What Does a Paver Patio Cost in Cottage Grove, MN?

If you’ve been staring out your back door, imagining a real space to relax, entertain, and enjoy Minnesota summers, you’re not alone.
One of the most common questions we hear from Cottage Grove homeowners is:
“How much does a paver patio cost?”

At Grey Cloud Outdoors, we recently completed a backyard project in Cottage Grove, MN that perfectly illustrates what goes into that number — and more importantly, what you actually get for your investment.

The Project: From Bare Backyard to Built Space

The homeowner wanted something functional but beautiful — a space that would add value to their home while making backyard access easier and maintenance simpler.

We designed and installed a 280-square-foot Unilock paver patio with four full-width steps leading from the back entrance. Because the elevation change was significant, we added a code-compliant handrail for safety and durability.

To finish off the look, our team installed landscaping around the new patio to soften the transition between the home and the yard. The goal was to create a space that looked intentional — like it was always meant to be there — while making it easy to mow, maintain, and enjoy.

The Cost Range: $14,000–$17,000

For a project of this size and scope in Cottage Grove, homeowners can expect to invest between $14,000 and $17,000, depending on:

• Paver selection – Unilock offers a wide range of colors, finishes, and price points. Premium finishes and textured surfaces sit on the higher end.

• Access conditions – Limited side-yard access or steep grades can increase labor time.

• Number of steps or grade changes – The more elevation transitions, the more material and time are required.

• Landscape details – Edging, rock or mulch beds, and plant selections affect the final total.

This range covers everything — design, materials, excavation, base prep, installation, cleanup, and all the details that make a project last decades, not seasons.

Built for Minnesota Conditions

Anyone who’s lived through a few Cottage Grove winters knows how rough freeze-thaw cycles can be on hard surfaces. That’s why every Grey Cloud Outdoors patio is built to handle it — from the foundation up.

Our standard installation includes:

• 6 oz non-woven geotextile fabric under the base

• 8 inches of compacted Class 5 stone installed in lifts

• 1 inch of granite chip bedding laser-screeded for accuracy

• Unilock pavers, backed by a lifetime transferable warranty

• EdgeCrete concrete edge restraint for long-term stability

• Polymeric joint sand compacted and sealed to resist washout

• Final grading and cleanup for a clean, finished look

These details matter. When you see a patio that heaves, sinks, or separates after just a couple of years — it’s usually because one of those steps was skipped.

We don’t skip steps. Period.

Why We Use Unilock Pavers

There’s a reason Unilock is our go-to choice for paver patios across Cottage Grove, Woodbury, and the East Metro.

Unilock pavers combine strength, beauty, and longevity — made to withstand heavy loads and extreme temperature swings. Their advanced technologies like EnduraColor™ and TitanTec™ ensure fade resistance and long-term color retention, even under salt, snow, and sun.

Plus, Unilock’s lifetime transferable warranty means your investment holds value. Whether you’re in your forever home or planning to sell in a few years, a Unilock patio adds proven resale appeal and durability that buyers recognize.

A Note on Safety: The Handrail

In this particular Cottage Grove project, the four-step elevation required a code-compliant handrail for safety. We integrated it into the design so it looks clean, intentional, and complementary to the home’s architecture — not like an afterthought.

It’s a great example of how proper design goes beyond aesthetics. Every patio we build follows local building codes and best practices for access, safety, and drainage — because the best spaces aren’t just beautiful, they’re functional and built right.

Landscaping That Finishes the Space

Once the hardscape was complete, we added landscaping around the patio and stairs to tie everything together. Simple mulch beds, clean edges, and strategic plantings keep maintenance low while giving the space texture and warmth.

We also adjusted the final grades around the patio for proper drainage and easy mowing, ensuring water flows away from the foundation and no extra trimming is needed along the edges.

The end result? A space that looks like it’s always belonged there — seamless, durable, and easy to care for.

Why a Paver Patio Is Worth the Investment

Paver patios aren’t just about looks. They’re about longevity and value. Compared to poured concrete, a professionally installed paver patio:

• Resists cracking and frost damage

• Can be repaired in small sections if ever needed

• Allows for natural drainage

• Adds long-term resale value to your home

• Offers customizable designs and colors to match your style

When you add up those benefits, it’s easy to see why more Cottage Grove homeowners are choosing pavers over concrete every year.

Thinking About Your Own Patio Project?

If you’re ready to turn your backyard into a functional, lasting outdoor space — we’d love to help you design it.

Our process is simple:

1. We visit your property to assess layout, access, and elevation.

2. We create a custom design and quote that fits your home and budget.

3. We build it right — with precision, pride, and craftsmanship built for Minnesota.

📍 Cottage Grove, MN
Built for the North. Built for you. Built for life.