The cost of installing a concrete patio is about $6 per square foot.
Concrete labor costs between $4 and $8 per square foot. That makes concrete patios one of the more affordable and durable options for adding outdoor living space. A concrete slab might feel basic, but you can easily give it a glow-up with some color, contours, or built-in amenities like a kitchen or fire pit, so your friends will never leave. Expect to pay about $4 per square foot for materials or about $5,400 for a 30-by-30-foot slab.
How Much Does It Cost to Pour a Concrete Patio?
For most patios, you’ll want the concrete 6 inches deep. Expect to pay about $4 per square foot of surface area or between $3,600 and $7,200 for a 30-by-30-foot patio. Enhancements like a concrete edge that doubles as seating or a hand-crafted design can make it all your own, but will add to the cost.
How Much Does a New Concrete Slab Cost Near Me?
Here are the average costs to install a concrete slab in 10 U.S. cities.
Minneapolis, MN: $3,400
Portland, ME: $7,300
Boise, ID: $2,400
Albuquerque, NM: $3,050
Oklahoma City, OK: $2,320
Charleston, SC: $2,730
San Diego, CA: $4,420
Philadelphia, PA: $2,649
Kansas City, MO: $2,890
Austin, TX: $2,400
Concrete Slab Cost Breakdown
Expect to pay about $6 per square foot of poured concrete. The most affordable way to set your patio apart from the neighbors’ or work around features of your yard is with attractive curves. Concrete is easily formed into any shape you like, so don’t hold back!
How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost by Style?
Your patio can be further personalized to seamlessly blend with your indoor living space. Ask your contractor about stenciling, engraving, or adding multiple colors.
Standard Slab of Concrete: $4-$8 per square foot
Textured, Stenciled, or Bordered Enhancements: $8-$12 per square foot
Engraved Concrete, Multiple Colors, or Hand-Finished Techniques: $12+ per square foot
How Much Do Concrete Patio Enhancements Cost Per Square Foot?
Concrete can even be stamped to look like stone, wood, or brick. You can buy a template for about $15 or hire a pro who can use different colors and patterns for an intricate design. Expect to spend $12 to $18 per square foot for a professional job.
If your existing concrete patio is in good shape but just needs a makeover, you can resurface your concrete slab and add a design for $6 to $9 per square foot.
How Big of a Concrete Patio Can I Get on My Budget?
Your price will vary by how thick you pour the concrete. For your standard BBQ and hangout space, don’t go less than 4 inches. If you plan to put a pool, hot tub, or structure on it, go for a minimum of 6 inches, but 8 inches is even safer. Generally speaking, you can get a basic concrete slab for the following prices:
12'x12' Patio: $1,000
20'x20' Patio: $2,400
40'x40' Patio: $10,000
40'x80' Patio: $20,000
What Factors Influence the Cost of a Concrete Patio per Square Foot?
Expect to pay about $6 per square foot of poured concrete. Your project will cost more if you need to level your yard or choose to dress up your patio with a built-in fire pit or a wall that doubles as seating for impromptu backyard gatherings.
A concrete slab 2 inches thick will cost about $5 per square foot. A concrete slab 8 inches thick will cost $7 per square foot.
How Much Does it Cost Per Square Foot to Pour Concrete Yourself?
If you feel so inclined, installing a concrete patio yourself is possible. You might not want to make it your first-ever concrete project though. Plan to spend at least 2 days on the project. Remember that once you start pouring the concrete, you need to finish pouring the concrete. Once it starts drying, it’s hard to add on. Watch the weather as well, and make sure you’re working during a window of time when there’s no rain in the forecast.
Costs to factor in:
A 50-pound bag of concrete is about $6. For a 10'x10' concrete slab 6 inches deep, you’ll need 134 bags for about $800.
You can mix concrete by hand, but no one wants to hand mix 134-bags, so add $75 to your budget to rent a cement mixer for the day.
If the area isn’t level, you might need to rent an excavator for about $200 unless you’re in good physical shape and want to do it by hand.
Alternatively, you might be able to save some money by clearing prepping the space yourself then hiring a pro to pour the concrete. Find a concrete company near you.
FAQs about laying a concrete patio
How long before I can use my new patio?
The thicker the concrete, the longer it will take to dry. Wait about two days before walking on it, but definitely don’t park a car or put heavy items on it for about 28 days to avoid leaving a mark.
How do I maintain a concrete patio?
A major reason to choose concrete is the lack of upkeep required. Concrete patios are less labor intensive to install than pavers and bricks, plus you won’t have to get down on your knees to pull weeds that grew in the middle. Concrete can weather freezing winters and humid summers. Concrete patios don’t warp or require re-painting. Just give it a power wash when it looks grimey.
How long does a concrete patio last?
Don’t worry, you’ll be enjoying your patio for decades. Done right, a concrete patio can last 30 to 100 years.
“It all depends on the climate you live in,” says Tara Dudley, Expert Review Board Member and landscape designer. “Areas with harsher winters and freezing and thawing temperatures can be hard on concrete patios, especially if they are not installed correctly in the first place.”
Do I need to seal my concrete patio?
Patios do take a beating from the sun, feet, and barbecues. It’s not a bad idea to seal concrete slabs to protect against fading or staining. This is especially important if you have any color enhancements on your patio. Materials and equipment for sealing your patio cost about $2 to $5 per square foot. Hiring a pro for the job will cost up to $7 per square foot. Wait a month after your patio is poured to seal it.
What should I consider when installing a concrete patio?
The most important consideration is how you plan to use the space. If you are going to entertain, you might want to build an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or low wall that could double as seating. A pergola or awning could add some shade for warm summer days.
