Concrete Patio Cost Calculator
Estimate a poured concrete patio from size, surface finish, base prep, and slab thickness — tuned for outdoor living pads, not driveways or structural house slabs. Click any i for detail.
Your patio
Patio area (sq ft)
i
Patio area
Length × width of the poured pad. Irregular shapes: sketch rectangles and add them up. |
|
|---|---|
Surface finish
i
Surface finish
Broom is the durable budget look. Stamped/colored mimics pavers. Exposed aggregate shows stone for grip and style. |
|
Base prep
i
Base prep
Patio pads still need compacted gravel. Soft soils or poor drainage deserve a thicker base than a thin leveling layer. |
|
Slab thickness
i
Slab thickness
Four inches suits most patios. Five to six inches helps under heavier planters, outdoor kitchens, or freeze-thaw stress. |
|
Your state
i
Your state
Scales midpoints for typical state-level labor and material costs versus the U.S. average — not an on-site bid. |
Options
How to use this calculator
- Enter patio square footage.
- Choose finish, base prep, and thickness.
- Toggle demo if an old pad must come out.
- Select your state and review labor/material lines.
Results explained
Unlike driveway calculators, this model emphasizes finish labor and patio-scale base prep. Concrete, base, and finish are separate lines; thickness scales the concrete pour.
Quick reference: concrete patio midpoints
U.S.-average $/sq ft components before state scaling. Distinct from structural slabs and vehicle-rated driveways.
| Component | Low | Mid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel base | $2.50 | $4.50–$6.50 | Site-dependent |
| Concrete (4 in) | — | $6.50 | ×1.12 at 5 in; ×1.25 at 6 in |
| Broom finish | — | $9 | Labor + cure |
| Stamped / colored | — | $16 | Patterns & color hardener |
| Exposed aggregate | — | $14 | Seeded or washed |
Old patio demo ≈ $3.50/sq ft. Sealer and outdoor kitchen footings are extras.
How the estimate is built
Total ≈ (base $/sf + concrete $/sf × thickness mult + finish $/sf) × area × state. Demo adds ~$3.50/sf. Band ≈ 82%–128%.
Example scenario
A 300 sq ft broom-finish patio with standard base and 4 in slab at U.S. average is about $4.50 + $6.50 + $9 = $20/sf × 300 ≈ $6,000.
FAQ
How is this different from a concrete slab calculator?
Patio pricing weights decorative finishes and lighter residential loading. House slabs and garage pads use different thickness and reinforcement assumptions.
Do I need rebar or wire mesh?
Many patio bids include wire mesh in the pour midpoint; heavy reinforcement or thickened edges for kitchens are extras.
Can I pour in winter?
Cold-weather concrete needs protection and can raise cost — ask local crews about seasonal surcharges.