What this calculator includes
Our concrete patio cost calculator breaks down your project into the four main expense categories you'll actually pay for:
- Concrete (ready-mix): ~$145/yd³ delivered (national avg, May 2026), priced by volume — length × width × thickness ÷ 27.
- Rebar: #4 (½″) bar on an 18-inch grid for crack control. ~$0.50/lf in 2026.
- Gravel base: 2 inches of compacted ¾″ stone under the slab. ~$30/ton bulk.
- Labor: form, place, finish, edge — $4–$12/ft² depending on finish and region.
Not included (yet): permits ($50–$200), demolition of existing concrete, drainage work, sealer ($0.50–$1.50/ft² if applied separately), and finishes outside the four presets.
Cost factors that move the needle
| Factor | Cost impact |
|---|---|
| Stamped or stained finish | +40–80% on labor |
| Stained vs. plain | +15% on materials, +40% on labor |
| Removal of existing slab | +$2–$5/ft² |
| High-cost region (CA, NY, MA) | +30–40% on labor |
| Poor truck access (long pour) | +$1–$3/ft² |
| Cold-climate frost depth | Thicker slab, +25% on concrete |
| Permit | $50–$200 flat |
DIY vs. hire a contractor?
DIY removes the labor line — about 50–60% of the total — but requires renting a mixer ($75–$120/day) or wheelbarrowing 2+ yards by hand, plus setting accurate forms. For a 12×16 patio you're saving ~$1,400 but trading 1–2 days of hard physical work and risking a finish that looks rough. Most homeowners hire it out unless they've done concrete before.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a concrete patio cost in 2026?
Plain broom-finish concrete patio runs $8–$15 per square foot installed in 2026 (national average), with a typical 12×16 patio costing $1,500–$2,900. Stamped or stained finishes add 40–80%, pushing high-end installs over $25/ft².
What's cheaper — concrete patio or pavers?
Plain concrete is typically cheaper upfront ($8–$15/ft²) than pavers ($14–$30/ft²). However, pavers are easier to repair, don't crack the same way, and often have better resale appeal — so total lifetime cost can be similar.
Do you need rebar in a concrete patio?
Yes for structural integrity. #4 rebar (½″) on an 18-inch grid is standard for residential patios at 4-inch thickness. Welded wire mesh is a cheaper alternative for non-load-bearing patios. Both reduce cracking by ~70%.
How thick should a concrete patio be?
4 inches is standard for residential foot-traffic patios. Use 6 inches if you'll drive vehicles on it (driveway-grade) or in cold climates with deep frost. 5 inches is a good compromise for furniture-heavy patios.
What raises the cost of a concrete patio?
Decorative finishes (stamped, stained, exposed aggregate) add 40–80% to labor. Slope grading, removal of existing concrete, poor access for the truck, and high-cost regions (CA, NY, Northeast) all push price up. Permits add $50–$200.