Patio Size
Larger patios cost more in total but often less per square foot because mobilization and crew setup are spread across more area.
2026 Patio Cost Guide
Concrete Patio Cost 2026: Per Square Foot Pricing for Every Finish Type
Concrete Patio Cost - 2026 Quick Reference
| Plain / smooth slab | $4 - $12 per sq ft |
|---|---|
| Broom finish | $6 - $13 per sq ft |
| Exposed aggregate | $7 - $18 per sq ft |
| Stained concrete | $8 - $25 per sq ft |
| Stamped concrete | $9 - $30 per sq ft |
| Typical 20 x 20 patio | $1,600 - $4,800 plain; $3,200 - $12,000 stamped |
| National average | About $3,551 across all finish types; labor is 50-60% of total cost. |
Concrete Patio Cost Calculator
Enter your patio dimensions and finish type for an instant project estimate.
Your Estimate
$3,389 - $4,585
400 sq ft patio, plain / smooth
$8.47 - $11.46
per sq ft
At this price point, you are in the patio sweet spot: enough budget for durable work without overbuilding for the yard.
Concrete (5.4 yd3 @ $166/yd3)$902
Gravel subbase (4 in)$300
Vapor barrier$60
Sealer (1 coat)$400
Materials subtotal$1,662
Plain / Smooth labor$2,200 $5.50/sq ft
Old patio removal$0
Permit estimate$125
Compared to stamped concrete: $3,600 - $12,000. Your finish estimate is $3,389 - $4,585.
Need exact concrete volume? Use the Concrete Patio Calculator for bags and cubic yards.
A concrete patio costs $4 to $12 per square foot for a plain slab, or $9 to $30 per square foot for stamped decorative concrete. A typical 20 x 20 ft patio runs $1,600 to $4,800 plain, or $3,200 to $12,000 stamped. Use this calculator to estimate your patio, then calculate exactly how much concrete you need for your patio with the related volume tool.
What Goes Into the Cost of a Concrete Patio?
| Cost Component | Cost Range | % of Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-mix concrete | $150-$180/yd3 | 12-20% | About 1.25 yd3 per 100 sq ft at 4 in |
| Gravel subbase (4 in) | $0.60-$1.00/sq ft | 5-8% | Compacted crushed stone |
| Vapor barrier | $0.10-$0.20/sq ft | 1-2% | Prevents moisture wicking |
| Forms & stakes | $0.25-$0.60/sq ft | 2-4% | Lumber, stakes, and bracing |
| Labor (pour + finish) | $4.00-$8.00/sq ft | 50-60% | Single largest cost component |
| Decorative finish | $1.00-$10.00/sq ft | 0-25% | Stamping, staining, polishing |
| Site prep / grading | $0.50-$2.00/sq ft | 4-8% | Higher for sloped yards |
| Sealing (1st coat) | $0.50-$1.50/sq ft | 3-6% | Strongly recommended |
| Permits | $50-$200 flat | 1-3% | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Old patio removal | $1.50-$3.00/sq ft | Optional | Demo and haul-away |
Concrete Patio Cost by Finish Type - 2026
| Finish Type | Cost/Sq Ft | 200 Sq Ft | 400 Sq Ft | 576 Sq Ft | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain / Smooth | $4-$12 | $800-$2,400 | $1,600-$4,800 | $2,300-$6,900 | Clean gray slab |
| Broom Finish | $6-$13 | $1,200-$2,600 | $2,400-$5,200 | $3,456-$7,488 | Slip-resistant texture |
| Exposed Aggregate | $7-$18 | $1,400-$3,600 | $2,800-$7,200 | $4,032-$10,368 | Decorative stones visible |
| Stained Concrete | $8-$25 | $1,600-$5,000 | $3,200-$10,000 | $4,608-$14,400 | Rich color |
| Stamped Concrete | $9-$30 | $1,800-$6,000 | $3,600-$12,000 | $5,184-$17,280 | Mimics stone or wood |
| Epoxy-Coated | $7-$22 | $1,400-$4,400 | $2,800-$8,800 | $4,032-$12,672 | Glossy waterproofing |
| Polished | $9-$21 | $1,800-$4,200 | $3,600-$8,400 | $5,184-$12,096 | Modern smooth finish |
| Stenciled | $7-$21 | $1,400-$4,200 | $2,800-$8,400 | $4,032-$12,096 | Patterned decorative |
Concrete Patio Cost by Size - 2026 Estimates
| Patio Size | Sq Ft | Plain Concrete | Stamped Concrete | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 x 10 ft | 80 | $300-$950 | $720-$2,400 | Small accent pad |
| 10 x 10 ft | 100 | $400-$1,200 | $900-$3,000 | Single seating area |
| 12 x 12 ft | 144 | $600-$1,700 | $1,150-$4,300 | Most common small patio |
| 12 x 14 ft | 168 | $700-$2,000 | $1,350-$5,000 | Small entertaining |
| 12 x 16 ft | 192 | $768-$2,304 | $1,728-$5,760 | Dining set patio |
| 10 x 20 ft | 200 | $800-$2,400 | $1,600-$6,000 | Narrow side patio |
| 15 x 15 ft | 225 | $900-$2,700 | $1,800-$6,800 | Standard backyard |
| 16 x 16 ft | 256 | $1,024-$3,072 | $2,304-$7,680 | Square lounge area |
| 16 x 20 ft | 320 | $1,280-$3,840 | $2,880-$9,600 | Outdoor dining plus grill |
| 20 x 20 ft | 400 | $1,600-$4,800 | $3,200-$12,000 | Average household patio |
| 24 x 24 ft | 576 | $2,300-$6,900 | $4,600-$17,300 | Larger entertaining |
| 25 x 30 ft | 750 | $3,000-$9,000 | $6,000-$22,500 | Pool deck size |
| 30 x 30 ft | 900 | $3,600-$10,800 | $7,200-$27,000 | Large outdoor room |
Concrete Patio Cost by Region - How Location Affects Your Price
The same 20 x 20 ft plain concrete patio can cost 50% more in a high-labor coastal market than in a lower-cost southern market.
| Region | States | Labor Rate/Sq Ft | Price Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Coast | CA, WA, OR | $6.50-$9.50 | +25% to +45% | Highest in nation |
| Northeast | NY, MA, CT, NJ, PA | $6.00-$8.50 | +15% to +35% | NYC metro premium |
| Mountain West | CO, UT, AZ, NV | $5.00-$7.00 | +/-10% | Urban premium |
| Midwest | IL, OH, MI, MN, WI | $4.25-$6.00 | -10% to +5% | Competitive market |
| South Central | TX, OK, AR, LA | $3.75-$5.50 | -15% to -5% | Lowest labor costs |
| Southeast | FL, GA, NC, SC, AL | $4.00-$5.75 | -10% to +5% | Coastal premium |
Concrete Patio vs. Pavers vs. Wood Deck: Full Comparison
| Concrete Patio | Concrete Pavers | Natural Stone | Wood Deck | Composite Deck | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Install cost/sq ft | $4-$30 | $12-$19 | $15-$35 | $15-$35 | $20-$45 |
| Avg 400 sq ft project | $1,600-$12,000 | $4,800-$7,600 | $6,000-$14,000 | $6,000-$14,000 | $8,000-$18,000 |
| Lifespan | 25-40 yrs | 30-50 yrs | 50+ yrs | 15-25 yrs | 25-30 yrs |
| Maintenance | Low | Low | Low | High | Low |
| Repair | Moderate | Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderate |
| DIY-friendly | Small only | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Permanent low-maintenance | Premium aesthetics | Luxury look | Elevated yards | Low-maintenance decks |
7 Factors That Affect Your Concrete Patio Cost
Finish Type
The largest price lever. Stamped and stained work require skilled timing, more labor, and specialty tools.
Concrete Thickness
Standard patios use 4 inches. Moving to 5 inches adds material cost but is useful below hot tubs or heavy planters.
Site Access
Narrow gates, stairs, or backyard hauls can add $1-$3/sq ft because placement slows down.
Site Preparation
Flat clear yards are cheaper. Roots, old concrete, poor drainage, or slope add grading and demo cost.
Region & Season
Labor varies sharply by market. Off-peak scheduling can improve contractor availability.
Add-Ons
Sealing, steps, drains, fire pits, lighting, and radiant heat each shift the final number.
5 Ways to Reduce Your Concrete Patio Cost Without Sacrificing Quality
Tip 1
Choose broom finish over stamped
A broom finish with a border or scoring gives a clean patio at a fraction of full stamped pricing.
Tip 2
Get 3+ quotes
Labor is 50-60% of total cost, so contractor pricing matters more than small material savings.
Tip 3
Do your own site prep
Clearing furniture, vegetation, and loose material can save meaningful prep labor.
Tip 4
Combine with other concrete work
A driveway, walkway, or step pour scheduled together can reduce mobilization cost.
Tip 5
Apply sealer yourself later
DIY sealing after cure can cut the sealing line item while preserving durability.
DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor: A Concrete Decision Framework
Step 1
Is your patio larger than 200 sq ft?
Step 2
Do you want a decorative finish?
Step 3
Do you have at least 2 helpers?
Concrete Patio Maintenance Costs - The Full 25-Year Picture
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Cost | 25-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sealing | Every 2-3 years | $0.50-$1.50/sq ft DIY | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Crack repair | As needed | $3-$10/linear ft | $200-$800 |
| Stain removal | As needed | $0-$50 | Minimal |
| Resurfacing | Once at 15-20 yrs | $3-$10/sq ft | $1,200-$4,000 |
| Total 25-year maintenance | $2,400-$7,800 |
Concrete patio: 25-year total
Install: $1,600-$4,800. Maintenance: $2,400-$7,800. Replacement: usually $0 inside a 25-year window. Total: $4,000-$12,600.
Wood deck: 25-year total
Install: $6,000-$14,000. Maintenance: $4,000-$8,000. Replacement: $6,000-$14,000 at 15-20 years. Total: $16,000-$36,000.
Concrete Patio Cost - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a concrete patio cost?+
A concrete patio costs $4 to $12 per square foot for plain concrete, or $9 to $30 per square foot for stamped decorative concrete. The national average is approximately $3,551, with most projects between $1,918 and $5,394.
How much does a concrete patio cost per square foot?+
Plain concrete costs $4-$12/sq ft installed. Broom finish runs $6-$13/sq ft, exposed aggregate is $7-$18/sq ft, stained concrete is $8-$25/sq ft, and stamped concrete runs $9-$30/sq ft.
Is stamped concrete worth the extra cost for a patio?+
Stamped concrete is worth the premium when aesthetics matter and you plan to keep the patio long-term. It costs more than plain concrete but can mimic stone, brick, or slate at less than many paver installs.
How much does a 12x12 concrete patio cost?+
A 12 x 12 ft concrete patio costs $600 to $1,700 for plain concrete, or $1,150 to $4,300 for stamped concrete.
How much does a 20x20 concrete patio cost?+
A 20 x 20 ft concrete patio costs $1,600 to $4,800 for plain concrete, or $3,200 to $12,000 for stamped concrete.
Is a concrete patio cheaper than pavers?+
Yes. Plain concrete costs $4-$12/sq ft installed, while concrete pavers often run $12-$19/sq ft installed. Stamped concrete overlaps paver pricing but offers a similar decorative look.
How thick should a concrete patio be?+
A residential patio should be at least 3.5 inches thick, with 4 inches as the standard recommendation. Use 5-6 inches below hot tubs, large planters, or other heavy loads.