Concrete cost guide
Concrete Patio Cost
A concrete patio costs about $6 to $12 per square foot for a plain broom finish and $12 to $25+ per square foot for stamped or stained decorative work. A common 12 by 16 foot patio (192 sq ft) runs roughly $1,150 to $2,300 plain, or $2,300 to $4,800 with a decorative finish.
The finish you choose is the single biggest lever on patio cost. This guide compares plain, stained, and stamped patios, explains what drives each price, and shows when concrete beats pavers. Use the slab calculator to size the pour for your exact patio dimensions.
Need project-specific numbers? Use the Concrete Patio Cost Calculator.
Last updated June 10, 2026
Typical Cost Ranges
| Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain patio | $6-$12/sq ft | Simple forming and broom finish |
| Stained patio | $9-$18/sq ft | Color and sealer |
| Stamped patio | $12-$25+/sq ft | Pattern and decorative labor |
What Drives the Cost
- Finish type: Plain broom is the baseline; acid stain, integral color, exposed aggregate, and stamping each add material and skilled labor.
- Size and shape: Curved or multi-level patios cost more to form than a simple rectangle, and small patios carry a higher per-foot rate from crew minimums.
- Site access: Backyard patios with no truck access may need wheelbarrowing or a pump, raising labor cost.
- Base and reinforcement: A compacted base plus wire mesh or fiber resists settling and cracking under furniture, planters, and freeze-thaw cycles.
- Sealing: Stamped and stained patios need periodic resealing, an ongoing cost that plain broom finishes mostly avoid.
How To Estimate It
- Patio area = length x width
- Cubic yards = area x thickness in feet / 27
Concrete patio vs pavers
Poured concrete is usually cheaper to install than pavers and gives a seamless surface with no weed-prone joints. Pavers cost more up front but flex with ground movement, are easy to lift and repair individually, and never show a single large crack.
Decorative stamped concrete can overlap with paver pricing once you add pattern, color, and sealing. If budget is the priority, plain concrete wins; if repairability and a premium look matter most, pavers are worth comparing.
Do patios need reinforcement and joints?
Most patios use wire mesh or fiber reinforcement and control joints cut every 8 to 12 feet to steer inevitable shrinkage cracking into hidden lines. Skipping joints is the most common reason a patio develops random cracks within the first year.
FAQs
Is a concrete patio cheaper than pavers?
Plain concrete is usually cheaper than pavers. Decorative stamped concrete can overlap with paver pricing depending on pattern and prep.
Do patios need reinforcement?
Many patios use wire mesh, fiber, or rebar depending on soil and load. Ask the contractor what reinforcement is included.
How thick should a concrete patio be?
Four inches is standard for a residential patio. Thicker is only needed if heavy structures, hot tubs, or vehicle loads will sit on it.
How much does a 12x16 concrete patio cost?
About $1,150 to $2,300 for a plain broom finish, rising to roughly $2,300 to $4,800 for stained or stamped decorative work.
Does a stamped patio need maintenance?
Yes. Stamped and stained patios should be resealed every 2 to 3 years to protect the color and surface, which plain broom finishes do not strictly require.