Patio installation cost breakdown
Concrete Patio Installation Cost Calculator
Answer first: concrete patio installation costs $6–$12 per sq ft in 2026. A 12x12 patio (144 sq ft) runs $864–$1,728. A 20x20 patio (400 sq ft) runs $2,400–$4,800 for plain concrete, up to $8,000+ for stamped.
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How much does it cost to install a concrete patio?
Plain concrete patio installation costs $6–$12 per sq ft in 2026. A 12x12 patio (144 sq ft) runs $864–$1,728. A 20x20 patio (400 sq ft) runs $2,400–$4,800. Stamped concrete adds $3–$10/sq ft. Exposed aggregate adds $2–$5/sq ft. Total costs include excavation, base, concrete, labor, and standard finish.
What does concrete patio installation include?
A full installation includes: site excavation and grading (4–8 in), 4-in compacted gravel base, vapor barrier (if needed), concrete (yd³, 4-in thickness with 10% waste), reinforcement (wire mesh or #4 rebar at 18 in), placement and finishing (broom, trowel, or decorative), control joints every 8–12 ft, curing compound, and site cleanup. Drainage, permits, and decorative finishes are typically quoted separately.
How long does concrete patio installation take?
Excavation and base prep: 1 day. Concrete pour and finish: 1 day (must be done in a single continuous pour for most patios). Curing: 7 days before furniture, 28 days before full strength. Total project timeline from start to usable patio: about 1.5–2 weeks including cure time.
Can I install a concrete patio myself?
Small patios under 100 sq ft are DIY-achievable with rented tools and bagged concrete. For 100+ sq ft, the challenges are significant: you must pour continuously (concrete starts setting in 2 hours), coordinate delivery timing, and finish quickly before the concrete stiffens. Most homeowners find it more cost-effective to hire a contractor for patios over 200 sq ft or any decorative finish.
How thick should a concrete patio be?
Residential patios use 4 inches of concrete over a 4-in compacted gravel base. For hot tubs (up to 3,000 lb when filled), use 5–6 inches with #4 rebar. For outdoor kitchens or heavy planters, use 5 inches minimum. Areas with freeze-thaw cycles or poor drainage may need thicker slabs or better drainage to prevent cracking.