How Much For Concrete Patio Slab

Hiring A Concrete Contractor

Be sure to get at least 3 cost estimates and compare multiple concrete contractors. They will inform you on the type of delivery you need, the best PSI to use for your project, what aggregates you need, and will send an accurate quote based on your cubic yard requirements.

• Check their online reviews from HomeGuide and Google.
• Check their Better Business Bureau rating.
• Make sure they are insured, licensed, and bonded.
• Ask for references from recent projects they have completed.
• Get the contract and terms in writing.
• Be sure the amount of concrete you purchase is appropriate for your project.

Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted concrete companies:

• Pray, Richard. 2019 National Construction Estimator. 2019. PDF file.
• Cement prices in the United States from 2007 to 2018. .

Should I Order Concrete By The Yard From A Ready Mix Company Or Just Use Bags

Larger jobs such as driveways are easier to complete when ordering concrete by the yard, rather than trying to mix bag after bag by hand. For smaller jobs, like a walkway, modest patio or footings, you should calculate the number of concrete bags instead.

Bagged concrete is ideal for:

• Pouring small slabs for sidewalks or patios
• Setting posts for fences or mailboxes
• Making repairs to foundation walls, walkways or steps
• Pouring small curbs, steps, or ramps
• Footings for decks, pergolas, walls and more

If youre purchasing bagged concrete you may be able to have it delivered, but if it is only a few bags youll be responsible for transporting it yourself. Youll also need additional equipment for mixing the concrete. A rented mixer can be very helpful, but a wheelbarrow works for just a few bags.

Ready mixed concrete by the yard is good for:

• Large patios, driveways, pool decks and more
• Foundation slabs for a house
• Parking lots or commercial sidewalks

If youre planning to order concrete from a ready mix supplier, theyll need to know how many yards of concrete to deliver. Many ready mix companies will have a minimum order of 1 yard, and will charge shortage fees when ordering partial batches. The average truck holds between 9 and 11 yards total. If your project requires more concrete, multiple trucks will be necessary.

Other Factors That Affect Cost

The size of your patio wont be the only cost factor. Some patios are more complex than others, leading to various costs. Your patio may have an intricate stained finish, curves, or additional reinforcements to enhance its strength.

If youre planning a plain concrete slab patio with no bells and whistles, expect to pay much less than $16 per square foot.

Other factors that affect cost include:

• Thickness: The thicker your concrete slab, the higher your bill.
• Shape: Rectangular patios are the easiest to install. Patios with custom shapes are more challenging to install, leading to higher labor costs.
• Reinforcements: A patio with reinforced concrete will have enhanced durability but will drive up costs.
• Type of Finish: Want to give your concrete an added splash of color, a special texture, or an elaborate design? Decorative concrete will increase the bill.
• Grade of Concrete: High-quality concrete mixes will cost more than lower-quality concrete mixes.
• Location: Costs will rise if your patio site is hard to reach or its soil conditions are poor.
• Concrete Removal: Need to remove an existing patio before you install the new one? Concrete removal will be an additional cost.

Also Check: How To Build A Hip Roof Patio Cover

Stamped Concrete Patio Cost Calculator

To come up with a stamped concrete patio estimate, youll want to consider the desired size and style. Stamped concrete patterns cost more for designs when extra colors and borders are added. This extra ornamentation requires extra labor and will increase your stamped concrete cost per square foot. The cost for stamped concrete will also vary by shape of the slab irregularly-shaped pieces will cost more to lay. Cost differences also exist by region. Use this stamped concrete patio estimator to budget this exciting home improvement project.

Do You Need Rebar For A 4

Rebar is not required for a 4-inch slab poured on grade. Since the slab will be sitting on top of the ground, not suspended as part of a structure, it does not require rebar. Rebar is used in more heavy-duty scenarios, where the concrete is suspended in the air, ground support may be compromised, or it supports the weight of a structure heavy objects.

Also Check: Diy Patio Storage Box

Patio After Setting Pavers Over Concrete Patio Slabs

Family Handyman

Pavers dress up the patio and make it an attractive outdoor living space. A concrete patio is made for practicality, not beauty. It starts out looking plain and goes downhill from there. As craters, cracks and stains accumulate, it can go from dull to downright ugly in just a few years. But theres a simple solution, whether you want to dress up a bland patio or hide an aging one. Covering concrete with paver bricks is much easier than pouring new concrete or laying paving stones the traditional way. It requires less skill and less time, and its a whole lot easier on your back. Here well walk you through how to lay paving stones over concrete.

Assess your slab This project will work with most patios. Surface damage like flaking, chips and craters is no problem. But a few conditions make this method a no-go:

• A too-low threshold. Door thresholds have to be high enough above the existing patio to allow for the thickness of the border pavers, plus an extra 3/4 in. to allow for frost heaverising of the slab when the soil freezes.
• Expanding cracks. This method will work over most crackswhich grow and shrink with seasonal ground movement. But if you have a crack that has noticeably grown in recent years, this method is risky. The crack may eventually telegraph through the pavers, creating a hump or gaps.

Note:

What Does It Cost To Replace A Concrete Patio

Replacing an existing concrete patio adds another $600-$1,500 or more in costs. If your concrete patio itself is going to cost $1,500, replacing and installing the new patio will cost $2,100-$3,000.

The cost of replacing a concrete patio includes excavations and labor. Typically, it only takes 1-2 days to remove a concrete patio.

Excavation and the hourly rate of the workers determines removal cost. It costs as little as $500-$600, or as much as $1,200-$1,500 to remove concrete. Once its removed, contractors often wait a couple of days before installing the new one.

Recommended Reading: How To Make A Paver Patio On A Slope

Pavers Over Concrete: Assemble The Materials

The materials for this 12 x 14-ft. patio cost about $850, or $5 per sq. ft. Using less expensive pavers, you could cut the cost by almost half. Most landscape suppliers and home centers stock all the materials, but you may have to do a little hunting for the right combination of pavers. The pavers used for the border must be at least 3/4 in. thicker than the field pavers, which cover the area between the borders. That thickness difference will allow for a bed of sand under the field. A difference of more than 3/4 in. is fine you’ll just need a little more sand. If you can’t find thick pavers you like, consider retaining wall cap blocks for the border. We used cement pavers for the border and clay pavers for the field.

To estimate how much sand you’ll need, grab your calculator. First determine the square footage of the sand bed. Then divide that number by 12 for a 1-in. bed or 18 for a 3/4-in. bed. That will tell you how many cubic feet of sand to get. You can have a load of sand delivered or save the delivery fee by picking up a load yourself with a truck or trailer. Most home centers also sell bagged sand. A 50-lb. bag costs about $3.

What Is More Affordable Poured Concrete Or Concrete Pavers

When choosing hardscaping for your driveway, pool deck, patio, or garden, there are typically two options that involve concrete poured concrete slabs and concrete pavers. In this article, well explain how they differ and identify which material offers the greatest value for hardscapes and landscapes.

You May Like: Standard Patio Door Measurements

Prepare The Setting Bed

• 4.1 – Stretch a string over the surface to determine the final height of the paving. For a large area, include a slight slope to aid water drainage.
• 4.2 – Spread the crushed gravel or stone dust to a thickness of 5/8″ to 1″. This thickness will be reduced by about 40% after tamping the pavers.
• 4.3 – Level out the setting bed. This can be done using two rigid 1″ diameter pipes and a straight plank.
• 4.4 – Move the pipes along as needed to level the entire surface.
• 4.5 – Fill the marks left by the pipes.

Is A Patio Worth The Money

If you enjoy outdoor entertaining or just chilling by yourself while reading the latest bestseller this home improvement project and the associated costs are totally worth it. A patio provides a space to relax at day’s end and gaze at the stars. Its also an ideal backdrop for hosting springtime brunches for your friends and family. And if you have an above-ground pool, a patio makes for the perfect lounge area to sun your buns in between dips.

Since were all home now more than ever, being prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe is important. Having a plan in place gives you peace of mind knowing that you can simply call our 24/7 repair hotline for covered breakdowns. See what plans are available in your neighborhood.

Also Check: How To Put Lights On A Patio Umbrella

How To Build A Concrete Patio

Create a prominent outdoor space with a strong and stylish concrete patio. The base of rigid patios can be constructed with mortared brick, mortared flagstone, tile, or concrete pad. Concrete provides a solid base beneath these materials. It also prevents them from cracking as the ground shifts from temperatures changes.

In most areas, a concrete patio begins with 4 inches of compacted stone. The difference is the depth you dig before you pour.

If you install a concrete patio, dig out a space 8 inches deep 4 inches for the some, another 4 inches for the concrete, and another 2 inches to allow for mortar and brick.

Form Release Agent

Factors Influencing The Cost Of A Patio

• Patio sizeTypically the price per square foot goes down as the patio gets bigger. Alternatively, for small patios, some contractors charge a minimum total rather than a per square foot price.
• Property conditionIf you need grading, demolition or other site work, the price will go up. Also, if your property cant be accessed with the necessary equipment, requiring a pump or additional labor, costs will rise.
• Complexity of designAdding texture, color, borders or other design features will add up. A basic shape with straight edges is easier to form, while curves are more complex and more expensive.
• New patio vs existing patioIf you are looking to install a new patio, it will cost an estimated $3 – $15 per sq ft, and sometimes more. If you have an existing patio and are looking to refresh the look, or have repairs made to any damage, you may not have to start over. The costs of patio resurfacing are less than that of replacement, ranging between $3 and $10 per square foot.

Tip: Since the cost of your patio can vary with the size of the surface and the detail of your design, it is important to find a contractor that will give you the best result for the best price. You can find a patio contractor by using the Concrete Network directory. View portfolio pictures, contact contractors directly, and even request free estimates.

You May Like: Tv For Outside Covered Patio

Cost Of Concrete Patios Across The Us

The prices listed in this cost guide are all national averages. Demand and access to materials will vary depending on where you live, leading to diversity in prices on a local scale.

Some regions may have better access to materials and local contractors than others. If there arent many concrete installers in your area, the lack of competition may affect total costs.

You Get What You Pay For

Much like everything else in life, the bigger and better you go the harder the hit on the old bank account.

A concrete patio cost can vary widely from contractor to contractor so be sure to shop around. for more information on how we will get you up to 5 estimates from local contractors in your area.

You May Like: How To Hang String Lights On Patio Cover

Haul Your Own Concrete

You also have the option of hauling your own concrete, typically up to 1 cubic yard at a time. You will need to rent a small concrete mixer that is attached to a trailer which adds $10 per cubic yard to your concrete price, or a flat fee of $120 per day.

In many projects, concrete should be poured all at once else, it will produce a “cold seam” that weakens the structure. Keep this in mind if your project requires more than one cubic yard of material.

What Happens If Concrete Is Too Thin

If the concrete slab is too thin, it can crack and crumble easily. It wont have the thickness required to reach the required compressive strength, and the tensile strength will be very low. A two-inch slab is not enough to support more than a couple of hundred pounds.

The ground underneath the slab can also have a major impact, especially if the concrete slab is too thin. When groundwater and rain erode the soil beneath the slab, the slabs tensile strength is put to the test. This is why sidewalks crack easily: the soil shifts beneath the sidewalk due to rain and erosion and the slab isnt strong enough to avoid cracking.

Thats fine for a sidewalk, almost expected. For your patio, driveway, or home foundation, though, thats unacceptable and even dangerous. So, you never want your patio to be too thin or lacking reinforcement if needed!

Recommended Reading: How To Take Patio Screen Door Off

Precast Concrete Per Square Foot

Precast concrete costs between $20 and $30 per square foot. This cost is for a 200-square-foot cast and 100-square-foot cast, respectively. This price can go down based on the size of the cast, according to the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute. The larger the cast, the less it costs per square foot. Other factors that affect price include:

• Size of structure
• Finish type
• Number of molds

Pros sometimes use precast concrete for your homes foundation or walls. You might pay more up front for precast. However, the National Precast Concrete Association notes theres long term value in precast concrete, including design flexibility.

Compare Quotes for Precast or Site-Poured Concrete

What Are Your Concrete Patio Options

Plain concrete is the first thing that comes to mind and plain concrete can be an option, especially if it is applied professionally and is sealed.

Plain concrete is not your only option, though. If the grey colour of concrete suits your patio, it doesn’t necessarily have to be one continuous smooth surface. A good concreter can divide it into segments and make a more interesting surface. Or you may want concrete areas with stones in between the concrete. These are both possibilities you can discuss with your concreter.

What if you don’t want grey concrete? That doesn’t have to be a problem. You can also get coloured concrete or have a concrete slab resurfaced to look like brick, stone or it can be patterned to create a stunning patio floor. Polished concrete is another option and can make a beautiful patio floor.

Don’t Miss: Repair Ripped Sling Chair

Concrete Slab Prices By Size

A typical concrete slab will cost between $113 and $126 per cubic yard or $5.35 to $6.17 per square foot on average. Four to eight inch thick concrete slabs are mainly used for driveways, patios, sidewalks, and garage floors.

A 6″ thick concrete slab is much more structurally sound than a 4″ slab and may only cost $100 more in concrete depending on your slab size. At an average cost of $6.17 per square foot for a 6″ slab, here are the average prices by size:

Concrete Slab Cost By Size

Concrete Patio Removal Costs

You can use hand tools to break up or dig up an old patio or drive in large equipment to dig the soil to a uniform depth. The cost will include preparation of the area, protective measures set up for the home and surrounding trees, and removal of debris.

Concrete can be crushed and then reprocessed or recycled as a granular refill, course base material for new pavement, or as aggregate in new concrete. This saves you the transportation and disposal fees because recycling companies will pick it up, and youll avoid adding to landfills.

Read Also: How To Remove Sliding Patio Door