Creating A Concrete Patio: What's The Cost?

Creating a concrete patio can be a great way to enhance your outdoor living space. The cost of installing a concrete patio varies depending on several factors, including size, design, labour, and materials. On average, concrete patio installation costs between $4 and $30 per square foot, with most homeowners spending around $3,439 for a 300-square-foot patio. The price can range from $1,920 to $6,000 for a basic concrete slab and go up to $9,600 for a large, custom-designed patio. Factors such as site accessibility, land preparation, and the complexity of the design can also impact the overall cost.

Concrete Patio Cost Per Square Foot

The cost of a concrete patio varies depending on the size, finish, and complexity of the design. On average, concrete patio costs range from $4 to $30 per square foot, with the national average being around $4 to $7 for a plain concrete patio.

Factors Affecting Concrete Patio Cost

Size and Shape

The size of the patio is the most important factor in determining the cost. Larger patios will require more materials and labour, resulting in higher costs. Basic shapes such as squares and rectangles are generally the most affordable, while curved shapes and custom designs will increase the price due to the need for more complex forming and pouring techniques.

Finish and Design

The type of finish and design chosen will also impact the cost. A plain concrete slab is typically the most budget-friendly option, while adding textures, colours, or custom designs will increase the cost per square foot. Staining, stamping, and other decorative finishes can range from $1 to $15 or more per square foot, depending on the complexity and number of colours or patterns used.

Labour and Site Preparation

Labour costs can vary depending on the contractor's experience and location, typically ranging from $50 to $75 per hour or $5 to $15 per square foot. Site preparation, such as levelling or regrading the land, removing old concrete, and accessibility to the site can also impact the overall cost of the project.

Thickness and Reinforcements

The thickness of the concrete slab and the use of reinforcements such as rebar or wire mesh will also affect the cost. Thicker slabs and the use of reinforcements will increase the durability and strength of the patio but will also increase the material and labour costs.

Examples of Concrete Patio Costs

To give a better idea of the cost, here are a few examples:

• A plain concrete patio measuring 8 feet by 16 feet in a suburban area is estimated to cost around $1,480.
• A stamped concrete patio with curved edges in an urban area measuring 12 feet by 12 feet is estimated to cost upwards of $4,320.
• An exposed aggregate concrete patio in a rural area measuring 16 feet by 24 feet is estimated to cost around $5,400.

Concrete Patio Cost Factors

The cost of a concrete patio varies depending on several factors, including size, shape, finish, and labour. Here are the key factors that influence the price:

• Size: The larger the patio, the higher the cost. Prices per square foot tend to decrease for larger patios. For example, a basic 200-square-foot concrete patio typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000, while a more intricate design of the same size can cost up to $9,000.
• Thickness: Thicker concrete slabs require more material and labour, increasing the overall cost. Standard patios are usually 4 inches thick, but if you plan to place heavy items like a hot tub, a thickness of 6 inches is recommended.
• Shape: Rectangular and square patios are the most cost-effective, as custom shapes require more labour and materials for installation. Curves, multiple levels, and unique angles can significantly increase the price.
• Reinforcements: Adding reinforcements like rebar or wire mesh increases the durability of the patio but also raises the cost. Reinforcements are crucial if you plan to place heavy items on the patio.
• Finish: The type of finish greatly impacts the price. A basic concrete slab with a smooth or brushed finish is the most affordable option, costing around $4 to $7 per square foot. In contrast, decorative finishes like stamping, stencilling, and staining can cost up to $30 per square foot.
• Concrete Grade: Higher-quality concrete mixtures, such as architectural-grade blends, are more expensive than standard ready-mix types.
• Location and Accessibility: The location and accessibility of the patio area can affect labour costs. If the site is difficult to access or has poor soil conditions, expect to pay more. Urban areas also tend to have higher labour rates due to higher demand.
• Site Preparation: Land preparation, such as grading and levelling, is an additional cost that can vary depending on the condition of the land. If the patio site is on hilly terrain, you may need to budget for levelling or regrading, which can cost around $1,000 to $3,200.
• Concrete Removal: If you have an existing patio that needs to be removed, this will incur an extra cost. Concrete removal typically ranges from $550 to $1,700, depending on the size of the slab and the disposal costs.
• Permits: Depending on your location, you may need to obtain building permits, which can cost anywhere from $50 to $400.

Concrete Patio Cost Breakdown

The cost of a concrete patio varies depending on several factors, including size, design, and location. Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with installing a concrete patio:

Material Costs

Concrete prices range from $120 to $170 per yard for delivery and pouring. Gravel, which is essential for a stable base, costs $15 to $75 per cubic yard. Sand, another important material for levelling, ranges from $15 to $50 per cubic yard.

Labour Costs

Labour costs for installing a concrete patio typically range from $50 to $100 per hour, depending on the contractor's experience and location. This usually translates to around $5 to $15 per square foot. For a basic installation without any complex designs or finishes, labour can be as low as $2 to $4 per square foot.

Patio Size

The size of the patio is a significant factor in determining the overall cost. Larger patios will require more materials and labour, increasing the price. For example, a 20'x20' concrete patio can cost between $2,000 and $6,000, while a smaller 10'x20' patio may cost between $1,000 and $3,000.

Patio Thickness

The thickness of the concrete patio also affects the cost. Most patios are around 4 inches thick, but for heavier loads or specific requirements, a 6-inch thickness may be needed, increasing the amount of material and labour required.

Design Complexity

The complexity of the design can significantly impact the cost. A simple concrete slab will be more affordable, while custom shapes, curves, and multi-level designs will increase the labour and material costs. Unique designs may also require custom forms and additional reinforcements.

Finish Type

The chosen finish for the concrete patio can add to the cost. Basic finishes, such as a smooth or brushed finish, are usually included in the standard price. However, more elaborate finishes like stamping, stencilling, or polishing can add $1 to $30 per square foot to the total cost.

Site Preparation

If the site requires significant preparation, such as levelling or regrading, this will add to the overall cost. Levelling a yard typically costs around $1,000 to $3,200, and regrading can be $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot. Poor soil conditions or difficult access to the site may also increase labour rates.

Concrete Removal

In cases where an existing patio or concrete needs to be removed, there will be additional costs involved. Concrete removal typically ranges from $550 to $1,700, depending on the size and disposal requirements.

Permits

Depending on the location and local regulations, permits may be necessary, adding $50 to $400 to the total cost. It is essential to check with local authorities to understand the specific requirements and include these costs in the project budget.

Concrete Patio Cost Calculator

The cost of a concrete patio varies depending on several factors, including size, shape, finish, labour, and location.

Basic Costs

On average, concrete patio installation costs $4 to $15 per square foot. For a basic concrete slab, you can expect to pay $4 to $7 per square foot, with labour costs adding an extra $2 to $4 per square foot. This type of patio typically has a smooth or brushed finish.

Additional Costs

The cost of a concrete patio can increase depending on the type of finish you choose. For example, a stamped concrete finish can cost $8 to $30 per square foot, while a stained concrete patio can cost $8 to $25 per square foot. If you want to add a unique design or colour to your patio, the price can go up to $15 to $30 per square foot.

Other Factors

The location of your patio can also impact the cost. If the site is difficult to access or has poor soil conditions, you may need to pay more for labour and additional preparations.

Total Cost

Taking all these factors into account, the total cost of a concrete patio can range from $1,500 to $8,000 or more, depending on the size and complexity of the project.

Cost-Saving Tips

To save money on your concrete patio installation, consider choosing a level location that is easy to access and does not require extensive site preparation. You can also opt for more affordable concrete options, such as Portland cement, and mix the concrete yourself. Additionally, you may want to consider tackling the project in stages to take advantage of lower labour rates during the off-season.

Concrete Patio Costs Per Square Foot

The cost of a concrete patio varies depending on the size, design, and finish. Basic concrete slabs are the most affordable option, costing between $4 and $12 per square foot. For a simple concrete slab patio without any customisation, you can expect to pay around $4 to $7 per square foot for the concrete slabs and $2 to $4 per square foot in labour costs.

If you want to add a finish to your concrete patio, there are several options to choose from, each with its own price range. A broom finish, which adds texture to the concrete as it dries, is usually included in the basic project cost. For a polished finish, you can expect to pay an additional $3 to $12 per square foot. Stencilled concrete will cost you an extra $1 to $10 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the design. For an exposed aggregate finish, which adds a layer of quartz pebbles or river rock to the concrete, you can expect to pay an additional $2 to $3 per square foot. Stamped concrete, which mimics the look of stone or brick, will add $1 to $10 per square foot to your total project cost.

Other factors that can affect the cost of a concrete patio include the thickness of the concrete, the shape of the patio, the site preparation required, and the cost of removing any existing concrete.

Frequently asked questions