Cost to Install a Concrete Patio – 2023 Price Calculator

How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost?

Most people spend around $2,800 on a new concrete patio installation of 288 sq ft, though the price varies quite a bit depending on the size of the patio, the location, local codes, stamps, colors, and designs.

The average cost for a 12′ x 24′ concrete patio is about $2,800, or $10 per square foot. The typical range for a concrete patio, depending on design, color, and texture, is $6 to $20 per square foot. This gives you a total range of $1,728 for a plain slab to a vibrant custom design that costs $7,500.

A classic gray slab with a brushed finish and straight lines will be closer to the $6 per square foot range. On the other hand, a stamped, colored, and stained slab with curves might be closer to the $20 per square foot range.

Before deciding on a concrete patio, consider all the options available, and compare the prices of each with our patio installation cost guide. Although stamped concrete can create a look similar to brick, paver, or stone, you might prefer the actual material.

Patio Size

The patio size is a substantial consideration as it determines the volume of concrete required for the project. Concrete is sold by the cubic yard, and it will require more concrete to fill a larger slab. Use our concrete calculator to estimate how much material you’ll need for your patio.

The average patio size is around 12′ x 24′, but it is common to have smaller, “bistro” patios or to have larger patios that can hold an outdoor kitchen or can be used as an outdoor entertainment area.

The size of the patio will also dictate the cost of the base. The base is the layers of material used to build up a “foundation” for your patio.

The better your support structure, the fewer repairs it will need, particularly in colder climates where the ground freezes and thaws each year. These freezes and thawing can cause the ground to shift, which could cause the patio to crack. A solid base reduces movement below the patio due to shifts in temperature.

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Patio Location

The accessibility, soil quality, and slope of the property will all factor into the labor required for a patio installation. If the concrete mixer truck cannot get into the site to pour it, the mix must be moved by wheelbarrow, which will add to the cost of labor.

A deeper base for the concrete patio may be necessary due to its location. Soggy or wet locations might also require installation of drainage. Additional grading or demolition of an old patio may also be required, depending on the location.

You will need to dispose of the demolition, and a typical 40-yard dumpster costs around $550 to $750 per week.^[1] That fee might not include dump fees, which could be $200 or more. Plus, the contractor might need to rent a jackhammer and more personnel to break up the old patio.

Cost of Concrete

Concrete is most commonly sold by the cubic yard and often runs around $137 per cubic yard on average for a 2,000 psi mix.^[2] The cost will vary by region, distance for delivery, type of mix, and the amount of concrete ordered.

Additional Costs

In addition to labor and the cost of concrete, there are some other costs to prepare for when estimating the cost of a patio.

Reinforcement

Some form of reinforcement is necessary to prevent cracking and add strength to the slab. The type used will vary by project and the preference of the contractor, but often a steel/fiber mesh or rebar are used.

Fiber or steel mesh is often used for reinforcement on patios since it’s a low-cost option that’s faster to install than rebar. Mesh usually costs $1.00 – $1.50 per square foot for material.

Rebar is another popular reinforcement option. Rebar costs $2 to $3 per square foot on average, though the costs vary based on how much is needed and the size used. Try our rebar calculator to estimate how much you’ll need.

Forms

When pouring a patio, you’ll need to install forms to define the boundaries of the patio and provide a clean concrete edge. The costs will vary, of course, but plan on spending $50 – $100 for miscellaneous lumber and stakes for the patio forms.

Expansion Joints

If the patio is abutting to a structure such as a home, then you might also need some expansion joints. These are installed before the concrete is poured and give the slab some room to expand a bit without moving the foundation of the adjoining building.

When an expansion joint is needed, you might also want to add a sealant to protect the joint and prevent weed growth.^[3] The cost of sealant and a backer rod is usually $2 – $4 per foot of joint.

Cost for Stamping, Colors, & Designs

While a standard-size square or rectangular patio is easy to form, complicated ovals, circles, and other intricate custom designs add labor and costs. A plain design could cost $5 to $6 per square foot, whereas elaborate designs with color could cost up to $20 per square foot or more.

Stamped Concrete

Adding texture, stain, or complex borders will add significantly to the price of your patio. A skilled contractor can make your concrete patio look just like a brick or stone patio for much less.^[4]

Applying a stamped texture increases the amount of labor required for the project and adds equipment costs as well. Vertical edges can also be stamped to add detail to exposed edges. Adding a stamped finish can add $4 to $18 per square foot to the cost of the project, depending on the complexity of the design and the number of colors used.

Stained and Colored Concrete

When you want a different color than the sullen gray of concrete, a professional can add color/stain to the mix or in the sealant. Adding color to the mix will typically add about $0.50 – $0.75 per square foot, and darker colors cost even more.

A stain can also be added after pouring to achieve a two-tone color effect and build depth. This is typically done by applying stain in the form of a powder when stamping the concrete.

Concrete Sealer

A good top-layer sealer is necessary to keep the concrete from chipping and flaking. However, adding a stain to the sealant requires more laborers to achieve a uniform color. This process adds about $1.20 to $1.75 per square foot.^[5]

Add-ons

You might also be interested in adding a pergola, seating, or a fire pit. A fire pit is an excellent addition at an average cost of $700.

DIY Concrete Patio Costs

When you DIY, you should have the following tools, supplies, and materials:

• 2″ x 4″ and 1″ x 6″ wood to create forms
• Wood stakes
• Screws and fasteners
• Geotextile, sand, and gravel for the base
• Concrete mix or delivery
• Water
• Broom
• Leveling trowels
• Concrete sealant

The materials will cost about $500 – $1,000 for an average-sized 12′ x 24′ patio. You can use stencils and dyes after your concrete is dry, multilevel slabs with or without steps, pea gravel or stone borders, and much more. Your imagination and budget are the only limits to the design possibilities.

However, if you do not feel comfortable with a concrete project, you should consider hiring a professional. You only have one chance to get the finish right.

Hiring a Concrete Professional

When you’re ready to hire a pro for the job, use our concrete patio contractor locator to get three or more hassle-free estimates.

Before settling on a contractor, landscaper, or handyperson, compare their statement of work. Some will only look at the estimated price without comparing what the contractor intends to do. Then, when the job is complete, they realize it doesn’t look at all like they envisioned.

Be sure to also check their liability insurance, references, and BBB rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a concrete patio cheaper than a deck?

Does a concrete patio add value to your home?

Does a concrete patio need a foundation or footings?

How long will a poured concrete patio last?

All pricing information on this page is based on average industry costs, and is subject to variance for project-specific materials, labor rates, and requirements.