It typically costs about $1,500 to install a concrete patio, although prices vary considerably depending on square footage. Concrete patio installation usually costs about $5 to $10 per square foot, but can cost $15 or more per square foot for high-end projects. That means that a 200-square-foot patio typically costs about $1,000 to $2,000 to install, with more detailed projects costing upward of $6,000. The total cost of your patio project will depend on the materials you choose, square footage and any special color treatments or designs you add.

• How much does it cost to pour a concrete patio?
• How much do concrete patio materials cost?
• What are the labor costs for installing a concrete patio?
• What is the process for installing a concrete patio?
• What is the cost of a paver patio vs. a concrete patio?

Concrete patios are durable, low-maintenance and versatile options for your home’s exterior space. They range in style from simple concrete slab to stamped concrete designed to mimic other materials, like pavers. While concrete can be prone to cracking, in general it holds up well against cold weather, rain and snow. It’s also one of the most affordable patio materials available, compared with pavers, stone or wood. Pouring concrete isn’t a home improvement project most people can tackle themselves, so it’s a good idea to contact a professional patio company in your area. A professional will be able to help you acquire any necessary permits for the project and ensure that your new patio is made to last.

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The cost of a concrete patio is heavily influenced by the type of materials you use. Poured and stamped concrete are typically more affordable than interlocking concrete pavers, costing around $2 to $3 per square foot. Basic poured concrete without any patio designs or stains is the least expensive option, with prices going up for decorative concrete. Stamped concrete is still poured but has a design stamped into it before it sets. You can choose to make the concrete look like natural stone or opt for a more decorative design. Of course, a stamped concrete patio requires extra labor and skill to install, so it will cost more than basic poured concrete.

You can also choose to have your concrete stained so that it’s not just a basic gray. Stains typically will add another $1 to $4 per square foot to your total project cost. Your patio contractor can either mix coloring into the concrete mixture before pouring it or add a layer of coloring on top of the poured concrete. The latter method does require more labor and is more expensive, so it’s always a good idea to discuss rates with your contractor beforehand.

For labor costs alone, homeowners typically pay about $4 to $8 per square foot, although some concrete contractors charge by the hour. That means for a 200-square-foot patio, labor costs would be about $800 to $1,600. Keep in mind that labor rates will vary depending on the local cost of living, and for larger patios, the price can be much higher.

Accessibility will also affect the cost to install concrete. If you live in an urban area with little room to get into your backyard, prices will rise. The easiest way to deliver cement is on a cement truck, but if your side yard isn’t wide enough for one, workers may have to bring the cement in using wheelbarrows, which is very labor-intensive and time-consuming. On the other hand, if you live in a rural area far from the cement company, you’ll have to account for the extra cost of transporting the cement to your home.

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Pouring concrete is an intensive process, which is why it’s wise to hire local contractors. Still, it’s useful to know how the process works so you can prepare ahead of time. Before pouring the concrete, your contractors will need to dig several inches into the ground and then set up a wooden frame to hold the concrete while it dries. If the ground is uneven, it may also need to be graded and leveled. This process will also help prevent cracks down the road. Finally, if you already have a concrete patio, plan to pay extra for removal fees.

You’ll need to decide on a layout for your new patio ahead of time, which will determine the amount of materials you’ll need. While you can go for a basic rectangular shape, keep in mind that concrete patios can be made in circles or any number of irregular shapes to suit your needs. You can even have multiple levels of concrete patio space, with stairways or paths throughout your yard leading to them. For more detailed layouts, you may want to hire a patio or landscape designer to bounce design ideas off of and help you draft plans. While extra detailing and a special layout will cost more, you may have greater satisfaction with your outdoor space in the long run.

Preparing your land, pouring the concrete and adding any final touches can take a few days, although it’s wise to discuss a timeline with your contractor ahead of time. You’ll likely also need to factor in labor costs for multiple workers. Once your concrete is poured, it will take about a week or more to fully cure — so that means no patio parties in the meantime!

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As stated above, poured-concrete patios are typically more affordable than paver patios. In part, the higher price is due to the extra labor required to individually lay each paver that will make up the patio. With labor and materials, paver patios typically cost about $2,000, while concrete patios typically cost about $1,500. Concrete and brick pavers are both more affordable than stone pavers; if you opt for natural stone pavers, the cost could be considerably more. Pavers also come in a variety of finishes, which come with different price tags.

One of the biggest benefits of paver patios is that they’re less prone to cracking than concrete slab patios as they settle into the ground. Still, concrete patios are often less costly to install, and with the number of stamped designs and stains available, they can look just as good as their paver counterparts.

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