The main factor in determining the total project cost for a concrete patio is the size, and the average cost ranges from under $2,500 to over $15,000. Other factors that can affect the cost of a patio include the type of concrete, the design of the patio, the finish on the concrete and the accessibility of the area where you want to build the patio.
A new patio will offer you a place to kick back and relax with your friends and family during warmer weather. A patio also expands the living area of your home by allowing you to utilize more outdoor space. Some handy homeowners may consider doing a DIY concrete patio, but pouring concrete can be a messy job and has drawbacks; concrete should never touch the siding on your home, and an improperly poured concrete slab can crack, flake or shift. For these reasons, it may be wise to a contractor to create that patio so you can focus on cleaning off the deck, sending out the party invitations, perfecting your marinade recipe and firing up the grill.
What affects the cost of a concrete patio?
Factors that affect the cost of a concrete patio include: the total square footage of the patio, the design and shape of the patio, whether you are using poured concrete or concrete pavers, whether you want a stamped design on the concrete, what kind of finish you want and ease of access to the area where you plan to install the patio. The project also can increase in cost significantly if the patio will be structurally connected to any buildings, if you plan to build a vertical structure such as a patio covering, or deck and if the project will require work. out an concrete patio slab also will increase your total cost.
Some patio contractors will give you a quote for a total price that includes labor costs at an hourly rate plus the cost of materials. For example, Arturo Ochoa, owner of A&C Concrete in Fremont, Nebraska, charges $34 an hour for labor and $130 per cubic yard for concrete and 50 cents a square foot for rebar, the reinforcing bars that support the poured concrete slab. Depending on the contractor and possibly the size of your patio, your quote may get expressed in a cost-by-square-foot format. Because each job is different, the contractor may need to visit your home in order to provide a free estimate.
Concrete Patio Cost by Square Footage
Here is the national average concrete patio cost based on the size of the patio:
| Size of Concrete Patio | National Average Cost |
| Up to 500 sq. ft | $2,417 |
| 500-1,000 sq. ft | $5,318 |
| 1,000-1,500 sq. ft | $5,747 |
| 1,500-2,000 sq. ft. | $6,487 |
| 2,000-2,500 sq. ft. | $10,022 |
| 2,500-3,000 sq. ft. | $12,240 |
| 3,000-3,500 sq. ft. | $15,046 |
Tearing out an old patio slab will add to the cost. For example, A&C Concrete charges $1.25 per square foot to tear out an old patio that can be easily accessed with equipment, Ochoa says. Project costs will be higher if the site is not easily accessible, in which case it would take two to three workers several hours to tear out the patio by hand, Ochoa says.
How much does a stamped concrete patio cost?
Getting a stamped concrete patio can double your cost, Ochoa says. For example, depending on the job, installation for a plain concrete patio cost might start at $7 per square foot and a stamped concrete patio cost might start at $14 per square foot. Stamped concrete requires the crew to create a detailed design in the concrete and then come back the following day to apply staining and sealer to the patio, he says. However, stamped concrete can mimic the look and color of brick or brick pavers, stone, tile or even wood at a lower cost than you'd pay for those other materials.
How do I hire a concrete patio contractor?
You can hire a concrete contractor to install a concrete patio by browsing Thumbtack, entering the details of your project and requesting a quote for a local cost in your zip code. The contractor may need to visit your home to gauge the accessibility of the site or difficulty of installation to calculate an accurate quote. typically offer free estimates or quotes.
Is it cheaper to lay concrete or pavers?
It generally costs slightly less per square foot to use poured concrete than to install a concrete paver patio. Poured concrete costs on average $9 to $20 per square foot, depending on the accessibility of the site, while patio pavers cost on average $15 to $30 per square foot. However, concrete pavers offer several advantages that may make them worth the added cost. For example, interlocking patio pavers are stronger than poured concrete, won't crack and have a life expectancy of at least 50 years.
Do you need a permit to build a concrete patio?
A permit generally is not required to pour a concrete slab for a patio. However, a building permit may be required if your patio project involves electrical or plumbing work or if you plan to install a pergola, patio covering, or wood deck. It's always a good idea to check with the building and codes department of your city, county or town to verify permit requirements in your zip code.
What are my choices for concrete patio finishes?
A variety of finish options can enhance your concrete patio. These finishes options include color and texture. For example, the patio can be stained a variety of colors, and texture can be stamped or hand-applied with a broom and other tools to add interest and make the patio less slippery. Stamped concrete can mimic the look of a brick patio or cobblestone driveway and is easy to maintain, although it takes a highly-trained installer to achieve the correct look and desired design. Stamped concrete cost is also typically more expensive.
Alternatively, bricks or brick pavers can be added surrounding the concrete, enhancing the look and feel of the patio you can even create a pathway to connect your patio to your deck or concrete driveway seamlessly using concrete pavers or brick pavers!
How can I get concrete patio design ideas?
You can start by exploring sites such as Pinterest for
concrete patio ideas. Once you have a general idea of what you want, your pro can help you sketch out the design and make your concrete patio a reality.