Concrete Patio and Slab Cost: What Contractors Should Charge
Concrete patio installation costs $8-$15 per sq ft for standard broom finish and $15-$25 per sq ft for stamped or decorative finishes. A typical 400 sq ft patio costs $3,200-$6,000 for basic installation or $6,000-$10,000 with decorative options. Utility and storage slabs run $6-$10 per sq ft. Add $1-$3 per sq ft for existing slab demolition.
Patio and slab pours are among the most profitable residential concrete jobs. A well-priced patio generates $2,000-$5,000 in gross profit per project, with decorative finishes pushing margins even higher. This guide covers exactly what concrete contractors should charge for every type of patio and slab work, from basic utility slabs to premium stamped patios with integral color and custom patterns.
Standard Concrete Patio Pricing
A standard concrete patio with broom finish should be priced at $8-$15 per sq ft all-in. Here is the typical cost breakdown for a 400 sq ft backyard patio: Excavation and grading at $1.50-$3.00 per sq ft ($600-$1,200). Compacted gravel base (4-6 inches) at $1-$2 per sq ft ($400-$800). Forming with 2x4 lumber at $1-$1.50 per sq ft ($400-$600). Wire mesh reinforcement at $0.40-$0.70 per sq ft ($160-$280). Ready-mix concrete at 4 inches thick — approximately 5 cubic yards at $130-$170 per yard ($650-$850). Finishing (bull float, edging, brooming) at $1-$2 per sq ft ($400-$800). Curing compound at $0.25-$0.50 per sq ft ($100-$200). Labor for a three-person crew runs 1.5-2 days. Total direct cost is typically $5-$8 per sq ft, giving you a 40-50% gross margin when pricing at $8-$15 per sq ft. Patios command higher per-sq-ft pricing than driveways because they involve more finishing detail, drainage planning, and typically more complex shapes.
Decorative Patio Finishes and Pricing
Decorative patios are where concrete contractors earn premium margins. Stamped concrete runs $15-$25 per sq ft — the added cost comes from color hardener ($0.35-$0.75/sq ft), release agent ($0.15-$0.30/sq ft), stamping mat rental or purchase, and the skilled labor required to stamp within the 2-4 hour working window. Exposed aggregate finishes cost $12-$18 per sq ft, using surface retarder and pressure washing to reveal decorative stone. Integral color adds $0.75-$1.50 per sq ft for pigment mixed at the plant. Acid staining runs $4-$8 per sq ft when applied to new concrete, creating unique mottled colors. Scored or saw-cut patterns that mimic stone or tile add $2-$4 per sq ft. For multi-color stamped patios with borders, pricing reaches $20-$30 per sq ft. The profit margin on decorative patios typically runs 45-55%, making the upsell conversation critical. Always present decorative options with photos of completed work — visual examples close the sale better than verbal descriptions.
Utility Slab and Shed Pad Pricing
Not every slab is a decorative patio. Utility slabs, shed pads, hot tub pads, and equipment pads are straightforward pours priced at $6-$10 per sq ft. Shed pads (typically 8x10 to 12x16) run $600-$1,600 total. Hot tub pads (usually 8x8 to 10x10) require 6-inch thickness to handle the weight — $800-$1,500 total. HVAC equipment pads (3x3 to 4x4) are quick jobs at $200-$500 each. Garage slabs run $7-$12 per sq ft, typically 4-5 inches thick with wire mesh, and often include a slight slope to the door for drainage. Basketball court slabs (typically 30x50 to 50x84) run $6-$10 per sq ft with a smooth trowel finish. These utility jobs are lower margin per sq ft than decorative work but are fast, straightforward, and generate steady revenue. Many concrete contractors fill schedule gaps with utility slab work between larger patio and driveway projects.
Drainage, Slope, and Grade Considerations
Every concrete patio must slope away from the house at a minimum of 1/8 inch per foot (1% grade). Most contractors target 1/4 inch per foot (2% grade) for reliable drainage. If the existing grade slopes toward the house, you need to build the slope into your forming — this may require a thicker slab at the house side that tapers to standard thickness at the outer edge. The additional concrete cost for a tapered slab is modest ($100-$300 for a typical patio) but must be calculated. For patios with poor surrounding drainage, add a French drain or channel drain along the outer edge at $15-$30 per linear foot. In areas with expansive clay soils, consider a 6-inch compacted gravel base instead of 4 inches, adding $0.50-$1.00 per sq ft. Patios adjacent to basement walls should include a waterproofing membrane where the slab meets the foundation. Price drainage solutions into every patio estimate — water damage callbacks are expensive and destroy your reputation faster than any other issue in concrete work.
Forming Techniques and Their Cost Impact
Form complexity directly impacts labor time and cost. Straight rectangular forms are your baseline — standard 2x4 lumber staked every 4 feet, costing $1-$1.50 per sq ft of slab area. Curved forms require bender board or flexible form material at $1.50-$2.50 per sq ft — curves add 30-50% to forming labor. Multi-level patios with step-downs require additional forming and typically a separate pour for each level, adding $200-$500 per step-down. Free-form organic shapes with multiple curves are the most labor-intensive, running $2-$3 per sq ft for forming alone. Built-in features like fire pit pads (circular forms), seat wall footings, or planter borders each add their own forming requirements. For large patios over 500 sq ft, consider whether renting aluminum or steel forms ($0.50-$1.50 per sq ft per use) is more cost-effective than building disposable lumber forms. Reusable forms pay for themselves after 3-4 projects and produce cleaner edges.
Patio Upsells That Increase Project Value
Concrete patio projects present natural upsell opportunities that increase average ticket size by 25-50%. Stamped or decorative finish is the primary upsell, adding $7-$15 per sq ft to a standard patio price. Concrete sealing ($0.50-$1.50/sq ft) protects the surface and enhances color — schedule it as a follow-up visit 28 days after the pour. Concrete steps connecting the patio to the house run $200-$500 per step. A concrete fire pit pad ($500-$1,500) is among the most popular add-ons. Seat walls or retaining walls along the patio edge run $30-$60 per linear foot. Decorative borders with contrasting color or pattern add $15-$25 per linear foot. Always present a good-better-best proposal: basic broom finish, colored or exposed aggregate, and full stamped with borders and sealing. The middle option anchors the decision, and most clients upgrade from the base price when they see the visual difference. Contractors who present tiered patio options report 30% higher average project values.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 400 sq ft concrete patio costs $3,200-$6,000 for standard broom finish ($8-$15/sq ft) and $6,000-$10,000 for stamped or decorative finishes ($15-$25/sq ft). This includes excavation, base preparation, forming, reinforcement, concrete, and finishing. Your gross profit on a standard patio should be $1,500-$3,000.
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