How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost?
A concrete patio costs about $6–$10 per square foot for a standard broom finish, or $10–$18 stamped. A 16×20 patio runs roughly $1,920–$5,760 depending on finish and site conditions.
Updated November 2026 · U.S. pricing
Concrete is the most common patio material because it is durable, low maintenance, and cheaper than pavers or decks. The base price buys a plain gray slab. Decorative finishes, reinforcement, and site work are what separate a $2,000 patio from a $6,000 one.
Concrete patio cost per square foot
| Finish | Installed per sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Broom finish | $6–$10 | Standard slip-resistant surface |
| Exposed aggregate | $9–$14 | Textured pebble finish; more durable look |
| Colored concrete | $8–$13 | Integral or surface color |
| Stamped concrete | $10–$18 | Patterns and color; premium details cost more |
| Stamped, premium | $18–$25 | Complex patterns, multi-color, custom borders |
Includes standard base prep, forms, concrete, finish, and labor. Reinforcement, old patio removal, and drainage work are extra.
Concrete patio cost by size
| Size | Square feet | Broom finish | Stamped |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 | $600–$1,000 | $1,000–$1,800 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 | $860–$1,440 | $1,440–$2,590 |
| 16 × 20 ft | 320 | $1,920–$3,200 | $3,200–$5,760 |
| 20 × 30 ft | 600 | $3,600–$6,000 | $6,000–$10,800 |
What is included in an installed price
- Removing grass, topsoil, or the old patio
- Excavation and grading
- Compacted gravel base, typically 4–6 inches
- Forms, control joints, and reinforcement if selected
- Placing, finishing, and curing the concrete
- Cleanup
Patio slabs are usually 4 inches thick. In cold climates or on poor soil, 5–6 inches is a better choice. The slab should slope slightly away from the house — typically 1–2% — so water does not pool against the foundation.
Add-ons that change the price
| Option | Added cost |
|---|---|
| Wire mesh | +$0.50–$1.50/sq ft |
| Rebar | +$1–$2.50/sq ft |
| Stamped pattern | +$4–$8/sq ft |
| Exposed aggregate | +$3–$6/sq ft |
| Old patio removal | +$2–$5/sq ft |
| Sealer | $0.50–$1.50/sq ft |
| Drainage correction | $500–$5,000 total |
Concrete patio vs. pavers vs. deck
| Option | Installed per sq ft | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete patio | $6–$10 | 30–50 years | Minimal; seal optional |
| Stamped concrete | $10–$18 | 25–35 years | Reseal every 2–4 years |
| Paver patio | $8–$30 | 25–50 years | Sweep, weed, add sand |
| Wood deck | $25–$45 | 15–25 years | Stain or seal every 2–3 years |
Concrete is the lowest-cost hardscape. Pavers cost more but are easier to repair and handle freeze-thaw movement better. A deck costs the most per square foot but adds usable outdoor space at a different level and can suit sloped yards.
Repairs and maintenance
- Seal hairline cracks before winter.
- Keep water away from the slab edges; regrade soil if it settles.
- Avoid de-icing salt in the first year.
- Do not use a metal snow shovel on decorative finishes.
- Reseal decorative concrete every 2–4 years.
Do you need a permit for a concrete patio?
Ground-level patios often do not require a permit, but raised patios, patios attached to a structure, and work that changes drainage may. Setbacks and HOA rules can apply even when the city does not require a permit. Check before scheduling the pour.
Concrete patio FAQ
How much does a 16×20 concrete patio cost?
About $1,920–$3,200 for a broom finish or $3,200–$5,760 for stamped concrete. Reinforcement, removal, and drainage work add to those totals.
Is a concrete patio cheaper than pavers?
Yes for standard finishes. Concrete runs $6–$10 per square foot, while pavers run $8–$30. Stamped concrete can overlap with basic paver pricing, but pavers remain easier to repair.
How thick should a patio slab be?
Four inches for standard residential patios, 5–6 inches in cold climates, on poor soil, or for heavy loads. The base and drainage matter as much as the thickness.
How long before I can use a new patio?
Foot traffic is usually fine after 24–48 hours. Furniture and heavier use should wait about 7 days. Follow the contractor's curing guidance, especially in hot or cold weather.
Why did my concrete patio crack?
Common causes include missing control joints, an inadequate base, soil movement, tree roots, and freeze-thaw cycles. Proper joints and base prep reduce cracking but cannot eliminate it entirely.