A new concrete patio costs $6 to $16 per square foot in 2026 depending on size, finish type, and site conditions. A standard 300 square foot broom-finish patio runs $1,800 to $3,600. Decorative options like stamped or stained patios push costs to $3,600 to $7,500 for the same area. Concrete patios last 25 to 50 years with minimal maintenance, making them the most durable and cost-effective outdoor living surface available.
Metal America Concrete connects homeowners with licensed patio contractors in all 50 states. Our network installs standard, stamped, stained, exposed aggregate, and colored concrete patios in every shape and size. Every patio project includes proper sub-base preparation, #3 rebar reinforcement, drainage slope, and a protective sealer.
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Concrete Patio Costs by Finish Type in 2026
Standard broom-finish concrete patios cost $6 to $10 per square foot in 2026 and provide a clean, slip-resistant surface suitable for any outdoor use. Colored concrete adds $1 to $3 per square foot with integral pigment mixed into the concrete. Stamped concrete patios cost $12 to $25 per square foot and replicate stone, brick, or slate patterns. Stained concrete runs $8 to $15 per square foot for acid or water-based stain application over a new or existing slab.
The most popular patio size in the US is 12×20 (240 sq ft) to 16×20 (320 sq ft), which comfortably fits a dining set, grill, and seating area. At these sizes, a standard patio costs $1,440 to $3,200 and a stamped patio runs $2,880 to $8,000. Larger patios with fire pit pads, outdoor kitchen foundations, and multiple levels cost $5,000 to $20,000+ depending on design complexity.
Concrete Patio Design and Layout
Patio design starts with determining the right size for your intended use. A 10×12 patio (120 sq ft) fits a small bistro table and two chairs. A 12×16 patio (192 sq ft) accommodates a 4-person dining set with room to move. A 16×20 patio (320 sq ft) handles a full dining area plus a separate conversation seating zone. Patios 400 square feet and larger can include dedicated zones for dining, lounging, grilling, and fire pit seating.
Concrete patios should slope away from the house at 1/8 inch per linear foot for proper drainage. The patio edge should sit at least 1 to 2 inches below the door threshold to prevent water from entering the home during heavy rain. Your contractor will grade the site and set forms to ensure proper slope and elevation before the pour.
Concrete Patio vs. Paver Patio
Concrete patios cost $6 to $16 per square foot installed compared to $12 to $25 per square foot for interlocking paver patios. A 300 square foot concrete patio runs $1,800 to $4,800 while the same area in pavers costs $3,600 to $7,500. Concrete installs in 1 to 2 days while pavers take 3 to 5 days. Concrete provides a solid, seamless surface with no joints for weeds to grow through.
Pavers offer easier individual unit replacement but require regular joint sand maintenance, releveling of settled sections, and weed control between joints. Over 20 years, a concrete patio costs less in both upfront installation and long-term maintenance. For homeowners who want the look of pavers without the maintenance, stamped concrete provides the aesthetic of stone, brick, or cobblestone with the durability and low maintenance of a solid concrete surface.
Concrete Patio Maintenance and Longevity
A concrete patio requires sealing every 2 to 3 years at $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot to maintain surface protection and appearance. Annual cleaning with a pressure washer removes dirt, mildew, and staining. Cracks should be sealed when they first appear to prevent water penetration and freeze-thaw damage. With these simple steps, a concrete patio lasts 25 to 50 years.
The most common patio maintenance mistake is neglecting to seal the surface. Unsealed concrete absorbs water, which leads to freeze-thaw spalling in cold climates, staining from food and beverages, and accelerated surface wear. A $150 to $400 resealing every 2 to 3 years prevents thousands of dollars in repair or replacement costs down the road.