Concrete Patio Cost in 2026: Per Square Foot & Total Project Prices
Plain concrete patios cost $4–$10 per sq ft installed. Stamped or decorative finishes run $8–$18/sqft. A typical 12×20 patio costs $960–$3,600 depending on finish.
Patio Cost Calculator
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Concrete Patio Cost by Size
| Patio Size | Sq Ft | Plain (low) | Standard (mid) | Stamped (high) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 | 100 | $400 | $750 | $1,800 | Small patio / bistro set |
| 10×20 | 200 | $800 | $1,500 | $3,600 | Narrow patio |
| 12×12 | 144 | $576 | $1,080 | $2,592 | Small patio |
| 12×16 | 192 | $768 | $1,440 | $3,456 | Small-medium patio |
| 12×20 | 240 | $960 | $1,800 | $4,320 | Standard patio |
| 16×20 | 320 | $1,280 | $2,400 | $5,760 | Medium patio |
| 20×20 | 400 | $1,600 | $3,000 | $7,200 | Large patio |
| 20×30 | 600 | $2,400 | $4,500 | $10,800 | Very large patio |
Plain = 4-inch, broom finish, no reinforcement. Standard = 4-inch, wire mesh, broom finish. Stamped = 4-inch, stamped pattern, colour included.
Patio Finish Options & Costs
| Finish Type | Installed Cost | Durability | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain broom | $4–$8 | High | Low | Budget-conscious, functional |
| Brushed / exposed aggregate | $5–$9 | High | Low | Slip resistance, texture |
| Stamped patterns | $8–$18 | Medium | Medium (seal every 2–3 yrs) | Decorative patios, premium look |
| Acid stained | $7–$14 | Medium-High | Medium | Unique colour, modern look |
| Polished concrete | $4–$15 | High | Low–Medium | Interior patio / covered spaces |
Thickness, Site Prep & Additional Costs
Thickness Guide
- 4 inches (standard): Sufficient for pedestrian use, outdoor furniture, and most patios. Meets minimum code in all US jurisdictions.
- 6 inches (heavy loads): Required if supporting a hot tub (750+ lbs), outdoor kitchen with stone counters, heavy planters, or vehicle access. Adds approximately $1.50/sqft.
- Wire mesh vs nothing: Wire mesh (+$0.35/sqft) helps control cracking in patios and is recommended for slabs over 150 sq ft. Required by code in some jurisdictions.
Site Preparation Costs
- Gravel base (4-inch compacted): $1–$3/sqft, essential for drainage and slab stability
- Excavation (3–4 inches): $1–$2/sqft for standard depth
- Grading if sloped: $500–$2,000 depending on slope severity
- Drainage slope: Standard 1/8-inch drop per foot away from the house; forming cost included in most quotes
- Tree root removal: $200–$1,000 if roots are present
Stamped Concrete Patios
Stamped concrete patios cost $8–$18/sqft for standard patterns, roughly 2–3× the cost of plain broom finish. The premium pays for: stamp rental, colour application, and a more skilled finishing crew.
Most popular patterns: ashlar slate, cobblestone, flagstone, wood plank. Multi-colour and complex patterns run $15–$25/sqft.
Important: Stamped concrete requires sealing every 2–3 years ($1–$3/sqft professional) to maintain colour and prevent pattern erosion. Factor this into your long-term cost.
Is Stamped Concrete Worth It?
For a 200–400 sq ft patio, stamped concrete typically costs $1,000–$5,000 more than plain concrete. The visual difference is significant.
Pro: Looks premium, mimics natural stone, increases curb appeal.
Con: Harder to repair (patching is visible), not suitable for severe freeze-thaw climates, ongoing sealing cost.
How to Save Money on Your Concrete Patio
- ✓Pour in the off-season: October–March (in non-freeze climates) or early spring often brings 10–15% discounts as contractors fill their schedules.
- ✓Use standard rectangular shapes: L-shaped, curved, or freeform patios require more forming time and cost more per sq ft.
- ✓Skip decorative finishes on large areas: Plain broom on a 400 sq ft slab saves $1,600–$4,000 vs stamped.
- ✓DIY the sealing: Professional sealing costs $1–$3/sqft; a $40 can of penetrating sealer from Home Depot covers 200–400 sq ft for DIY application.
- ✓Get three quotes minimum: Contractor pricing for the same job can vary by 30–50% in competitive markets.