How much does a concrete patio cost?
A plain concrete patio often costs $4 - $12 per square foot installed. Decorative, stamped, stained, colored, or textured patios often cost $8 - $30+ per square foot, depending on finish and site conditions.
Patio price depends on size, finish, thickness, excavation, base prep, drainage, access, demolition, reinforcement, permits, and whether the patio must slope away from the house correctly.
Concrete patio cost by scope
Plain concrete patio
$4 - $12/sq ftHow to tellSimple rectangle or square, broom finish, good access, limited excavation
The fixPrep base, set forms, pour concrete, finish, joint, and cure
Stamped or stained concrete patio
$8 - $30+/sq ftHow to tellStone, slate, brick, color, border, or decorative finish desired
The fixAdd stamping/coloring/sealing and more detailed finish work
Old patio or slab removal
$2 - $8+/sq ft add-onHow to tellExisting cracked concrete, pavers, deck, or debris must be removed
The fixDemo, haul away, grade, and prep new base
Drainage or grading correction
$500 - $8,000+ add-onHow to tellWater slopes toward the house, low spots, clay soil, or downspout issues
The fixRegrade, add base, drainage, slope, or tie-ins
Outdoor-living upgrades
$1,000 - $20,000+ add-onHow to tellSteps, seat wall, fire pit, pergola footings, hot tub pad, or lighting
The fixAdd structural pads, thickened edges, embeds, or utility coordination
Before pouring a patio
- Decide the finished size, furniture layout, grill location, and traffic path before pricing.
- Check whether water currently drains toward the house or foundation.
- Ask about base prep, thickness, reinforcement, control joints, sealer, and cure time.
- Confirm whether the quote includes demo, permits, cleanup, and lawn repair.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call a patio contractor, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- The patio connects to the house, steps, deck, pool, or drainage system
- Water currently pools near the foundation
- You want stamped, stained, colored, or exposed-aggregate concrete
- A hot tub, pergola, outdoor kitchen, or heavy feature will sit on the slab
- Existing concrete needs demolition or the yard needs grading
Repair or replace?
A new patio is best when the old slab is cracked, sunken, sloped toward the house, too small, or poorly located. Resurfacing can work when the slab is structurally sound and the problem is cosmetic, but it will not fix bad drainage or a failing base.
Need a cleaner scope before you call around?
Use the patios and awnings checklist to compare the same work, questions, cleanup, and warranty before choosing a local company.
Related questions
Is stamped concrete worth it for a patio?
Stamped concrete can deliver a more finished outdoor-living look, but it costs more and needs sealing/maintenance. Compare it with pavers and plain concrete.
Should a patio slope away from the house?
Yes. The patio should drain away from the foundation. Poor slope is a common reason patios cause water problems.
Can a concrete patio be poured over an old patio?
Sometimes, but only if the old slab is stable, properly sloped, and compatible. Covering a cracked or sunken slab usually transfers the problem.