How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost in 2026?
A basic broom-finish slab runs $6–$12/sqft installed. Stamped concrete is $12–$25. Here's the full breakdown by size.
A basic broom-finish concrete slab runs $6–$12 per square foot installed in 2026. Stamped or colored concrete bumps that to $12–$25 per square foot.
For a typical 12×16 patio (192 sqft):
- Basic slab: $1,150–$2,300
- Stamped concrete: $2,300–$4,800
That's the honest answer. Now let's look at what drives those numbers.
Cost by Patio Size
| Patio Size | Sq Ft | Basic (Broom) | Stamped | |-----------|-------|---------------|---------| | 10×10 | 100 | $600–$1,200 | $1,200–$2,500 | | 12×12 | 144 | $865–$1,730 | $1,730–$3,600 | | 12×16 | 192 | $1,150–$2,300 | $2,300–$4,800 | | 16×20 | 320 | $1,920–$3,840 | $3,840–$8,000 | | 20×20 | 400 | $2,400–$4,800 | $4,800–$10,000 |
These are installed prices including labor, concrete, and basic finishing. They don't include permits, demo of existing material, or significant site prep.
What You're Actually Paying For
The bill breaks down roughly like this:
Concrete: Ready-mix runs $125–$175 per cubic yard. A 12×16 patio at 4 inches thick needs about 2.4 yards — roughly $300–$420 in concrete alone.
Labor: $3–$8 per square foot depending on the job complexity and your market. For a basic pour, maybe $3–$5/sqft. For stamped work, count on $6–$12/sqft for the labor portion alone — it's skilled work.
Gravel base: $0.50–$1.00 per square foot. A 4-inch compacted gravel base is standard in most climates for drainage.
Forms and finishing: Already included in most contractor quotes, but if you're DIYing, budget for lumber for forms and finishing tools (bull float, hand float, edger, broom).
DIY: Proceed With Caution
You can pour a small concrete slab yourself. The math isn't hard. The mixing is manageable with a rented mixer. But finishing concrete is a skill, and bad finishing is permanent.
If you don't hit the surface with the right tools at the right time — the whole window is maybe 30–60 minutes after the pour — you get a surface that looks rough forever, or cracks earlier than it should. YouTube tutorials are helpful, but concrete doesn't forgive learning-on-the-job the way framing does. If it's under 150 square feet, DIY is reasonable. Above that, seriously consider hiring someone to at least finish it while you help with the pour.
Stamped Concrete vs. Pavers: The Real Trade-off
Stamped concrete can look almost identical to travertine, slate, or brick pavers — at 30–50% less cost. That's legitimately appealing.
The catch: concrete cracks. Not if, when. Properly installed concrete with control joints is designed to crack in the joints instead of randomly, but over time, especially with freeze-thaw cycles, you'll see some surface cracking. With real pavers, you can pop out the damaged ones and replace them. With stamped concrete, patching the color and pattern is nearly impossible to do invisibly.
If low-maintenance and maximum longevity are priorities, pavers win. If you want the look at a lower upfront cost and you're OK with the crack trade-off, stamped concrete is a solid choice.
Permits
Most ground-level patios don't need a permit — they're not structural. But you might need one if:
- The patio is attached to the house (can affect foundation load)
- It's near a property line (setback issues)
- You're in a jurisdiction with strict impervious surface limits
- Your HOA requires approval for exterior changes
Call your local building department. It's a 5-minute call. Pulling a permit late costs more than pulling it early.
Use our concrete cost calculator to estimate total project cost and get an exact concrete yardage figure for your patio dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a concrete patio cost?
- A basic broom-finish concrete patio costs $6–$12 per square foot installed, or $1,200–$3,600 for a 300 sq ft patio. Decorative options like stamped concrete run $12–$22 per sq ft. Colored or exposed aggregate concrete falls in between at $8–$18 per sq ft.
- Is concrete or pavers cheaper for a patio?
- Concrete is cheaper upfront — typically $6–$12 per sq ft vs. $15–$25 for pavers. However, pavers are easier to repair (replace individual units vs. patching or resurfacing concrete), and many homeowners prefer the look. For a tight budget, concrete wins; for long-term value and repairability, pavers are hard to beat.
- How thick should a concrete patio be?
- Four inches is the standard for a residential patio. If you're parking vehicles on it, go 5–6 inches with rebar. Thinner than 4 inches is prone to cracking, especially in freeze-thaw climates. Using fiber-reinforced concrete or wire mesh adds crack resistance without increasing thickness.
- Can I pour a concrete patio myself?
- Yes, if you're comfortable with physical work and the patio is under about 200 sq ft. Larger pours become difficult to manage before the concrete sets. You'll need forms, a rented concrete mixer or wheelbarrow, and a float and trowel for finishing. Many DIYers pour in sections to make it manageable.
- Do I need a permit for a concrete patio?
- Most municipalities don't require a permit for patios under a certain size (often 200 sq ft) that aren't attached to the house. Attached patios and larger pours often do require permits. Check with your local building department — skipping a required permit can create issues when selling your home.