Concrete Slab Cost Calculator
Estimate the installed cost of a concrete patio, driveway, garage floor, or shed pad. Enter the size, thickness, finish, and reinforcement to see a realistic range.
Updated November 2026 · U.S. pricing
Estimated installed cost
$0 – $0
| Concrete and labor | — |
|---|---|
| Finish upgrade | — |
| Reinforcement | — |
| Old slab removal | — |
| Total | — |
Typical range for professional installation. Not included: grading, retaining walls, drainage work, permits, and decorative saw-cut patterns beyond the selected finish.
How this concrete cost estimate works
The calculator starts with a typical installed cost per square foot for the chosen thickness, then adds the selected finish and reinforcement. Removal of an old slab is calculated separately. The range reflects differences in site prep, access, and local labor rates.
Installed costs include excavation and grading of a standard base, compacted gravel, forms, concrete, finishing, and cleanup. They do not include retaining walls, drainage corrections, or permit fees.
Concrete slab cost per square foot
| Thickness | Typical use | Installed per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 4 in | Patios, walkways, shed pads | $6–$10 |
| 5 in | Light driveways, heavy foot traffic | $7–$12 |
| 6 in | Driveways, garage floors, heavy loads | $9–$15 |
Base range includes standard prep, gravel base, forms, concrete, broom finish, and labor.
Finish and reinforcement add-ons
| Option | Added cost per sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Broom finish | Included | Standard slip-resistant surface |
| Stamped concrete | +$4–$8 | Patterns, color, and sealer |
| Exposed aggregate | +$3–$6 | Textured pebble surface |
| Wire mesh | +$0.50–$1.50 | Common for patios and shed pads |
| Rebar | +$1–$2.50 | Typical for driveways and structural slabs |
| Old slab removal | +$2–$5 | Includes breaking, hauling, and disposal |
What a 20×20 slab costs
A 400-square-foot, 4-inch broom-finish slab with wire mesh typically costs $2,600–$4,600 installed at average U.S. rates. Upgrading to stamped concrete adds roughly $1,600–$3,200, and a 6-inch driveway slab at the same size runs about $4,200–$7,000 before reinforcement.
What changes the price
Site prep
Flat, accessible ground is cheap to prep. Slopes, soft soil, tree roots, and poor drainage require excavation, fill, or a retaining wall, all of which add cost quickly.
Access
Concrete trucks need to get close. A long carry from the street, a narrow gate, or a backyard with no access adds wheelbarrow labor and can push the price up 10–25%.
Climate and code
Cold climates require deeper footings for frost, and some jurisdictions require thicker slabs or specific reinforcement for driveways. Check local requirements before comparing quotes.
Finishing
Broom finish is the cheapest and most common. Stamped and exposed aggregate add material, labor, and sealing, and they cost more to repair later.
Concrete slab FAQ
How much does a 20×20 concrete slab cost?
About $2,400–$4,600 for a 4-inch broom-finish slab at typical U.S. rates, including wire mesh in most quotes. Stamped finishes and 6-inch thickness push the total higher.
How thick should a concrete slab be?
Four inches is typical for patios, walkways, and shed pads. Driveways and garage floors usually need 5–6 inches, and local code or frost depth may require more. Ask your contractor what is specified for your use case.
Does a concrete slab need rebar?
Driveways, garage floors, and slabs carrying heavy loads typically use rebar. Patios and shed pads often use wire mesh, which is cheaper. The right choice depends on soil, load, and local practice.
How much does stamped concrete add?
Stamped concrete usually adds $4–$8 per square foot, covering the pattern, color, and sealer. Repairs are harder to blend than broom finish, so factor in long-term maintenance.