Concrete Patio Cost Calculator
Calculates the total cost of a concrete patio by combining material, finishing, labour, and a base site-preparation fee for a given slab size and thickness. Helpful when planning a backyard patio or comparing contractor bids.
About this calculator
The total concrete patio cost is calculated as: Cost = (length × width × (thickness / 12 / 27) × concretePrice) + (length × width × finishType) + (length × width × laborRate) + 150. The first term converts the slab dimensions to cubic yards—dividing thickness in inches by 12 converts to feet, then dividing by 27 converts cubic feet to cubic yards—then multiplies by the price per cubic yard. The second term prices the decorative or functional finish (broom finish, stamped, exposed aggregate) as a cost per square foot, since more elaborate finishes require additional labour and materials. The third term adds the general labour cost for forming, pouring, and floating the slab. The constant $150 represents a baseline site-preparation charge covering staking, gravel base compaction, and form-setting materials that apply regardless of slab size.
How to use
Patio dimensions: 12 ft × 16 ft, 4 inches thick. Concrete at $130/cu yd. Broom finish at $1.50/sq ft (finishType = 1.50). Labour at $5.00/sq ft. Step 1: volume = 12 × 16 × (4/12/27) = 192 × 0.01235 = 2.37 cu yd. Step 2: concrete cost = 2.37 × $130 = $308. Step 3: finish cost = 12 × 16 × $1.50 = $288. Step 4: labour = 12 × 16 × $5.00 = $960. Step 5: total = $308 + $288 + $960 + $150 = $1,706. The estimated total cost for this 192 sq ft patio is $1,706, or about $8.89 per square foot.
Frequently asked questions
How thick should a concrete patio slab be for residential use?
Most residential concrete patios are poured at 4 inches thick, which is sufficient to support foot traffic, patio furniture, and standard outdoor gatherings. If you plan to park a vehicle on the slab or use heavy equipment such as a hot tub weighing over 1,000 lbs, increase the thickness to 5–6 inches and add rebar or wire mesh reinforcement. Thicker slabs cost proportionally more in concrete volume but the labour and finishing costs remain roughly the same per square foot, so the incremental cost to upgrade from 4 to 5 inches is modest and worthwhile for long-term durability. Local frost-depth requirements may also dictate minimum thickness or sub-base depth in cold climates.
What finish types are available for concrete patios and how do they affect cost?
The most common finishes are broom finish (dragging a broom across wet concrete for slip resistance), exposed aggregate (washing the surface to reveal decorative stones), stamped concrete (pressing patterns into wet concrete to mimic brick, slate, or flagstone), and polished or stained concrete. Broom finish is the least expensive at roughly $1–2 per square foot in added finishing cost, while exposed aggregate adds $2–4 per square foot. Stamped concrete is the most labour-intensive, adding $8–18 per square foot and requiring skilled workers—making it two to four times more expensive per square foot than a plain broom finish. Staining or colouring adds $2–4 per square foot to any base finish type.
How do I reduce the cost of pouring a concrete patio without sacrificing quality?
The most effective cost-saving measures are keeping the slab a simple rectangular shape (curves and custom shapes require more form work and labour), choosing a standard broom finish rather than stamped or decorative options, scheduling the pour during spring or autumn when contractor demand is lower, and preparing the site yourself by clearing vegetation and levelling the ground before the contractor arrives. You can also save by purchasing concrete through the contractor's supplier relationship rather than retail, since contractors typically receive volume discounts. However, avoid reducing thickness below 4 inches or skipping rebar in load-bearing areas, as repairs to a failed slab cost far more than the initial upgrade.