Written by

Sarah Noel

June 26, 2023

Edited by

Tara Farmer

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Concrete patio cost

A 20'x20' concrete patio costs $2,000 to $6,000 on average or $5 to $15 per square foot installed. The cost for a 10'x20' concrete patio is $1,000 to $3,000. The cost to pour a concrete patio is $15 to $28 per square foot for high-end custom designs.

Concrete patio cost per square foot

A basic concrete patio costs $5 to $15 per square foot on average for a plain type or one added texture. Concrete patio prices go up to $28 per square foot installed for custom designs with multiple colors and decorative finishes.

Plain or broom-finished concrete slab patio cost

A plain concrete slab costs $5 to $10 per square foot installed. This standard finish is either a smooth surface made by a trowel, or it's a light texture from a brush or broom. A broom finish is more slip resistant. Extra fees apply for any other texture.

Stained concrete patio cost

A stained concrete patio costs $8 to $25 per square foot total, depending on the number of colors and texturing. Prices are cheapest for 1 stain color, and the most expensive jobs include 2+ colors with stencils and custom designs.

For existing patios, staining concrete floors cost $3 to $10 per square foot, including sealer.

Stamped concrete patio cost

A stamped concrete patio costs $8 to $19 per square foot total. This price includes materials and labor for formwork and stamping with a common design and color. Higher fees apply for extensive site prep, stencils, and custom designs or colors.

Polished concrete patio cost

A polished concrete patio costs $8 to $23 per square foot total to create a high-gloss surface. This process includes pouring the patio, staining, grinding, polishing, and applying a protective sealant.

For existing patios, polishing a concrete patio costs $3 to $8 per square foot.

Epoxy-coated or painted-concrete patio

An epoxy-coated or painted-concrete patio costs $7 to $22 per square foot total. Epoxy coatings are more durable to protect the concrete and make it waterproof. Painting concrete allows more color choices, but a sealant is essential to make the paint last.

Individual costs for existing patios include:

• Epoxy coating costs $3 to $7 per square foot.

• The cost to paint a patio is $2 to $5 per square foot.

Exposed aggregate concrete patio

An exposed aggregate concrete patio costs $7 to $18 per square foot. Contractors remove the top layer of concrete to reveal the added colored stones for a unique look. This surface is high traction to prevent people from falling on patios and walkways.

Cost calculator to pour a concrete patio

The cost to pour a concrete patio is $5 to $15 per square foot on average. Labor accounts for 1/3 of the total cost.

Cost factors include:

• Size – Prices per square foot decrease for larger concrete patio sizes.

• Thickness – Prices go up for thicker layers of stamped concrete on a driveway vs. thinner layers on small jobs like a garden border.

• Shape – Intricate designs with special shapes require handmade molds and wood forms at higher labor fees.

• Concrete-mix quality – Cement costs more for architectural grade blends that can bear more weight than cheaper ready-mix types.

• Design & color – A standard stamping pattern is much cheaper than paying a contractor to design a new pattern and mix in custom colors.

• Finishing & sealants – Costs for the final protective layer vary by brand, hardness, tint, UV-protection level, and matte vs. shiny finishes.

• Site prep – Labor costs more in difficult property conditions with limited accessibility, poor-draining ground, and overgrown plants.

• A permit costs $50 to $300 for building an average 200-square-foot patio. Permits aren't necessary in some cities. Fees are based on the total job cost.

Labor cost to install a concrete patio

The labor cost to install a concrete patio is $3 to $9 per square foot on average. This price includes light prep, placing forms, and pouring concrete after installing a rock or sand base where needed.

Additional labor costs that may apply include:

• Old concrete removal costs $3 to $8 per square foot, including disposal.

• Excavation costs $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard.

• The cost to level or regrade is $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot.

• Concrete sealing costs $1 to $3 per square foot.

Alternatively, general patio installation costs $5 to $35 per square foot for other types including a natural stone surface, gravel, or pavers. Prices vary by the size and level of design customization.

Material costs to lay a concrete patio

Material costs to lay a concrete patio include:

• Concrete prices are $120 to $170 per yard delivered and poured.

• Gravel prices are $15 to $75 per cubic yard. Installing a gravel base 4" thick underneath is essential in areas prone to drainage issues.

• Rebar prices are $50 to $360 for an average patio. Concrete less than 4" to 5" thick doesn't always need rebar if it won't support much weight.

• Sand costs $15 to $50 per cubic yard. Contractors spread a layer of sand instead of gravel before pouring concrete in low-to-average draining soil.

• Adding a vapor barrier costs $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot depending on the type. The barrier prevents slabs from cracking in freeze-thaw cycles.

Concrete patio cover or roof prices

The following costs apply for covering a concrete patio:

• Installing a patio roof costs $20 to $155 per square foot to build over an existing patio.

• Installing a new covered patio costs $50 to $150 per square foot, including the new patio base.

• A pergola costs $1,450 to $5,750 installed.

• A pavilion costs $21,000 to $36,000.

• Manual retractable awnings cost $200 to $3,000 installed or up to $6,000 for motorized awnings.

Concrete patio upgrades & add-ons costs

Upgrades and add-ons for a concrete patio include:

• Precast concrete steps cost $500 to $3,000.

• A concrete walkway costs $7 to $17 per square foot.

• An outdoor heater costs $150 to $500.

• An outdoor kitchen costs $7,000 to $35,000.

• An outdoor fireplace costs $1,500 to $20,000.

• Building a fire pit costs $325 to $2,000.

• A 2' tall patio sitting retaining wall costs $40 to $100 per linear foot.

• Outdoor furniture costs $500 to $1,500 per set.

• Outdoor lighting installation costs $80 to $300 per fixture.

• The cost to install an outdoor outlet is $180 to $350 each.

• Landscaping costs $300 to $800+.

• Hot tub prices are $3,000 to $10,000 for above-ground models.

• Basic hot tub installation costs $150 to $500.

• The cost to build a pool is $15,000 to $30,000.

• An outdoor sauna costs $5,500 to $34,000.

• The cost to build a raised garden bed is $1,200 to $4,000.

• Fence installation costs $13 to $25 per linear foot total.

Cost to extend concrete patio

A concrete patio extension costs $5 to $15 per square foot, the same as a new patio. The area still needs grading, and most soil types also need a gravel base below concrete. A cheaper patio-extension alternative is to add only gravel or landscaping rocks instead of concrete.

• Landscaping rock prices are $50 to $160 per yard.

• Gravel costs $15 to $75 per yard.

DIY concrete patio prices

DIY concrete patio prices are $650 to $1,900 to build a 200-square-foot basic slab. This cost includes materials, supplies, and renting a concrete float, edger, and compactor. However, the concrete will crack if you don't install the proper base for your soil type.

Concrete patio FAQs

How long does it take to pour a concrete patio?

Pouring an average concrete patio takes 6 to 8 hours, including site prep, adding a gravel base, concrete application, and finishing. Adding colors, stamps, and other customizations increase this time. The concrete curing time is 5 to 7 days before you can walk on it.

How long does a concrete patio last?

A well-maintained concrete patio lasts 30 to 50 years. Concrete resurfacing costs $3 to $7 per square foot to extend the lifespan of an old patio.

Does a concrete patio increase home value?

A concrete patio increases a home's value by boosting curb appeal. An open patio can give the home a higher appraisal value, but it doesn't increase square footage. Attached outdoor living spaces do increase the perceived property value.

Is a concrete patio cheaper than a deck?

A concrete patio is cheaper than a deck. The cost to build a deck is $15 to $30 per square foot. Concrete patios are also cheaper to maintain than a deck that needs frequent re-staining.

Is a concrete patio cheaper than pavers?

A basic concrete patio is cheaper than pavers. A paver patio costs $10 to $17 per square foot installed. Custom concrete patio designs may cost the same as pavers or more.

Getting estimates from concrete patio contractors

Before hiring concrete patio contractors near you:

• Collect at least 3 estimates from several installers.

• 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.

• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Request copies of the estimate, contract, and warranty before work starts.

• Beware of the lowest bids that typically indicate low-quality results.

• Never give the last payment before the job is complete.

Questions to ask

• How many concrete patios have you installed?

• Can I see a portfolio of your past installations and your references?

• Who is the project manager, and how many subcontractors will you have?

• How do you handle accidental damages on the job?

• Which permits do I need, and will you pull them?

• What are my options for a colored concrete patio or special finishes?

• How thick should my concrete patio be to satisfy building codes?

• What will you use for the concrete base, and will it prevent cracks?

• Does this bid include all materials, labor, prep work, and cleanup?

• How long will this job take?

• What does your warranty policy include?

• How much space will you need for a cement truck and equipment?

• What is your payment schedule?

• How long should I wait for this concrete to cure before I use the patio?