A plain concrete patio usually costs about $6 to $12 per sq ft installed, and stamped or colored concrete runs $12 to $20+. A common 12 x 24 ft patio (288 sq ft) averages around $2,800. Pouring it yourself, the materials for a 10 x 10 slab come to about $690, and for a 12 x 24 slab about $1,335.
Price your own slab. The free concrete calculator figures cubic yards, bag counts vs ready-mix, rebar, gravel base, and forms for your exact size. Quick answer: bags of concrete for a 10×10 slab.
Concrete patio cost by size
| Patio size | Area | Plain slab ($6 to $12/sq ft) | Stamped ($12 to $20/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 ft | 100 sq ft | $600 to $1,200 | $1,200 to $2,000 |
| 12 x 12 ft | 144 sq ft | $860 to $1,730 | $1,730 to $2,880 |
| 12 x 24 ft | 288 sq ft | $1,730 to $3,460 | $3,460 to $5,760 |
| 16 x 20 ft | 320 sq ft | $1,920 to $3,840 | $3,840 to $6,400 |
| 20 x 20 ft | 400 sq ft | $2,400 to $4,800 | $4,800 to $8,000 |
Small patios often cost more per sq ft, since the crew, forms, and truck cost about the same for a small pour.
Cost by finish
- Broom or brushed finish: the standard, at the low end of the range.
- Integral color: adds about $0.50 to $0.75 per sq ft. Darker colors cost more.
- Stain and sealer: about $1.20 to $1.75 per sq ft.
- Stamped texture: adds about $4 to $18 per sq ft, depending on the pattern and number of colors.
What goes into the price
- Concrete: ready-mix averages roughly $135 to $165 per cubic yard. A 4 in slab uses about 1 yard per 80 sq ft. Small loads often carry a short-load fee.
- Reinforcement: wire or fiber mesh adds about $1 to $1.50 per sq ft, and rebar about $2 to $3.
- Gravel base: 4 in of compacted crusher run under the slab.
- Forms: 2×4 or 2×6 boards and stakes, usually $50 to $100.
- Labor: excavation, forming, pouring, finishing, and cutting control joints.
- Old patio removal: about $300 to $450, plus disposal.
- Extras: steps, a sealed finish, a fire pit pad, or tying into an existing slab.
DIY concrete patio: materials only
Here is what the concrete calculator lists for a 4 in slab with a 4 in gravel base, #4 rebar on an 18 in grid, and 10% extra concrete:
| Slab | Concrete | Rebar | Gravel base | Materials total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 ft | 62 bags (80 lb) | 8 sticks | 2.5 tons | About $690 |
| 12 x 12 ft | 89 bags (80 lb) | 12 sticks | 3 tons | About $950 |
| 12 x 24 ft | 4 yards ready-mix | 24 sticks | 6 tons | About $1,335 |
Bags make sense for small slabs. Past about 1.5 cubic yards (roughly 70 bags), ready-mix is usually easier and close in price, and the whole slab gets poured at once so it finishes evenly. Plan on at least 3 helpers for a truck pour.
Concrete vs pavers
- Concrete is usually cheaper up front and faster to install, but it can crack, and repairs show.
- Pavers cost more to install but flex with frost, and single pavers can be pulled and reset.
- Stamped concrete can cost as much as pavers, so get quotes for both if you want a decorative look.
How to save money
- Stick with a broom finish and a simple rectangle.
- Do the demolition and excavation yourself, then hire a crew for the pour and finish.
- Combine the patio with a walkway or pad so the truck and crew cover more square feet in one trip.
- Schedule outside the spring rush. Concrete can be poured into the fall in most areas, as long as temperatures stay above about 40 degrees F.
FAQ
How much does a 12×12 concrete patio cost?
About $860 to $1,730 for a plain slab installed, or roughly $950 in materials to pour it yourself.
How thick should a concrete patio be?
4 in is standard for a patio. Go to 5 or 6 in if it will hold a hot tub or vehicles, and check the hot tub maker’s requirements.
How many bags of concrete do I need for a patio?
For a 4 in slab, plan on about 0.6 bags of 80 lb mix per sq ft with 10% extra. A 10 x 10 slab takes about 62 bags. The concrete calculator does any size.
Is a stamped concrete patio worth it?
It costs roughly double a plain slab and needs resealing every few years, but it gives a stone or brick look for less than many natural stone patios.