Installing a new concrete patio costs an average of $2,925 nationwide. However, most homeowners end up paying between $1,580 and $4,465—or $4 to $26 per square foot, including materials and labor.
At the low end of the scale, a small, plain concrete patio costs $700, and large, high-end concrete patio projects can cost up to $8,645.
Remember that the total cost will depend on the patio size, location, material, property condition, and surface finish. Read on to learn what you can expect to pay for a concrete patio.
Everything this cost guide covers:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by size
- Cost by concrete patio type
- Other factors that affect cost
- Concrete patio maintenance cost
- Related services
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average concrete patio costs in 2024
National average cost | $2,925 |
Typical price range | $1,580 – $4,465 |
Extreme low-end cost | $700 |
Extreme high-end cost | $8,645 |
A typical concrete patio costs $2,925 nationwide, with prices ranging from $1,580 to $4,465. Very simple installations might cost as little as $700, while larger and more complicated projects can cost up to $8,645.
Homeowners who want stained, stamped concrete and high-end customizations like an outdoor kitchen or fire pit should expect additional costs because of the extra labor involved. However, if you want to save some money on the cost of a concrete patio, try the following:
- DIY the entire project or just site preparation
- Avoid uneven surfaces that need leveling
- Opt for a plain, budget-friendly design
- Get multiple bids from local contractors to find the best price
- Hire concrete contractors in the fall when they are less in-demand
Concrete patio cost estimator by size
The size of the patio is the most important cost factor. Size determines the amount of concrete, finishes, and sub-base material needed for the project. Overall, a concrete patio will cost between $4 and $26 per square foot. To determine the square footage, multiply the patio length by the width or use any square footage cost calculator.
Patio size (square feet) | Average cost range |
100 | $400 – $2,600 |
144 | $575 – $3,744 |
196 | $785 – $5,095 |
256 | $1,025 – $6,655 |
289 | $1,155 – $7,515 |
324 | $1,295 – $8,425 |
400 | $1,600 – $10,400 |
Concrete patio cost by type
The type of concrete used for your patio is another important factor in installation costs. Fancier concrete (such as stamped or decorative) is more expensive than plain concrete.
Overall, different types of concrete cost between $1 and $10 per square foot.
Concrete slab
Concrete slabs are economical, durable, and maintenance-free. They require no additional finishing other than smoothing and brushing for added traction and appeal. A typical gray concrete slab costs about $4 to $9 per square foot.
Stained concrete
Stained concrete patios are for homeowners who want to change the usual shade of gray to create a more textured and colorful patio. Keep in mind that the number of patterns and colors used will affect the cost of this option. On average, you should budget between $5 and $10 per square foot for a stained concrete patio.
Stamped concrete
Stamping gives your patio a decorative, textured surface that mimics brick or flagstone. Stamped concrete can serve as an overlay for an existing patio that needs an upgrade. This type of patio is low-maintenance but expensive, costing between $2,800 and $6,500, or $5 to $10 per square foot.
Painted concrete
Paint or another coating can add design and a much-needed facelift to a discolored concrete slab. Depending on the type of paint or sealer, painting a concrete patio costs between $2 and $6 per square foot.
Polished concrete
Polished concrete is a glossy, reflective, and stain-resistant surface that can be used for residential or commercial flooring. Depending on the type of polish and the level of sheen, adding polish to a concrete patio costs about $3 to $8 per square foot.
Broom-finished concrete
After a smooth concrete slab or patio, broom-finishing is the most popular concrete flooring option. Sweeping the concrete while it’s still wet gives it a slip-resistant ridged texture. Some concrete contractors offer broom-finish as a free feature for a simple project, while other installers charge as little as $0.40 to $1 per square foot.
Decorative stencil
Decorative stenciled concrete has a similar finish to a stained patio and is considered the top choice for homeowners who like decorative or artistic designs. Stenciling your concrete patio costs about $1 to $10 per square foot or $2,000 to $4,500.
Aggregate concrete
Pebbles or aggregates added to the concrete mix create a varied style and provide slip resistance. Adding aggregate to concrete costs $2 to $3 per square foot.
Other factors that affect cost
The cost of installing a concrete patio is not fixed; several unique factors make the cost vary from project to project. You need to consider these factors when calculating your budget for a concrete patio.
Thickness
A standard concrete patio should be 4 inches thick. A 4-inch-thick concrete slab averages $5.35 per square foot, while a 6-inch-thick slab costs about $6.20 per square foot.
The thickness will depend on the weight of the load you want the patio to support. Pouring the concrete thicker to support installations like a large pergola or outdoor kitchen will stretch your budget.
Reinforcements
Patios are usually reinforced with rebar or wire mesh to strengthen and stabilize the concrete so it can support heavy weight and will not crack or shift as quickly. The total cost of a reinforced concrete patio ranges from $9.30 to $10.50 per square foot.
Installation area
Slopes, poorly-conditioned sites, and hard-to-reach areas increase project costs due to the need for additional reinforcement, excavation, and manual labor.
Concrete removal
If you have an old patio, you’ll need to demolish the damaged or worn concrete before you can install a new one. Professionals charge about $2 to $6 per square foot, or an average of $1,300 total, for concrete removal.
Concrete patio maintenance cost
Concrete should be sealed every 3-5 years to maintain its strength and prevent cracking. Professional concrete sealing will cost $300 for labor and sealant or $3 to $5 per square foot for larger cracks.
Following your new patio installation, you can add a variety of landscaping projects to increase your enjoyment of your outdoor living space. You may also consider other materials for your patio if you don’t like the look of concrete.
Other patio materials
Poured concrete is a durable and economical patio material, but pavers or flagstones are options if you want something more high-end.
Paver patio installation costs between $8.65 and $16.65 per square foot. Flagstone (a.k.a natural stone), on the other hand, is more expensive, starting at $15 and going over $25 per square foot, depending on the type of stone, shape, and pattern.
Pergola
A pergola is an outdoor structure (freestanding or attached to the house) supported by posts or columns that has crossbeams on top. It’s a landscape enhancement that can be used to define your patio space and provide dappled shade. The installation of a pergola costs, on average, about $4,000.
Gazebo
A gazebo, unlike a pergola, has a solid roof that provides complete protection from rain or sun. It can be an ideal place to admire your garden and entertain guests. A gazebo costs between $5,635 and $9,025.
Retractable awning
A retractable awning is an adjustable covering that provides shade. It can be a cost-effective covering for your concrete patio if it’s close to the house. A retractable awning costs about $2,735 on average.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
Concrete patios can be an ideal DIY project with the right tools and skills, especially if it’s a simple concrete slab. Building your own patio can save you $45 to $75 per hour or $3 to $10 per square foot in labor costs. Below is a table listing the materials needed.
Equipment/materials | Average cost |
Poured concrete | $125 per cubic yard |
Wheelbarrow | $135 |
Shovel | $45 |
Rubber gloves | $15 |
Safety glasses | $10 |
Concrete sealer | $100 |
Dust mask | $18 |
Hose | $35 |
As you can see, small DIY concrete patios can be quite economical compared to the cost of hiring a professional concrete installer. However, larger and more complex projects, while more expensive, should be left to a professional.
Cost of concrete patio installation by location
The cost of installing a concrete patio varies across the country. You should take this into account when planning your budget, as your location will have a big impact on your cost estimate.
Places with a higher cost of living (think metro areas like Washington, D.C., New York, San Francisco, etc) will undoubtedly have higher labor and material costs than the national average. Contact a local concrete installer to find out what costs look like in your city.
FAQ
A concrete patio with quality sealing and routine maintenance can last more than 30 years.
At least 25 square feet per person is recommended. You can multiply this value by the number of people you plan to host to determine the appropriate area for your patio.
Yes, but a slight one. A properly built patio shouldn’t be completely flat to prevent it from collecting water. A slope of a quarter-inch per foot on a patio should effectively drain water. Make sure the slope leads water away from the house.
Final thoughts
Poured concrete is one of the best materials for a low-maintenance, low-cost patio. How much you spend depends on size, concrete patio design, and other cost factors, but on average, you can expect to pay around $2,925 for most projects.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo by: ChicagoConcrete | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0