Concrete Patio: A Comprehensive Guide
A concrete patio is a durable and attractive property addition, but it requires extensive planning. Our guide explains installation, necessary materials, and associated costs.
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A concrete patio is a durable and aesthetically appealing addition to your property’s outdoor space. Installation is an intensive process, though, and you must complete it carefully, whether installing a concrete patio as part of a remodel or breaking ground as part of a new home improvement project. Read our guide below to learn about the costs associated with concrete patios, the different types you can choose from, and which type will work best on your property.
Concrete Patio Cost Breakdown
A concrete patio can cost between $1,793 and $4,937. The project’s final price depends on many factors, such as the patio’s size and shape and the installation materials. Though more labor-intensive, you can save some money by handling the project yourself.
Cost data in this article was sourced from Angi and HomeAdvisor.
Patio Size
Your patio size has a significant bearing on the project’s final cost. A concrete patio can cost between $4 and $30 per square foot.
If your patio is 10-by-10, the project can cost between $400 and $3,000. If your patio is 15-by-15, you might spend between $1,350 and $1,600.
Patio Type
Your chosen patio type will influence installation costs. Read about the different types of patios below.
A concrete slab is a flat, horizontal surface made of poured concrete. To create a slab, you must pour concrete mixture into a prepared area and allow it to cure. The process isn’t complicated, and the cost of concrete slab patios is consequently lower than other concrete patio types.
Pouring a concrete slab costs between $2 and $15 per square foot. If your patio is 10-by-10, you will pay between $200 and $1,500, and the slab’s thickness may influence the project’s final price.
Installing a concrete slab is highly labor intensive. However, these types of patios require only minimal maintenance, such as cleaning and occasional damage repair.
A concrete pavers patio is made up of individual concrete blocks called pavers. You can arrange these blocks on beds of sand or gravel in any pattern you choose. Pavers come in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
Concrete pavers usually cost more than concrete slabs because creating pavers requires additional labor.
Paver installation cost ranges from $8–$25 per square foot. A 10-by-10 concrete paver patio can cost between $800 and $2,500.
Pavers are more aesthetically appealing than slabs, but are also prone to weed growth between joints requiring more maintenance. If a paver incurs damage, you can replace it individually instead of replacing the whole patio.
Concrete staining involves applying stain or dye to the surface of your concrete patio to create a permanent pattern. Stains can achieve a variety of impressive visual effects, such as uniform colors or mottled appearances mimicking natural stone.
The staining process makes concrete patio installation more expensive. You pour the concrete before painting it and the process frequently involves several layers. The average cost of a stained concrete patio is between $5 and $10 per square foot.
Stained concrete requires regular resealing to prevent stains from fading. Maintenance is otherwise simple.
Stamping is one of the most expensive concrete decoration options and demands extra labor and materials. A stamped concrete patio can cost between $5 and $15 per square foot.
Creating a stamped concrete patio involves pressing rubber or polyurethane molds onto the surface of freshly poured concrete. This imprints patterns that resemble natural materials such as stone, tile, or brick. You can also add colors to enhance the prints’ natural appearance.
Maintenance of stamped concrete patios involves regular sealing to protect the color and texture of the surface.
Labor Costs
Labor costs associated with your concrete backyard patio installation depend on your location and the experience of any contractors you might hire. You can expect to pay concrete contractors between $50 and $75 per hour.
Labor costs make up about 4% of the total concrete patio installation price. Homeowners usually pay more if the patio site is hard to access or features slopes.
Additional Features
The total cost of your concrete patio project can change depending on the features you want to add during and after installation. Research the following types of add-ons:
- Patio doors for easy access
- Patio furniture for outdoor seating areas
- Patio heaters and fire pits for cool summer nights
- Pergola, gazebo, or patio umbrella for protection from the weather
Concrete’s life span depends on its exposure to the weather elements, so you should consider installing a roof over your patio. The average cost of this project is around $6,500.
Comparison to Other Outdoor Patio Materials
| Type of Patio | Costs | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick | $4–$8 per square foot | • Classic appearance • Durable and long-lasting • Low maintenance | • Higher costs • Limited color options • Requires professional installation for best results |
| Flagstone | $15–$30 per square foot. | • Available in many patterns • Natural and rustic appearance • Variety of shapes, sizes, and colors | • Higher initial cost • Irregular shapes make installation challenging • May require occasional releveling due to settling |
| Tile | $3–$35 per square foot | • Easy to clean • Durable • Wide range of colors, patterns, and textures | • Can be slippery when wet • Doesn’t withstand harsh climates • Grout lines require regular maintenance |
| Cut stone | $15–$50 per square foot | • Elegant and luxurious appearance • Extremely durable • Resistant to fading and weathering | • Heavy and may require professional installation • High initial cost • Limited availability of shapes and sizes |
| Gravel | $1–$4 per square foot | • Allows for drainage and flexibility • Cost-effective • Easy installation and replacement | • Not suitable for high-traffic areas • Limited design options • Requires periodic maintenance to prevent shifting and weeds |
Concrete Patio Maintenance
Concrete is durable and versatile but demands regular maintenance. You may need to perform different maintenance tasks together, such as the following:
Cleaning
Cleaning your concrete patio is straightforward. It involves the following:
- Sweeping away any debris, such as leaves, dirt, or branches
- Using a mild detergent mixed with water to scrub the surface
- Using a pressure washer on the lower setting to get rid of tougher stains
- Rinsing the patio with clean water
How often you clean your patio depends on the weather and how much you use it.
Sealing
You must seal your patio to protect the concrete from moisture, stains, and weather damage. If you have a stained or stamped patio, you must seal it to prevent colors and patterns from fading.
The process involves applying concrete sealer with a roller or a sprayer. Be sure to work the sealer into small sections to avoid uneven coverage. Allow the sealer to dry completely before using the patio. You may need to reseal the patio every one to three years.
Repairs
Concrete patios may develop cracks over time, even with regular maintenance. To repair minor damage, clean the area thoroughly, fill cracks with a concrete patching compound, and smooth the area with a trowel.
Regularly inspect your patio for signs of damage. Diligent maintenance can increase the life span of your concrete patio. The more time you invest in proper maintenance, the less money you’ll need to spend on repairs and replacements.
DIY vs. Professional Concrete Patio Installation
Concrete patio installation can be a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, but many homeowners prefer outsourcing it to professionals. Understanding the difference between these processes can help you make the right choice.
DIY Concrete Patio
A DIY installation can be an excellent option for homeowners who want to save money on labor. However, the process requires special tools, assistance, and experience.
DIY installation does not include warranties on your work. If something goes wrong, you have to cover the replacement costs out of your own pocket.
Professional Installation
Outsourcing a new patio installation to concrete builders can be a smart choice for homeowners who want to save time and ensure project quality.
Our Conclusion
You must consider a concrete patio’s cost, the different types, and their installation and maintenance requirements if you’re planning on a DIY install. Concrete patios are durable, convenient, and long-lasting—but only if properly maintained.
Consider installing a concrete patio yourself if you’re confident in your DIY abilities. Otherwise, outsource the project to the professionals.
FAQ About Concrete Patios
How much does a 20×20 concrete patio cost?
A 20-by-20 concrete patio costs between $1,600 and $12,000. The final price depends on size, type, and labor costs.
Is it cheaper to do a concrete patio?
It can be cheaper to do a concrete patio than a flagstone or cut-stone patio. A concrete patio is more expensive than patios made from loose materials such as gravel and rubber mulch, though.
Are concrete patios a good idea?
Concrete patios are a good idea if you are looking for a reasonably priced and aesthetically appealing addition to your outdoor living space.
Is poured concrete cheaper than pavers?
Yes, poured concrete is cheaper than pavers in most cases because the installation process is less labor-intensive.
How long does a concrete patio last?
A concrete patio can last up to 100 years with the right care and maintenance.
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