How much does a concrete patio cost?

Plain broom-finish concrete costs $6-$12/sq ft installed. Stamped concrete costs $12-$25/sq ft. A 200 sq ft plain patio costs $1,200-$2,400. A 200 sq ft stamped patio costs $2,400-$5,000. Stained concrete falls in between at $8-$16/sq ft. Add $2-$5/sq ft if demolishing an existing patio. Is stamped concrete worth it?

Is stamped concrete worth it?

Yes for most homeowners. Stamped concrete costs 50-100% more than plain but mimics the look of natural stone, brick, or slate at a fraction of those materials' costs. Natural stone pavers cost $20-$50/sq ft vs $12-$25 for stamped concrete. Stamped concrete is one continuous slab (no weeds between joints) and lasts 25-30+ years with proper sealing every 2-3 years. How thick should a concrete patio be?

How thick should a concrete patio be?

Standard residential patios should be 4 inches thick with a 4-6 inch compacted gravel base. For hot tubs or heavy planters, pour 6 inches thick. For any vehicle traffic (golf carts, etc.), use 6 inches with rebar reinforcement. Always use wire mesh or fiber reinforcement to reduce cracking. How long does a concrete patio last?

How long does a concrete patio last?

A properly poured concrete patio lasts 25-50+ years. Stamped and decorative concrete lasts 25-30 years with regular sealing (every 2-3 years). Cracks are normal but can be minimized with proper base preparation, control joints, reinforcement, and appropriate thickness. Seal your patio to prevent staining, moisture damage, and UV fading.

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Outdoor Living

Concrete Patio Guide: Design, Cost, Finishes & Installation

Lumberama Editorial Team, Hardscape & Concrete Specialists Aug 16, 2026 9 min read

Types of Concrete Patios

Plain (broom finish): Standard gray concrete with textured broom finish. Most affordable option. Cost: $6-$12/sq ft installed. Slip-resistant when wet. Can be stained or painted later.

Stamped concrete: Textured to mimic stone, brick, slate, or wood. Stamps pressed into wet concrete. Wide variety of patterns and colors. Cost: $12-$25/sq ft installed. Most popular decorative option.

Stained concrete: Acid or water-based stain applied to cured concrete. Translucent color with natural variation. Cost: $8-$16/sq ft (new pour + stain). Can be applied to existing concrete: $2-$5/sq ft.

Exposed aggregate: Surface concrete washed away to reveal decorative stones. Natural, textured appearance. Excellent traction. Cost: $10-$18/sq ft installed.

Polished concrete: Ground and polished to a smooth, glossy finish. Modern, industrial look. Cost: $8-$15/sq ft. Best for covered patios (slippery when wet).

Colored concrete: Integral color mixed into concrete before pour. Consistent color throughout slab. Cost: $8-$14/sq ft installed. Add $1-$3/sq ft over plain concrete.

Design and Sizing

Common patio sizes: Small (dining for 4): 10x10 to 10x12 feet (100-120 sq ft). Medium (dining + seating): 12x16 to 14x14 feet (192-196 sq ft). Large (outdoor living room): 16x20 to 20x20 feet (320-400 sq ft). Extra large (entertaining): 20x24+ feet (480+ sq ft).

Thickness: Standard patio: 4 inches. Heavy use or hot tub: 6 inches. Vehicle traffic: 6 inches with rebar reinforcement.

Reinforcement: Wire mesh: standard for residential patios. Rebar: for heavy loads and larger slabs. Fiber mesh: added to concrete mix for crack resistance.

Drainage: Minimum slope: 1/4 inch per foot away from house. Prevents water pooling. French drain at patio edge for large slabs.

Finishing Options

Broom finish: Broom dragged across wet surface. Creates slip-resistant texture. Most common and practical. No additional cost.

Stamp patterns: Ashlar slate: most popular stamped pattern. Cobblestone: European look. Wood plank: mimics wood deck. Herringbone brick: classic. Large stone: natural stone appearance.

Color options: Integral color: mixed in (most consistent). Color hardener: broadcast on surface (richer color, harder surface). Stain: acid or water-based (translucent, natural). Paint: surface coating (least durable).

Sealer (recommended): Protects from stains, moisture, UV damage. Enhances color (wet look or matte). Apply every 2-3 years. Cost: $0.50-$1/sq ft per application.

Cost

Per sq ft installed: Plain broom finish: $6-$12. Colored: $8-$14. Stained: $8-$16. Stamped: $12-$25. Exposed aggregate: $10-$18.

By project size: Small patio (100 sq ft): $600-$1,200 plain or $1,200-$2,500 stamped. Medium patio (200 sq ft): $1,200-$2,400 plain or $2,400-$5,000 stamped. Large patio (400 sq ft): $2,400-$4,800 plain or $4,800-$10,000 stamped.

Additional costs: Demolition of old patio: $2-$5/sq ft. Gravel base preparation: $1-$3/sq ft. Permits: $50-$300. Sealer application: $0.50-$1/sq ft.

DIY savings: Plain concrete is DIY-possible for small patios. Save 30-50% on labor. Stamped concrete requires experience (not recommended DIY). Requires: forms, gravel, concrete delivery, finishing tools.