Concrete Patio Cost

Last Updated on December 29, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

How else to enjoy the sun that has started to come out, the spring that is just starting and the summer that we all can’t wait for, if not on a beautiful concrete patio, with an exit directly from your home? If you have such a project in mind, below you will find the costs you need to have in mind.

How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost?

If you are planning to build a concrete patio, be prepared to spend anywhere between $1,000 and $3,400, depending on several factors such as the design complexity, the property features, the shape and size and the type of concrete.

Factors affecting the cost

 The size and type of the concrete patio

In general, the cost of a concrete patio will get higher if its size is bigger and the design is fancier.

The cost of a standard and simple design concrete patio. This is the one that has a rectangle or square shape, with no borders or pattern. The cost of simple and plain concrete patios will be anywhere between $4 and $7 per square foot, without including the site preparation.

In general, for basic patios, contractors charge by the job and not by the square foot. Below you will find the average costs of a simple concrete patio installation by size:

• 10ft x 12ft patio/120 sq ft costs approximately $550
• 10ft x 20ft patio/200 sq ft costs approximately $930
• 12ft x 12ft patio/144 sq ft costs approximately $660
• 12ft x 20ft patio/240 sq ft costs approximately $1,100
• 20ft x 20ft patio/400 sq ft costs approximately $1,900

The cost of stamped concrete patio

The stamped concrete patio is an upgrade to your old plain standard concrete patio. You can give your patio the appearance of being made of other materials by stamping any texture and pattern into the concrete. A stamped concrete patio will look really convincing if it is done right and the dyes are true to the nature of the material. Some of these patterns and designs include:

• The random fieldstone pattern gives the patio the appearance of a highly skilled ancient stonework. This stamp is very textured to offer the rugged and strong look of fieldstones.
• The classic wood, which is perfect for those who want to have the wood deck feel and look at no additional costs and maintenance.
• The classic brick is another look to take into consideration. Brick stamp patterns can be herringbone or running bond. This texture is highly recommended for icy surfaces.
• The London coble stone is named after the sidewalks and roads of 19^th century London and is the most popular stamp. This has an elegant and traditional appearance, while keeping the patio surface less slippery.
• The Ashlar cut slate pattern is designed for those homeowners who want a luxurious and timeless look to their patio.

Besides these textures and patterns there are some more you can choose from such as:

• Sanded slate texture;
• Grand Ashlar design, which comes on many sizes and shapes;
• Rough stone design;
• European fan design;
• Many stones of Athens;
• Fractured Cyprus slate.

Be prepared to pay anywhere between $7 and $12 per square foot for a brand-new stamped patio with a simple design of one color and pattern. Here are the average costs for simple stamped concrete patio installation by size:

• 10ft x 12ft patio/120 sq ft costs approximately $980
• 10ft x 20ft patio/200 sq ft costs approximately $1,650
• 12ft x 12ft patio/144 sq ft costs approximately $1,180
• 12ft x 20ft patio/240 sq ft costs approximately $1,950
• 20ft x 20ft patio/400 sq ft costs approximately $3,300

The cost of stamped concrete overlays

If you already have a concrete patio and want to give it a fresh look, you can install a stamped concrete overlay over the same foundation.

You might also like our articles on the cost of accordion-style folding patio doors, precast concrete, and concrete stairs.

Expect to pay anywhere between $4 and $12 per square foot for a stamped concrete overlay. Similar to the small simple patio works, most of the professionals will charge a flat rate. Below you will find the average costs of simple concrete patio overlay installation by size:

• 10ft x 12ft patio/120 sq ft costs approximately $730
• 10ft x 20ft patio/200 sq ft costs approximately $1,250
• 12ft x 12ft patio/144 sq ft costs approximately $890
• 12ft x 20ft patio/240 sq ft costs approximately $1,500
• 20ft x 20ft patio/400 sq ft costs approximately $2,480

Contractors with more experience and high skills will be able to use color dyes to offer the concrete overlay the appearance of a precious metal, marbled or antique surface. Though, these special requests come at an extra cost and you should be prepared to pay another $12 to $35 or even more per square foot.

The cost of fancy concrete patios

The only limit when it comes to elaborate and custom concrete patio designs is your imagination and the skills of the professional. The fancy designs and layouts may include:

• Raised decorative statues and pillars;
• Odd-shaped or rounded patios;
• Multiple textures and designs and contrasting borders;
• Multiple steps and levels;
• Fountain and planter pieces;
• Concrete platforms and benches and raised borders.

These fancy custom designs can cost around $18 per square foot or even more, depending on how complex the job is.

Property features

The cost of a concrete patio is highly influenced by the property considerations as there are properties which may have some building problems and this will lead to a cost increase.  Some of these problems include:

Demolition and removal of obstacles like boulders, storage sheds, birdbaths and statues, chicken and dog houses, bushes or trees, barn or old garages. Depending on the weight and size of the obstacle, removing the natural barriers and structures can get costly. For example, you may have to spend thousands of dollars for removing a tree and its roots, while you will have to pay just one hundred dollars for breaking down and hauling away a dog house.

Site accessibility problems. In general, in urban areas, it may be hard for workers to access your new patio due to the limited access space. So, workers will have to carry the supplies and equipment over long distances from their trucks and this will increase the labor costs.

The costs will be lower if the site is easily accessible by a concrete truck and the job can be done with premixed concrete. On the other hand, if the concrete is pumped from a truck parked at a certain distance from the patio site, extra equipment will be necessary and this will result in a higher cost.

Landscaping. You will have to prepare the ground at the site of the patio. This may be pretty complicated if the site is on unleveled ground.

The cost of poured concrete patio compared to other options

When talking about patios there are other materials you can use but poured concrete is the cheapest, longest-lasting and most versatile option, as you can see from the examples we are going to present below.

Wood decks have a more elegant look, but are harder to maintain and are more expensive. Expect to pay anywhere between $17 and $32 per square foot or even more.

Stone or brick laying is hard to install and costs anywhere between $7 and $25 per square foot.

Concrete pavers come in individual pieces and can be installed on a pressed ground foundation. Expect to pay anywhere between $5 and $23 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the design.

DIY or hire a specialist?

Go DIY mode if the area is small and the land is flat. If you want a larger concrete patio and the terrain is uneven, call a specialist.