The trend of adding patios to new single-family homes continued its upward trajectory in 2023, setting yet another record. According to data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), sourced from the Survey of Construction (SOC) conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, 63.7% of approximately 950,000 new single-family homes started in 2023 included patios. This represents a slight increase from 63.3% in 2022 and marks the eighth consecutive year of record growth.
Steady Growth Over the Past Decade
Patios were relatively rare in the aftermath of the 2008 housing crisis, with fewer than half of new homes featuring them between 2008 and 2011. However, by 2012, the share of new homes with patios had jumped to 52.4%, initiating a long-term trend that has continued for 13 of the past 14 years. The only exception was in 2015, when the percentage remained unchanged.
Geographic Patterns in Patio Installation
Despite the increasing prevalence of patios nationwide, the regional trends have remained consistent. In 2023, only 17% of new homes in New England and 20% in the Middle Atlantic featured patios—the lowest percentages in the country. In contrast, patios were most common in the West South Central region, where over 80% of new homes included them. High percentages were also reported in the South Atlantic and Mountain regions, where roughly 70% of new homes came with patios. These geographic patterns align closely with those observed in previous years.
Characteristics and Size of New-Home Patios
The 2024 Annual Builder Practices Survey (BPS), conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs, offers additional insights into patio characteristics for homes built in 2023. Nationally, the average size of a new-home patio is around 290 square feet, though this varies significantly by region. Patios are largest in the East South Central (over 400 square feet) and New England (about 380 square feet), while they are smaller in the West South Central (under 200 square feet) and the West North Central (a little over 200 square feet).
Patio Building Materials: Regional Preferences
In most parts of the U.S., poured concrete remains the dominant material for new-home patios. For instance, over 90% of patios in the East South Central region are built with poured concrete. However, some regional variations do exist. In the South Atlantic, poured concrete and brick pavers each hold roughly a quarter of the market, while New England’s patio market is split among poured concrete, concrete pavers, and natural stone. Meanwhile, brick pavers are the most popular choice in the Mid-Atlantic region, surpassing other materials.
The Outlook for Patios in New Homes
As new home construction continues to prioritize outdoor living spaces, the presence of patios is likely to remain strong. This trend reflects not only consumer demand for outdoor amenities but also a shift in homebuilding practices toward creating more versatile living environments. With patio sizes and materials varying widely by region, it’s clear that new-home design will continue to adapt to local preferences and lifestyles.
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