How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost to Build?
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Installing a new concrete patio is a great way to add more outdoor living space and boost property value. A concrete patio costs between $1,760 and $4,812 to build, with a national average of $3,274.
Highlights
- The typical range for concrete patio costs is $1,760 to $4,812, with a national average of $3,274.
- Patio size, shape, design, labor, permits, geographic location, site preparation, accessibility, and materials can all affect how much a homeowner pays for a concrete patio.
- Concrete patios are a popular choice for being easily customizable, durable, low maintenance, and inexpensive. They can also increase a home’s value.
- Homeowners may be able to do some site preparation for their concrete patio themselves, but this is generally a project that is best left to an experienced professional.
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Outdoor living spaces are essential for enjoying pleasant evenings and family barbecues. Building a concrete patio allows homeowners to designate an attractive gathering area in their backyards. Concrete is a classic choice that has a lower up-front cost than other patio materials like paving stones. If the idea of a plain concrete pad isn’t appealing to a homeowner, they can opt for a stained patio or have unique designs stamped into the concrete so the patio can become the yard’s centerpiece. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, concrete patio costs range from $1,760 to $4,812 with $3,274 as a national average. This includes ground preparation, materials, and installation. The size and complexity of the patio are some of the biggest influences on concrete patio costs; homeowners can review this guide to learn how much they can expect to spend on a new patio.
Factors in Calculating Concrete Patio Cost
Concrete patio costs aren’t set in stone. Contractors will have a range of quotes since labor, materials, and permits vary by region. The patio size, shape, and design also affect the cost since a complex design requires extra materials. Homeowners can consider the following primary factors when planning a concrete patio budget.
Patio Size and Shape
The average concrete patio cost per square foot is $4 to $7 if the patio is a plain square or rectangle shape. Basic shapes without colors or customization are the easiest to construct, so adding any other shapes or design elements will drive the price higher. Curved shapes will increase the price since forming and pouring concrete in round shapes is more complex than it would be within straight lines. Any custom designs or complex color patterns could increase the price per square foot to as high as $30.
Patio Design
While most patios function just fine as a rectangular slab just off the backyard door, some homeowners want to design a pergola or build a second-level deck above the patio. A contractor will need to make sure the patio is strong enough to withstand the extra weight in these cases. Extra materials and labor will cost more. If the patio is being built around an inground pool, the contractor will need to work closely with the pool builder to ensure it meets the exact specifications so there aren’t any odd gaps or improperly leveled areas. Adding built-in concrete benches, fountains, or walls also increases the cost since laborers will need to construct forms to build the extra features. Each option is customized, so it’s worthwhile for homeowners to talk with a local contractor to get an accurate quote.
Labor and Permits
Homeowners can expect to pay $50 to $75 per hour on labor costs alone in most cases. This comes out to approximately $5 to $15 per square foot for most patios. Fortunately, those labor costs are well worth it since contractors have all the special tools needed to pour a durable concrete pad. While most concrete patios don’t require a permit, it’s still a good idea for homeowners to check with the local municipality and the homeowners association, if applicable. If permits are required, the average cost is usually $50 to $300.
Geographic Location
The area where a homeowner lives greatly affects the price they pay for construction projects. Urban areas tend to have higher costs of living and labor rates. Rural areas may charge extra for travel fees or hard-to-get materials. Homeowners will always want to get quotes from multiple contractors in their area to find the best price for the backyard project. They may also want to consider getting started on the budgeting process with a concrete patio cost calculator to get an initial cost estimate for their specific location.
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Site Preparation
A terraced property that needs to be leveled for a patio will cost more due to the heavy equipment required to grade and smooth the ground. Site preparation typically costs between $1,000 and $3,200. If it’s impossible to access the yard due to a narrow fence line, homeowners may have to consider removing sections of the fence to get the equipment in. For homes with a walk-out basement, that equipment will have to remove a significant amount of dirt, then grade the remaining property to meet drainage requirements. These kinds of jobs are best done during new construction since they can be challenging to complete after building.
Accessibility
Constructing a small patio won’t require access to significant equipment since laborers can use small concrete mixers to access the site. For a patio measuring several hundred square feet, the contractor will need at least an 8-foot-wide gate access to bring a truck to the back. If that’s not possible, laborers will have to wheel concrete to the backyard in batches—a slower, more expensive process. Depending on the site, a concrete truck could pipe the concrete over the house, but this happens mostly with much larger projects, such as for an inground pool and patio.
Materials Used
Concrete costs per yard are much lower than most other patio materials available. For a simple 10-foot by 10-foot concrete patio, costs could total as little as $600. Homeowners comparing a deck versus a patio will note that a concrete patio is cheaper than most wooden decks. A concrete paver patio is another option that some homeowners choose, but it can be much more expensive than a concrete slab. If a homeowner likes the look of a stone patio but not the price, they can ask the contractor about stamping the concrete instead.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Beyond the most common factors that affect the baseline cost of concrete patios, there are extra features that can be added to enhance the patio. These customizations can make the patio feel like the perfect outdoor space, so homeowners may want to ask their contractor about the cost of these concrete patio upgrades.
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Poured Concrete vs. Pavers
Pavers make for a unique patio that can enhance a home’s appearance by carrying sophisticated stonework into the backyard. Homeowners can choose between paving stones or bricks for this patio style. The average paver patio cost is $8 to $25 per square foot, depending on the kind of stone that is chosen. When it comes to the cost of pavers versus concrete, the concrete patio is the less expensive option since pouring a concrete patio costs only $4 to $7 per square foot for a plain concrete slab.
Old Concrete Removal
If the new patio will be replacing an old slab, the previous patio will need to be demolished first. This can cost $550 to $1,700, which includes both breaking up the concrete and hauling away and disposing of the old materials.
Finish
As mentioned, most concrete patios are plain gray slabs of concrete that come at a low-cost option. But concrete can be brushed, painted, stenciled, engraved, or even pebbled with an aggregate finish for a unique, custom look. These finishes can cost between $1 to $15 extra per square foot. Homeowners also have the option to spruce up the patio by choosing a finish that mimics more expensive patio materials. Stamping designs into the concrete ($2,800 to $6,500) or staining the concrete ($3,000 to $18,500) are the two most popular finish options.
Enhancements and Additions
For authentic outdoor living, homeowners can opt to build an outdoor living room or kitchen on the patio. These patios are usually at least 8 feet by 10 feet to accommodate a kitchen and dining area but can be even larger if a homeowner wants more seating capacity and a fire pit. Outdoor kitchens cost around $2,000 including the structure, countertops, and patio surface. Other enhancements include awnings or walkways, which can vary in price depending on the size or square footage.
| Addition | Cost (Labor and Materials) |
| Concrete walkway | $1,800 |
| Outdoor kitchen | $2,000 |
| Pergola | $2,100 to $5,600 |
| Resealing concrete | $1,500 per 1,000 square feet |
| Retractable awnings | $400 to $7,100 |
Types of Concrete Patios
Concrete patios all have the same base material, but it’s usually possible to choose from several finishes to customize the look and feel of the patio. The average cost of a concrete patio remains relatively low with most of the finishes available.
| Patio Type | Cost (Labor and Materials) |
| Aggregate | $2 to $3 per square foot |
| Broom-finished | No additional cost |
| Concrete slab | $5 to $12 per square foot |
| Decorative stencil masking | $2,000 to $4,500 |
| Painted | $500 to $3,000 |
| Polished | $1,600 to $3,900 |
| Stamped | $2,800 to $6,500 |
| Stained | $3,000 to $18,500 |
| Trowel finish | $4 to $7 per square foot |
Aggregate
An aggregate concrete patio is a unique option with a raw design that has plenty of traction against slipping. Homeowners get to choose their favorite kind of small pebbles to be added to the concrete mix. These pebbles will remain on the surface as the concrete cures, then get sealed over to make the surface durable and rugged. This style of finish only costs an additional $2 to $3 per square foot.
Broom-Finished
Anyone who has washed off a concrete patio and nearly slipped on the surface knows how important a little extra texture is. A smooth concrete surface provides little traction when wet, so if the patio is near a pool or in a wet climate, it may be better to have a broom finish. This technique uses a special broom to make small grooves in the concrete that make it more slip resistant. A broom finish is often free of cost as it is considered a part of the installation process.
Concrete Slab
A traditional concrete slab costs much less than most other concrete patio options. A simple poured concrete patio costs between $5 and $12 per square foot since the design isn’t complex and no extra finish is included. A concrete slab is just as durable and long-lasting as any concrete patio with a specialized finish.
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Decorative Stencil Masking
For those who love the more artistic style of stenciled designs, a decorative stencil finish could be an option to consider. Stenciling designs into the concrete patio means having a truly unique masterpiece to enjoy. Homeowners will want to work with their contractor to determine the designs, colors, depths, and more for an average installation cost of $2,000 to $4,500.
Painted
Painted concrete is another option to stylize an outdoor patio. For $500 to $3,000, almost any color can be painted on the patio. Homeowners can work with their contractor to pick a UV-resistant paint, and paint a border, fun designs, or the entire patio. The only drawback to painting concrete is that the paint may get scratched or peel off over time. Sealing the patio can help extend the life of a painted patio, but the paint may need to be reapplied occasionally.
Polished
Polished concrete may not be suitable for all outdoor spaces as its smooth surface makes it a slipping hazard when wet. However, for covered patios, pergolas, or areas with rugs or mats, a polished concrete patio can be an attractive option. A polished concrete floor costs between $1,600 to $3,900.
Stamped
For those who don’t mind the gray color but prefer a little more texture and style, stamping the concrete might be the best choice. Concrete contractors have numerous designs to choose from, from flagstone and brick to wooden planks. This option provides the appearance of the desired material, with the durability of concrete. The cost of a stamped concrete patio averages $2,800 to $6,500.