Last updated: February 2026
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For related planning context, read Concrete vs Gravel Patio.
Patio-only pricing for at-grade outdoor living slabs, with decorative upgrade math and maintenance planning separate from driveway load assumptions.
If you need quantity takeoffs before pricing finishes, run the Concrete Patio Calculator. To compare install pricing with practical repair thresholds, pair this with When to Replace Concrete.
Concrete patio cost is usually $8 to $14 per sq ft. A 400 sq ft patio is typically $3,200 to $5,600, and 600 sq ft is $4,800 to $8,400 before stamped finishes, color, or slab removal.
| Feature | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic patio pour | $8-$14 per sq ft |
| Reinforced patio | +$1.50-$3.00 per sq ft |
| Stamped patio | +$8-$18 per sq ft |
| Colored concrete | +$2-$6 per sq ft |
| Removal of existing slab | $2-$6 per sq ft |
| Sealing cost | $0.60-$1.20 per sq ft per service |
Basic vs decorative pricing: basic broom-finish patios usually plan around $8-$14/sq ft, while decorative stamped/color patios often land around $16-$32/sq ft after upgrade premiums. To calibrate material assumptions, review ready-mix cost per yard.
500 sq ft patio: basic install at $8-$14/sq ft is $4,000-$7,000. Decorative finish with a +$8-$18/sq ft premium adds $4,000-$9,000, bringing decorative total to $8,000-$16,000.
For a 500 sq ft patio, sealing every 4 years (5 services) at $0.60-$1.20/sq ft totals $1,500-$3,000 over 20 years. Adding a reserve for crack/joint touch-ups of $500-$2,000 gives a practical 20-year maintenance range of $2,000-$5,000.
In many ground-level projects, a concrete patio is cheaper upfront than a wood deck. Basic concrete patios often run about $8 to $14 per sq ft, while many wood decks start much higher once framing and hardware are included. Elevated decks and custom railings increase deck cost quickly.
Most residential patios are poured at about 4 inches thick on a compacted base. Areas with heavier loads, weaker soils, or freeze-thaw exposure may need thicker sections and reinforcement. Local code and site conditions should guide final thickness.
Stamped concrete can improve curb appeal and may support resale perception in many markets. Value impact depends on neighborhood expectations, design quality, and overall outdoor layout. Overly customized patterns can be polarizing, so balanced design is usually the safest choice.
A basic 400 sq ft patio often lands around $3,200 to $5,600 installed. That range assumes roughly $8 to $14 per sq ft before major upgrades. Reinforcement, excavation, and decorative options can push totals above that baseline.
A basic 600 sq ft patio commonly runs about $4,800 to $8,400 installed. Removal of old concrete, grading corrections, or stamped finishes can materially increase final pricing. Always compare bids with the same scope and base prep assumptions.
A common sealing cycle is every 3 to 5 years, depending on climate and wear. Decorative surfaces often benefit more from regular sealing than plain broom-finish slabs. Mild climates with low traffic may allow longer intervals.
Permits can add cost, though requirements vary by city and project size. Fees, plan review, and inspection requirements differ by jurisdiction. Permit-related delays can also affect labor scheduling and total project cost.