How much does a concrete patio cost? The average cost of pouring a patio is $2,532. Most homeowners spend between $1,533 and $4,740, or between $4.40 and $16 per square foot. The average cost of a small concrete patio is $650 while a large concrete patio averages $8,050. Many factors affect the price of a concrete patio such as the size, shape, and finish of the patio.
Why install a concrete patio? Concrete is a cost-effective material that has many advantages. Concrete is resistant to harsh weather conditions and easy to maintain. It can also replicate the appearance of brick or stone.
What Is the Cost of a Concrete Patio?
- Average National Value: $2,532
- Typical Range: $1,533 – $4,740 or from $4.40 – $16 per sq. foot
- Low End: $650
- High-End: $8,050
Cost Estimator By Size
The size of your patio will affect the total cost. Most concrete patio contractors charge between $4.40 and $16 per square foot, depending upon the patio’s shape and finish.
You can expect to spend more on labor and materials for a larger patio. Labor and materials for a 400-square-foot concrete patio are four times higher than those of a 100-square-foot patio.
You’ll find below the average costs for installing a patio made of concrete. These average costs only cover the materials and labor required to install a patio. Prices do not include costs for land preparation, such as grading and resloping, or high-end finishes.
SIZE | SQUARE FOOTAGE | AVERAGE COST RANGE |
10×10 | 100 | $440 to $1,600 |
12×12 | 144 | $634 to $2,304 |
14×14 | 196 | $862 to $3,136 |
16×16 | 256 | $1,126 up to $4,096 |
17×17 | 289 | $1,272 up to $4,624 |
18×18 | 324 | $1,426 up to $5,184 |
20×20 | 400 | $1,760 up to $6,400 |
CONCRETE PATIO SERVICES
Other Factors That Affect Cost
The size of your patio is not the sole determinant of your costs. The complexity of certain patios can vary, resulting in higher expenses. Consider incorporating additional reinforcements or curves to enhance your patio’s design. For a straightforward concrete slab patio, you can anticipate paying less than $16 per square foot.
Cost is affected by a number of factors, including:
- Thickness: The thicker the concrete slab, the higher the bill.
- Shape: Rectangular patios have the easiest installation. Patios in custom shapes require more labor to install.
- Reinforcements: A patio reinforced with concrete will increase durability, but costs will rise.
- Type Finish: Want your concrete to have a splash of color or a special texture? The cost of decorative concrete is higher.
- Concrete Grade: Higher-quality concrete mixtures will cost more.
- Location: Costs may increase if the patio is difficult to access or has poor soil conditions.
- Concrete Removal: Need to remove an old patio before installing a new one? Concrete removal is an extra cost.
Thickness
The thickness of a concrete patio should be at least 4 inches. Some concrete patios can be up to six inches thick. The more concrete you use, the more durable and stronger it will be.
The cost per square foot of thicker patios is higher for most homeowners. Why? Because more labor and materials are required to complete the job.
A basic concrete slab will cost $6.60 a square foot to install. This does not include any detailed designs, finishes, or reinforcements. A 4-inch concrete slab costs around $5.35 per square foot. A 6-inch concrete slab is usually $6.19.
What thickness should your patio have? What you plan to use your patio for will determine the thickness of the patio. A thicker patio would be better if you anticipate your patio to have to support excessive weight such as a hot tub.
THICKNESS | AVERAGE COST (* per square foot) |
4 Inches | $10 to $15 |
5 Inches | $11 to $16 |
6 Inches | $12 to $17 |
Shape
Installing a concrete patio in a square or rectangular shape won’t cost you terribly much. Most concrete contractors find it easiest to install a rectangular or square concrete patio.
Labor costs will increase if you have a concrete patio with curves, multiple levels, or angles.
Reinforcements
The reinforced concrete patio slab has features that increase its durability and strength. Reinforcing materials include rebar, wire mesh, a vapor barrier, or styrofoam. They help maintain the slab over time.
The costs of reinforced concrete slabs are higher than those of plain concrete slabs. A plain concrete slab costs between $11 and $17 per square foot, while a reinforced slab costs between $13 and $19 per square foot.
Prices do not include custom finishes or attractive designs for your patio. These are average prices for a rectangular slab of unfinished poured concrete.
REINFORCEMENT | AVERAGE COST * per square foot | DESCRIPTION |
4-inch concrete slab | $13 | The slab is a basic 4-inch concrete slab without reinforcement. |
Wire mesh | +$0.35 | Strengthen the slab by adding reinforcements. |
Vapor barrier | +$0.50 | Concrete should be protected from moist soil beneath. |
Increased to 6 Inches | +$0.84 | The slab is strengthened and its weight tolerance is increased. |
Increase the thickness of the edge (between 12 inches to 2 feet). | $1.00 to $1.75 | Concrete edgers are used by professionals to reinforce the slabs’ sides |
2-inch styrofoam | +$1.25 | Styrofoam insulates concrete flooring |
Total Slab Reinforcement Cost: | $13 – $19 |
Finishes
You probably imagine a gray, dull, unattractive square when you think of concrete slabs. A concrete slab that has a special finish is anything but dull.
The price of concrete slabs will depend on the decorative finish that you select. Some are more expensive than others. See below what each style will cost and what you can expect.
FINISH TYPE | AVERAGE COST * per square foot | DESCRIPTION |
Polish | High End: $14 to $30 | The concrete is then polished to your desired shine and finish. |
Stained Concrete | High End: $25 | Concrete can be stained in many different colors. |
Epoxy | $8 up to $15 | Epoxy sealer provides a durable, abrasion-resistant surface with a shiny appearance. |
Stamped Concrete | High End: $31 | Stamped concrete imitates cobblestones and brick pavers. |
Concrete Grade
Concrete patio slabs will remain durable with the right thickness and reinforcement.
The quality of the concrete will also have an impact on the durability of the patio. Concrete is made up of sand and cement with water and loose aggregates. The ratio between the ingredients will determine its quality.
How can concrete quality be determined? Concrete grades can help professionals and DIYers find the best concrete mix for a project. Concrete grades are determined by the concrete’s minimum strength in newtons measured 28 days after it has been set.
Some grades of concrete are costlier than others because concrete quality can vary depending on the mixture composition. Costs increase with higher concrete quality.
Location
The location of your patio can have a significant impact on the total cost.
- If the soil condition in the area is poor, you may need to allocate additional funds for slab reinforcements and land preparation. It’s important to note that the subgrade, which refers to the soil beneath the concrete, plays a crucial role in determining the strength of the slab. If the soil underneath is prone to movement, the slab becomes more vulnerable to cracking.
Second, if you have moist soil or poor drainage, it’s important to use a vapor-proof barrier to prevent moisture damage to the concrete.
- If the area is hard to access, it is important to anticipate higher labor costs. Difficult access can pose challenges for the professionals working on your project and may require additional time and effort to complete.
- If your patio site is on hilly terrain, it is advisable to enlist the services of a professional to grade or reslope the area. This step is necessary to ensure that your patio is installed on a level and flat surface, which is highly recommended for optimal functionality and aesthetics.
Conclusion - How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost?
Concrete patios are a great way to create a large outdoor area. Relax under the pergola or enjoy meals on your patio.
If you are unsure how to maximize your concrete patio or would prefer that an expert build the pergola or plant privacy hedges for you, call a local landscape professional near you.
Get a FREE Estimate from Cesar’s Concrete!
Looking to transform your outdoor space with a stunning concrete patio? With years of experience in the industry, Cesar’s Concrete specializes in creating beautiful and durable concrete patios that enhance the value and functionality of your home.
Best of all, we offer a free estimate, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the project’s cost before making any commitments. Contact us today and let us help you turn your patio dreams into a reality.
