Average Cost of a Concrete Patio

The average cost of a concrete patio ranges between $3 and $28 per square foot total. For a 200 square foot patio, material costs typically run between $400 and $700. These are the same for both professional and DIY installations. That price includes:

• Screws
• 2"x4" lumber
• Gravel for sub-base
• Concrete mix
• Edging trowel
• Concrete sealer

Concrete Patio Cost Per Square Foot

While the material cost is low, a concrete patio can cost up to $28 price per square foot depending on the finish you choose.

• Concrete slab with no design: $3-$6 per square foot.
• Simple coloring or stamping: $7-$15 per square foot.
• Custom design with multiple colors: $12-$28 per square foot.

Some homeowners choose to outline their concrete in brick or stone. This carries an additional cost.

Stained Concrete Patio Cost

The cost of a stained concrete patio typically ranges between $7 and $15 per square foot but custom designs and multiple colors can raise the cost as high as $25 per square foot.

This treatment gives the space a more distinctive and attractive look. The concrete can either be colored before pouring or the color can be added to the concrete after it is poured. This changes the color of the surface from the traditional gray hue to something more unique. Some homeowners may even choose to use more than one color of stain to create a pattern on their concrete patio.

Stamped Concrete Patio Cost

Stamping concrete costs between $8 and $28 per square foot. While it can be more expensive to complete a stamped concrete patio, the benefit is you can select any pattern you would like to use. Mimicking the look of stone or pavers creates a richer-looking finished space. Stamping concrete is often done in conjunction with coloring or staining your concrete.

Cost to Pour Concrete Patio Slab

Expect to pay $30 to $50 per hour (typically between $2 and $8 per square foot) for the installation alone. Your contractor will determine the specific labor cost based on a variety of factors such as:

• Urban or rural location
• Ease of access to the site
• Size and shape of the patio
• Thickness of the slab
• Stains and coloring
• Patterns
• Multiple levels

Costs by Size

Size is the most significant cost factor to consider when you estimate the price of a new concrete patio. Large spaces can become expensive quickly but offer more outdoor area for relaxing and entertaining.

Once you know the slab's location, measure the perimeter to determine a square footage estimate. That will help you determine your budget for material and labor. If you have a consistent square footage, shape and design in mind, you can get more accurate quotes from professional concrete installation companies.

Costs by Location

Cost to Replace Concrete Patio

If you already have a concrete patio in place, don’t forget to include the price to remove concrete in your estimate. This will add about $550 to $1,575 to your overall budget. The size of the slab you need to remove and the associated disposal fees will determine where in this range your project will fall.

Concrete Patio Price Factors

There are several price factors to consider when you determine where your patio will fall on the budget range:

• Size of the patio: from as little as $900 for a 100-square-foot space to as much as $10,000 for 400 square feet.
• Shape of the patio: simple shapes like squares and rectangles will be at the bottom end of the budget, while more complicated shapes and angles will drive the cost up.
• Property condition: demolition, grading and excavating land will increase the budget, as will difficult access to the construction area.
• Design complexity: texture, curved edges and other design features can significantly increase your budget.

Patio Material Comparison

At $4 to $28 per square foot, concrete is on the lower end of the average price to install a patio, which ranges between $4 and $35 per square foot. Much of that is due to the low cost of material.

Cost of Paver Patio vs Concrete Patio

The price to install a brick paver patio ranges between $8 and $25 per square foot. You'll get individually placed bricks that can add variety and color. Materials and labor are both higher than a simple concrete slab but comparable to an intricate stamped and stained design.

Cost to Build Concrete Patio vs. Wood Deck

A wooden deck installation ranges between $20 and $60 per square foot for both labor and materials. It's significantly more expensive than concrete because of the labor needed to place the boards and build the frame.

DIY Patio Installation vs. Hiring a Concrete Pro

If you choose to install your concrete patio yourself, you will save the $2 to $8 per square foot you would pay in professional labor. It can be difficult to install concrete properly, and with an improper installation, the surface could crack.

Unless you have significant experience in mixing and pouring concrete, finding concrete patio contractors near you tends to be the better choice.

To select the right patio contractor, research expected costs and gather quotes from a minimum of three professionals..

Perform some research online or talk to previous customers. That ensures you hire a concrete contractor with a good reputation who is qualified to complete your project.

FAQs

What size should I make my concrete patio?

The ideal patio size depends on your budget and intended use. A simple bistro space can be as little as 100 square feet. A large dining area with lounge furniture and a grill could be larger than 400 square feet.

Is it cheaper to lay concrete or pavers?

Poured concrete tends to be cheaper because the labor to place individual pavers can add up. Completion time is faster, and you'll pay less in materials.

Can I pour my own concrete patio?

You should pour your own patio only if you have previous experience with concrete. You'll need to know how to excavate, build the form, get it level and get the right mixture in place. You'll also need to pour quickly enough to avoid premature drying.

How can I make my concrete patio look better?

You can add design elements or extra touches that improve the look of the space. Examples include:

• Curved borders
• Customized stencils
• Saw cuts to create a faux tile appearance
• Multi-storied levels
• Stairs
• Texturing to create a faux-stone appearance

How much does a cement patio cost?

Though sometimes used interchangeably, cement is the major ingredient in concrete. Cement is the powder that is mixed with water, sand and gravel to form concrete. It cannot be used alone for a patio. So if you search for the price of a cement patio, it will be the same as the cost of a concrete space, at $1,650 to $4,200.