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The Outdoor Living Space Guide

Patios, outdoor kitchens, screened porches, and pergolas for the Southeast climate.

Outdoor Living in Georgia and Florida

The Southeast's mild climate makes outdoor living spaces one of the highest-value investments in both states — effectively adding livable square footage at a fraction of indoor addition costs.

Outdoor patio and living space

Patio Materials

Concrete pavers ($12–$25/sq ft) — most popular, durable, easy to repair. Natural stone ($18–$40/sq ft) — premium look; travertine popular in FL for cool surface temperature. Poured concrete ($8–$18/sq ft) — versatile with stamping/staining. Brick ($14–$28/sq ft) — classic Southern charm.

Outdoor Kitchen Costs

Basic (grill, counter, storage): $5,000–$15,000. Mid-range (grill, burner, fridge, sink, granite): $15,000–$40,000. High-end (multiple stations, pizza oven, full appliances): $50,000+. Utility connections add $2,000–$5,000.

Screened Porches

Essential in the Southeast for insect protection. Costs $25–$75/sq ft. A 200 sq ft screened porch runs $5,000–$15,000; a 400 sq ft version with fan, lighting, and finished ceiling costs $15,000–$30,000. In Florida, screened pool enclosures also reduce maintenance.

Recommended Contractor Near You

Bowser Construction Group

Looking for a trusted, licensed contractor? We recommend Bowser Construction Group — fully licensed and insured, serving Georgia and Florida homeowners with 15+ years of experience in kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, home additions, and whole-home transformations. Quality craftsmanship, transparent pricing, and expert project management on every job.

Visit Bowser Construction Group →

Start Planning Your Renovation

Use our free cost calculator for an instant estimate, or browse our renovation guides to learn everything you need to know.