How much does a concrete patio cost?
How much does a concrete patio cost?
$4 – $12 cost per square foot (plain concrete)
$8 – $30 cost per square foot (stained or stamped concrete)
Concrete patio cost
A concrete patio costs $4 to $12 per square foot installed for plain concrete or $8 to $30 per square foot for more decorative stained or stamped concrete. Concrete patio prices depend on the patio size and design complexity, finish type, thickness, and site conditions. A basic 20x20 concrete patio costs $1,600 to $4,800.
| Patio size | Square feet | Average cost (plain concrete) |
Average cost (stained / stamped concrete) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7'x7' | 49 | $200 – $600 | $400 – $1,500 |
| 8'x10' | 80 | $300 – $950 | $650 – $2,400 |
| 10'x10' | 100 | $400 – $1,200 | $800 – $3,000 |
| 12'x12' | 144 | $600 – $1,700 | $1,150 – $4,300 |
| 12'x14' | 168 | $700 – $2,000 | $1,350 – $5,000 |
| 10'x20' | 200 | $800 – $2,400 | $1,600 – $6,000 |
| 15'x15' | 225 | $900 – $2,700 | $1,800 – $6,800 |
| 16'x16' | 256 | $1,000 – $3,100 | $2,000 – $7,700 |
| 15'x20' | 300 | $1,200 – $3,600 | $2,400 – $9,000 |
| 20'x20' | 400 | $1,600 – $4,800 | $3,200 – $12,000 |
| 24'x24' | 576 | $2,300 – $6,900 | $4,600 – $17,300 |
| 25'x30' | 750 | $3,000 – $9,000 | $6,000 – $22,500 |
| 30'x30' | 900 | $3,600 – $10,800 | $7,200 – $27,000 |
Cost of concrete patio by type
The finish you select has a significant impact on your final concrete patio cost. Basic plain concrete offers the most affordable option, while decorative finishes like stamping and staining can double or triple the price per square foot.
| Finish type | Average cost (per square foot) |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Plain / smooth | $4 – $12 | Basic trowel finish, gray concrete |
| Broom finish | $6 – $13 | Textured surface for slip resistance |
| Stained concrete | $8 – $25 | Color treatments, acid or water-based stains |
| Stamped concrete | $9 – $30 | Patterns mimicking stone, brick, or tile |
| Exposed aggregate | $7 – $18 | Decorative stones exposed on the surface |
| Epoxy-coated | $7 – $22 | Decorative coatings and sealers |
Plain concrete
A basic concrete slab costs $4 to $12 per square foot installed. Plain concrete offers the most affordable option and provides a durable, long-lasting surface that can serve as the foundation for future decorative treatments.
Broom finish
A broom-finished concrete patio costs $6 to $13 per square foot. This popular finish creates subtle texture by dragging a broom across the wet concrete surface, providing better slip resistance than smooth concrete. The broom finish adds minimal cost while improving safety around pools and in wet conditions.
Stained concrete
A stained concrete patio costs $8 to $25 per square foot total, depending on the number of colors and the application method. Acid stains penetrate the concrete to create rich, variegated colors that won't chip or peel. Water-based stains offer more consistent coloring with a broader range of color options.
For existing patios, concrete staining costs $3 to $15 per square foot, including surface preparation and sealer application.
Stamped concrete
A stamped concrete patio costs $9 to $30 per square foot installed. This decorative option uses specialized stamps to create patterns that mimic natural stone, brick, slate, or wood. Color can be added through integral color in the concrete mix, surface hardeners, or staining after installation. Costs run on the higher end of the range for complex stamped patterns with multiple colors and borders.
Exposed aggregate
An exposed aggregate concrete patio costs $7 to $18 per square foot. This finish reveals decorative stones mixed into the concrete by removing the top cement layer. The exposed aggregate provides excellent traction and creates an attractive, natural-looking surface that complements landscape designs.
Epoxy-coated concrete
An epoxy-coated concrete patio costs $7 to $22 per square foot for a new slab and coating or $4 to $12 per square foot to coat an existing slab. Epoxy coatings offer superior durability and waterproofing compared to standard concrete paint.
Concrete patio installation cost factors
Labor accounts for roughly 50% to 60% of the total project cost, while material expenses make up the rest. The total cost can vary significantly based on the patio size, concrete thickness, and decorative elements you choose.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $2 – $12 |
| Labor | $2 – $18 |
| Total cost | $4 – $30 per square foot |
The following factors affect the cost to install a concrete patio:
Patio size: Larger patios benefit from economies of scale, with per-square-foot costs decreasing as size increases. Many contractors have minimum project fees that affect smaller installations.
Design complexity: Simple rectangular shapes cost less than curved edges, multiple levels, or custom forms. Intricate stamped patterns and multiple colors require additional time and expertise.
Thickness: Standard residential patios are 4 inches thick. Heavier applications requiring 6-inch thickness increase material and labor costs.
Site conditions: Poor drainage, slopes, rocky soil, or limited access for equipment increase labor costs. Sites requiring significant grading or excavation add substantial expense.
Concrete quality: Higher-strength concrete mixes cost more but provide better durability. Architectural-grade concrete offers enhanced workability for decorative finishes.
Reinforcement: Rebar or wire mesh reinforcement adds $1 to $3 per square foot but prevents cracking and extends lifespan.
Permits: Building permits cost $50 to $400 depending on local requirements and the project size.
Labor costs
Professional concrete patio installation labor costs $2 to $18 per square foot, depending on the project complexity. This includes site preparation, constructing the concrete forms, mixing and pouring the concrete, and finishing the surface.
Concrete patio upgrades and add-ons
These popular add-ons can transform your concrete patio into a complete outdoor living space:
A patio roof costs $20 to $155 per square foot, while a pergola costs $1,450 to $5,750 installed.
Outdoor lighting costs $80 to $300 per fixture.
A retractable awning costs $200 to $3,000 installed for a manual model or up to $6,000 for a motorized awning.
An outdoor kitchen costs $7,000 to $35,000.
A fire pit costs $325 to $2,000.
Cost to extend a concrete patio
A concrete patio extension costs $4 to $30 per square foot, the same as a new patio. The area still needs grading, along with a sand or gravel base below the concrete. A cheaper patio extension alternative is to add only gravel or landscaping rocks instead of concrete.
Concrete patio cost vs. other materials
Plain concrete offers a great value combination of durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness for most residential applications. For comparison, the table below shows the average cost of concrete versus other popular patio and deck materials.
| Material | Cost per square foot* | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Plain concrete | $4 – $12 | 30 – 50 years |
| Stained or stamped concrete | $8 – $30 | 30 – 50 years |
| Paver patio cost | $10 – $30 | 25 –75 years |
| Natural stone patio cost | $15 – $35 | 10 – 50 years |
| Wood deck cost | $25 – $50 | 10 – 25 years |
| Composite deck cost | $40 – $80 | 25 – 50 years |
*Including labor and materials
Concrete patio FAQs
How long does a concrete patio last?
A properly installed concrete patio lasts 30 to 50 years with regular maintenance, depending on the installation quality, usage patterns, and local climate conditions.
Does a concrete patio add value to your home?
A concrete patio increases home value by improving the outdoor living space and curb appeal. While it doesn't add to the home's square footage, it enhances the property's marketability and perceived value.
How thick should a concrete patio be?
Most residential concrete patios should be 4 inches thick minimum to meet building codes. Patios supporting heavy items like hot tubs or outdoor kitchens should be 6 inches thick with additional reinforcement.
How long before I can walk on a new concrete patio?
You can walk on new concrete after 24 to 48 hours, but avoid heavy foot traffic or furniture placement and don't allow pets to walk on it for 3 days. Newly poured concrete takes about 30 days to fully cure but is dry enough to support the weight of people, pets, and furniture much sooner.
Getting quotes from concrete contractors
Follow these tips when hiring concrete patio contractors near you:
Get at least three estimates from concrete patio installers to compare.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select licensed, insured, and bonded contractors with 5+ years of experience.
Ask if they have certifications from the American Concrete Institute, National Concrete Masonry Association, or other local concrete-contractor societies.
Request written copies of the estimate, contract, and warranty before work starts.
Beware of the lowest bids, which may indicate low-quality materials or results.
Questions to ask concrete patio installers
Ask patio installers these important questions to ensure you hire the best pro for your project:
How many concrete patios have you installed?
Can I see photos of your recent work?
What kind of site preparation will this project require?
How will you prepare the base to prevent cracking?
What slab thickness do you recommend?
What permits will the project require, and will you obtain them?
How long will the patio installation take from start to finish?
How do you handle weather delays?
Are you licensed and insured?
When can I use the patio after installation?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.