Guides · Concrete
How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost in 2026?
Materials, labor, finish options, and where the DIY math actually changes the equation.
A concrete patio is one of the more predictable outdoor projects to budget for, but the range you'll see quoted — anywhere from $4 to $30 per square foot — is wide enough to be almost useless on its own. Here's what actually drives that number, and where you land on it.
The short answer
A plain, broom-finished concrete patio typically costs $6 to $15 per square foot installed in 2026, putting a standard 300 sq ft patio at roughly $1,800 to $4,500. Decorative finishes — stamped, stained, or exposed aggregate — push that to $8 to $30 per square foot. Doing it yourself and buying materials only drops the number to roughly $2 to $4 per square foot.
What you're actually paying for
| Component | Typical share of total cost |
|---|---|
| Materials (concrete, gravel base, forms, rebar/mesh) | 35–40% |
| Labor (site prep, forming, pouring, finishing) | 20–25% |
| Overhead & contractor margin | 35–40% |
Materials alone are a smaller share than most people expect — the bulk of a professional quote is labor and the contractor's overhead, which is exactly why DIY changes the math so dramatically.
Cost by finish type
| Finish | Cost per sq ft, installed |
|---|---|
| Plain, broom finish | $6–$15 |
| Stained or colored | $8–$18 |
| Exposed aggregate | $10–$20 |
| Stamped concrete | $12–$30 |
What ready-mix concrete costs on its own
Delivered ready-mix concrete runs roughly $125–$150 per cubic yard in most markets, with rural areas sometimes running higher due to delivery distance. If you're buying bagged mix instead for a smaller DIY pour, expect $4–$9 per bag depending on bag size — see our concrete calculator to convert your patio's dimensions into an exact bag count or cubic yard order.
Where DIY actually saves money — and where it doesn't
The labor savings from doing it yourself are real: professional finishing labor alone runs $3 to $8 per square foot, which is often the single biggest line item after materials. But concrete has a narrow window to work with before it sets, and a mistake in the mix, the forms, or the finish is expensive and sometimes impossible to correct after the fact. DIY tends to make the most sense for smaller patios (under roughly 150–200 sq ft) where the stakes of a mistake are lower and the time commitment is manageable in a single day.
Regional cost differences
Where you live moves the number more than most other factors. Northeast and West Coast markets typically run $8–$16 per square foot even for plain finishes, driven by higher labor rates, while Southeast markets often see $5–$10 per square foot for the same job. Getting a couple of local quotes is still the only way to know your actual number — these figures are a planning baseline, not a substitute for that.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to pour your own concrete patio?
Yes, significantly — DIY typically runs $2 to $4 per square foot in materials only, versus $6 to $15 per square foot professionally installed for plain concrete. The trade-off is your own labor, equipment rental, and the risk of a mistake that's expensive to fix.
How much does a 20x20 concrete patio cost?
A 400 sq ft patio (20x20) typically runs $2,400 to $6,000 installed for a plain broom finish, or higher for stamped or stained decorative finishes.
What's the cheapest concrete patio finish?
A plain broom finish is the cheapest option, typically $6 to $15 per square foot installed. Decorative finishes like stamped or stained concrete add $2 to $15 more per square foot depending on complexity.
Plan your own patio
Once you know roughly what finish and size you're working with, use the concrete calculator to convert your exact patio dimensions into cubic yards or a bag count before you order.