Construction · Concrete
Concrete Patio Cost CalculatorWork Out Your Total Price Instantly
Example — 12 × 12 ft patio at 4 in, broom finish
144
sq ft
1.78
cubic yards
$5.50
per sq ft
$792
est. total
A standard 12 × 12 ft patio at 4 inches costs roughly $700–$1,300 installed with a plain broom finish. Stamped concrete can push a similarly sized patio to $1,700–$3,000.
How much does a concrete patio cost?
A poured concrete patio costs $4–$9 per square foot installedfor a standard broom finish, depending on thickness, reinforcement, and local labour rates. Stamped or decorative finishes are the biggest cost variable — adding $8–$15 per sqft on top of the base rate.
| Patio size | Broom finish | Stamped concrete |
|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft (100 sqft) — small | $400–$900 | $2,000–$2,500 |
| 12×12 ft (144 sqft) — standard | $576–$1,300 | $2,900–$3,600 |
| 16×16 ft (256 sqft) — medium | $1,024–$2,300 | $5,100–$6,400 |
| 20×20 ft (400 sqft) — large | $1,600–$3,600 | $8,000–$10,000 |
| 12×20 ft (240 sqft) — rectangle | $960–$2,160 | $4,800–$6,000 |
Approximate 2026 US national averages at 4 inches thick with wire mesh reinforcement. Excludes surface removal.
What affects concrete patio cost?
Size
The biggest cost driver. A 12×12 ft patio uses roughly 1.8 yd³ of concrete at 4 inches. Going up to 20×20 ft more than quadruples the material and labour.
Finish type
Broom finish is cheapest at $4–$9/sqft installed. Exposed aggregate adds $2–$4/sqft. Stamped and coloured concrete adds $8–$15/sqft — the most popular upgrade for patios.
Thickness
Most patios are 3.5–4 inches thick. Four inches is recommended for durability. Stepping down to 3.5 in reduces concrete by ~12% but may shorten lifespan in colder climates.
Reinforcement
Wire mesh adds roughly $0.25/sqft and is standard. Rebar adds $1/sqft and is recommended for large patios or expansive clay soils. Small or decorative patios may omit reinforcement.
Location
Labour costs vary significantly. Northeast and West Coast markets run 20–40% above national averages. Concrete delivery surcharges also apply in rural areas.
Site prep
Rocky ground, poor drainage, or sloped terrain requires extra grading and sub-base work — adding $1–$3/sqft before any concrete is poured.
Concrete patio vs pavers: which is cheaper?
Poured concrete is almost always cheaper upfront. Pavers cost more to install but individual units can be replaced if damaged. Concrete is more monolithic and can crack, but lasts 25–50 years with proper sealing.
Poured concrete
$4–$9/sqft
Lifespan: 25–50 yrs
- + Cheapest option
- + Seamless look
- + Stamped option
- – Can crack
- – Hard to repair
Concrete pavers
$10–$20/sqft
Lifespan: 25–50 yrs
- + Easy individual repair
- + Many styles
- – Higher upfront cost
- – Weeds between joints
Natural stone
$15–$35/sqft
Lifespan: 50+ yrs
- + Premium look
- + Very durable
- – Highest cost
- – Uneven surfaces
Frequently asked questions
How much does a concrete patio cost?
A standard broom-finish concrete patio costs $4–$9 per square foot installed, or $576–$1,300 for a typical 12×12 ft patio. Stamped concrete adds $8–$15/sqft, bringing a 12×12 ft patio to $1,700–$3,000.
How thick should a concrete patio be?
Most residential patios are poured at 3.5–4 inches thick. Four inches is the standard recommendation for durability. In freeze-thaw climates or on poor soil, 4 inches with wire mesh is the minimum.
Is a concrete patio cheaper than pavers?
Yes — poured concrete is typically $4–$9/sqft installed, while pavers average $10–$20/sqft. Concrete is cheaper upfront but can crack; pavers are easier to repair individually but cost more.
How long does a concrete patio last?
A properly installed and sealed concrete patio lasts 25–50 years. Seal it every 3–5 years to prevent staining and slow surface erosion. In cold climates, use air-entrained concrete to resist freeze-thaw cracking.
How much does a stamped concrete patio cost?
Stamped concrete patios cost $12–$20 per square foot installed. A 12×12 ft stamped patio runs $1,700–$2,900 — roughly 2–3 times the cost of a plain broom finish. Stamped concrete requires resealing every 2–3 years to maintain colour.
Do I need a permit for a concrete patio?
Most jurisdictions don't require a permit for a ground-level concrete patio. However, large patios or those attached to the home structure may require one. Always check with your local building department first.
This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Actual costs depend on local labour rates, site conditions, concrete mix, and contractor pricing. Always get at least two written quotes from licensed contractors before proceeding. Prices reflect approximate 2026 US national averages.