Concrete Patio Cost in 2026
A realistic patio budget, the finish options that change the price, and the site work homeowners forget to ask about.
A concrete patio typically costs $6 to $12 per square foot installed in 2026 for a basic 4-inch slab with a broom finish. A 12 × 12 ft patio lands around $900 to $1,800; a 16 × 20 ft patio runs $1,900 to $3,800. Decorative finishes, removal, and site work add to that.
Cost per square foot
| Component | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete and reinforcement | $3–$6 per sq ft | 4-inch slab, mesh or rebar |
| Labor and finishing | $2–$5 per sq ft | Forms, pour, screed, broom |
| Base and grading | $1–$3 per sq ft | Excavation, gravel, compaction |
| Decorative finish | $3–$8 per sq ft | Stamp, stain, exposed aggregate |
| Removal | $2–$4 per sq ft | Old patio or sod |
Cost by size
| Patio size | Square feet | Basic installed range |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 | $600–$1,200 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 | $900–$1,800 |
| 16 × 20 ft | 320 | $1,900–$3,800 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 400 | $2,400–$4,800 |
These are basic-slab ranges. Add 20–40% for stamped concrete, exposed aggregate, or a patio that needs significant grading.
Finish options
- Broom: $0–$1 per sq ft extra; best traction and lowest cost.
- Exposed aggregate: $2–$5 per sq ft extra; textured and durable.
- Stamped: $3–$8 per sq ft extra; mimics stone or brick.
- Stained: $2–$4 per sq ft extra; color without texture.
- Sealed: $1–$3 per sq ft; helps with stains and freeze-thaw.
Decorative finishes are priced by the square foot, but also by complexity. Borders, multiple colors, and hand-detailing cost more than a single stamp pattern.
Base and site prep
A patio needs a compacted base, positive drainage away from the house, and control joints. Skipping the base is the most common shortcut. It shows up a year later as cracking, settling, or standing water.
Ask whether the quote includes excavation, haul-away, gravel, compaction, forms, reinforcement, and joint sealing. Those items can add $1–$3 per square foot and are often excluded from a low bid.
DIY vs. professional
A small patio is a manageable DIY project if you have help and can finish the pour quickly. For anything over about 200 sq ft, the logistics of ready-mix delivery, screeding, and finishing favor a crew. Bagged concrete is practical for small pads and footings, not a full patio.
Use the concrete calculator to compare the bag count with a ready-mix quote; the break-even is usually between 1 and 2 cubic yards.
How to compare bids
- Confirm the slab thickness, reinforcement, and base depth.
- Ask whether removal, grading, and haul-away are included.
- Check the finish, sealer, and control-joint plan.
- Confirm drainage slope and downspout handling.
- Get the cure and scheduling expectations in writing.
For a broader breakdown, read the concrete slab cost guide or compare ready-mix vs. bags.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 12x12 concrete patio cost?
A 144 sq ft patio typically costs $900 to $1,800 for a basic 4-inch slab with a broom finish. Stamped or exposed aggregate finishes, removal, and difficult access can push the total to $2,500 or more.
Is a concrete patio cheaper than pavers?
Usually yes upfront. A basic concrete patio runs $6 to $12 per square foot installed, while pavers often run $10 to $20 per square foot. Pavers cost more but are easier to repair and can look more finished.
How thick should a concrete patio be?
Four inches is standard for foot traffic and patio furniture. Use 5 inches if you park a vehicle on it or expect heavy loads. A compacted gravel base and control joints matter as much as thickness.
Do I need a permit for a concrete patio?
It depends on the jurisdiction, size, and whether the patio is attached to the house or near a property line. Many small ground-level patios do not need one; call the local building department before assuming.
Can I add a concrete patio to an existing slab?
Yes, but the new slab needs proper separation, base prep, and control joints. A thin overlay on an unstable slab will crack. Ask a contractor how the new pour will drain and tie into the existing grade.