.

  • Wrong slope toward the house; ignoring downspouts/sump discharge.

  • Over‑watering polymeric sand → haze and soft joints.

  • Salt on HD2/smooth pavers; use magnesium chloride or calcium magnesium acetate.


Real KC examples (from our job logs)

1) Lenexa family patio (380 sq ft)

  • Para HD2 ashlar + Onyx border; 2 steps; open‑graded base; two downspout tie‑ins.

  • Range: $22k–$29k (access + cuts drove spread).

2) Overland Park entertainer (620 sq ft)

  • Blu 60 field, 16″ grill landing, seat wall (22′) + lighting, gas stub for fire‑table.

  • Range: $42k–$58k (wall/lighting/gas).

3) Leawood modern (480 sq ft)

  • Large‑format HD2 + linear drains at house, 3‑tread Borealis steps to yard.

  • Range: $36k–$47k (drainage + step package).


Maintenance (what’s real vs marketing)

  • Sealing: optional. We seal modern patios when clients want richer color/easier cleanup. Reapply 2–4 yrs.

  • Weeds/ants: if base is built right and polymeric joints are set, this is minimal. Spot‑treat edges in late spring.

  • Leveling: expect minor touch‑ups in the first year as soils relax—part of our warranty service.

  • Winter: plastic shovel, no metal edges. Avoid rock salt.


FAQ

Do I need a permit for a patio?
Most JoCo cities don’t require a permit for a simple at‑grade patio, but steps, walls, or covered structures can trigger review. We’ll verify for your address.

Concrete vs pavers—what’s the real difference?
Pavers cost more up front but move with freeze/thaw and are repairable (you can lift/relay for utilities or settlement).

Open‑graded base—why use it?
It drains faster, reduces hydrostatic pressure by foundations, and behaves better in KC clays.

Should I choose HD2/smooth pavers?
If you like modern looks and low surface porosity, yes—just respect winter de‑icer rules.


Ready for numbers?

Send address + photos + rough dimensions. If you’ve got a lot survey, attach it. We’ll return a tight ballpark and a layout concept with slope notes. Zero pressure.

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