Complete Guide to Concrete Patios (Design to Finish)

A concrete patio is one of the most achievable DIY concrete projects—and one of the best returns on your outdoor investment. Unlike driveways, patios don't bear vehicle weight, which means 4 inches of concrete is genuinely sufficient. Unlike large slabs, a typical patio is small enough for a motivated DIYer to complete in a weekend.

This guide covers everything from sizing your patio for how you'll actually use it, to choosing decorative finishes, to the pour itself. Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a contractor, you'll understand what goes into a patio that lasts 25+ years.

Table of Contents

1. Patio Sizing Guide
2. Thickness Requirements
3. Base Preparation
4. Slope and Drainage
5. Decorative Options
6. Edge Treatments
7. Reinforcement for Patios
8. DIY Patio Walkthrough
9. Cost Comparison
10. DIY vs Professional
11. Maintenance and Sealing

Patio Sizing Guide

The biggest design mistake is building too small. Patios always feel smaller with furniture than they look empty.

Minimum Sizes by Use

Use Case	Minimum Size	Recommended
Small bistro set (2 chairs)	8×8 ft (64 sqft)	10×10 ft
Dining table (4 people)	10×10 ft (100 sqft)	12×12 ft
Dining table (6 people)	12×12 ft (144 sqft)	12×16 ft
Dining + seating area	14×16 ft (224 sqft)	16×20 ft
Full outdoor living room	16×20 ft (320 sqft)	20×24 ft
Fire pit + seating	12×12 ft minimum	14×14 ft

Furniture Space Requirements

Furniture	Space Needed
Bistro table + 2 chairs	6×6 ft
4-person dining table	8×8 ft (plus circulation)
6-person dining table	10×10 ft (plus circulation)
Sofa + chairs	8×10 ft
Lounge chair	3×6 ft
Fire pit + seating	10×10 ft
Grill station	4×6 ft

The 3-foot rule: Allow 3 feet around furniture for comfortable circulation. A 4-person table needs an 8×8 area, but you need 14×14 to walk around it comfortably.

Design Tips

• Sketch your furniture layout before finalizing dimensions
• Consider traffic flow from house to yard
• Account for door swing if patio is adjacent to house
• Think about future use—it's easier to pour larger now than expand later

Thickness Requirements

Good news: patios are simpler than driveways.

Standard patio thickness: 4 inches

This is sufficient because patios support foot traffic only, not vehicles. You don't need 5-6 inches like driveways.

When to Go Thicker

Situation	Recommended Thickness
Standard patio	4 inches
Hot tub pad	4-6 inches
Heavy planters	4 inches (still fine)
Possible future vehicle access	5-6 inches
Very poor soil	4-5 inches

Hot tub consideration: A filled hot tub weighs 3,000-6,000 lbs. If you're installing a hot tub, pour that section 5-6 inches thick, or pour a separate pad designed for the load.

For detailed guidance, see our patio thickness guide.

Base Preparation

A proper base prevents settling and cracking. Don't skip this.

The Standard Base

Layer	Thickness	Material
Subgrade	N/A	Compacted native soil
Base	4-6 inches	Compacted gravel
Concrete	4 inches	Concrete

Base Installation Steps

1. Excavate to proper depth (4" base + 4" concrete = 8" total)
2. Remove soft material and organic matter
3. Compact subgrade with plate compactor or hand tamper
4. Add gravel (3/4" crushed stone) in 2" layers
5. Compact each layer thoroughly
6. Check grade for proper slope away from house

Gravel matters: Use angular crushed stone, not round pea gravel. Angular stone locks together when compacted; round stone shifts.

For more on base requirements, see do I need gravel under concrete.

Slope and Drainage

Water pooling on your patio creates slipping hazards, staining, and freeze damage. Water draining toward your house creates foundation problems.

Slope Requirements

Minimum slope: 1/8 inch per foot (1%) Ideal slope: 1/4 inch per foot (2%)

For a 12-foot-deep patio, the far edge should be 1.5-3 inches lower than the house side.

Drainage Direction

• Always slope away from the house
• If your yard slopes toward the house, you may need a drainage solution
• Consider a channel drain at the house edge for problem areas

Setting Slope with Forms

1. Set the house-side form at your finished height
2. Measure the patio depth
3. Calculate drop: depth (ft) × slope (in/ft)
4. Set far-side form that much lower
5. Verify with level and measurement

Example: 12-foot patio at 1/4" per foot = 3" total drop

Decorative Options

Concrete doesn't have to be gray and boring. Decorative finishes significantly increase curb appeal and can boost home value.

Standard Broom Finish

• Description: Textured lines from dragging a broom across wet concrete
• Pros: Affordable, good traction, easy DIY
• Cons: Basic appearance
• Cost: Included in base price
• Best for: Budget projects, pool surrounds (for traction)

Colored Concrete

Integral Color:

• Mixed throughout the concrete
• Won't wear off or fade significantly
• Limited to earth tones
• +$2-4 per square foot

Surface Stain:

• Applied after curing
• Wider color range including blues, greens
• May require reapplication over time
• +$2-4 per square foot

Exposed Aggregate

• Description: Top cement layer washed away to reveal decorative stones
• Pros: Natural look, excellent traction, hides stains
• Cons: Rough on bare feet, harder to clean
• Cost: +$2-5 per square foot
• Best for: Naturalistic landscapes, pool areas

Stamped Concrete

• Description: Patterns pressed into concrete to mimic brick, stone, slate, wood
• Pros: High-end look at fraction of natural stone cost
• Cons: Requires sealing every 2-3 years, shows wear in high traffic
• Cost: +$8-15 per square foot
• Best for: Feature patios, upscale homes

Polished Concrete

• Description: Ground and polished to glossy finish
• Pros: Modern aesthetic, very smooth
• Cons: Slippery when wet, typically indoor use
• Cost: +$5-10 per square foot
• Best for: Covered patios only (not exposed to rain)

Cost Comparison by Finish

Finish	Cost/Sqft	12×12 Patio
Broom finish	$6-10	$864-1,440
Colored	$8-12	$1,152-1,728
Exposed aggregate	$10-15	$1,440-2,160
Stamped	$12-20	$1,728-2,880

Edge Treatments

Edge details matter more than you'd think for finished appearance.

Standard Rounded Edge

• Created with edging tool during finishing
• Prevents chipping at corners
• Included in any proper installation

Decorative Borders

• Stamped border with plain center: Adds interest without full stamped cost (+$3-5/linear foot)
• Exposed aggregate border: Frame effect around broom finish
• Colored border: Dark border with lighter center

Edge Forms/Profiles

• Straight edge: Standard lumber forms
• Curved edge: Flexible form boards or metal forms (+$2-4/linear foot)
• Custom shapes: Require skilled forming

Reinforcement for Patios

Patios don't require heavy reinforcement like driveways, but some reinforcement controls cracking.

Options

Type	Use Case	Cost Impact
Wire mesh (6×6)	Standard recommendation	Minimal
Fiber reinforcement	Alternative to mesh	Minimal
Rebar	Large patios, hot tub pads	Moderate
None	Small patios (<100 sqft)	Lowest

Recommendation for most patios: 6×6 W1.4/W1.4 welded wire mesh, supported on chairs at mid-depth.

Why mesh is sufficient: Unlike driveways, patios don't bear concentrated vehicle loads. Wire mesh adequately controls shrinkage cracking from curing.

For more guidance, see when to use rebar in concrete.

DIY Patio Walkthrough

A 10×12 patio is an ideal first concrete project. Here's the realistic timeline.

Tools Needed

• Excavation: Shovel, wheelbarrow, rake
• Forms: 2×4 lumber, stakes, drill/screws, level
• Base: Gravel, plate compactor (rent $50-75/day)
• Pour: Wheelbarrow, concrete hoe, screed board
• Finish: Bull float, hand float, edger, groover, broom

Materials for 10×12 Patio (4" thick)

Item	Quantity	Cost
Concrete (80-lb bags)	60 bags	~$400
Gravel (4" base)	1.5 yards	~$60
Form lumber	4 pcs 2×4×12	~$30
Stakes	12-16	~$20
Wire mesh	120 sqft	~$40
Misc (screws, chairs, etc.)	—	~$30
Materials total		~$580

Alternative: Ready-mix

• 1.5 cubic yards × $150 = $225 (much cheaper, but time pressure)

Timeline

Day 1 (4-6 hours): Prep

• Mark layout
• Excavate to 8" depth
• Install gravel base
• Compact thoroughly

Day 2 (2-3 hours): Forms

• Set form boards
• Check level and slope
• Stake securely
• Install wire mesh on chairs

Day 3 (4-8 hours): Pour

• Mix and pour (or receive ready-mix)
• Screed level
• Bull float
• Wait for bleed water
• Edge, groove, broom finish
• Begin curing

Following Week:

• Keep moist daily
• Remove forms at 48 hours

For mixing details, see how to mix concrete.

Cost Comparison

DIY vs Professional

12×12 Patio (144 sqft), Broom Finish:

Component	DIY	Professional
Concrete	$300-400	Included
Gravel/base	$60-80	Included
Forms/materials	$80-100	Included
Tool rental	$75-100	N/A
Labor	Your time	Included
Total	$515-680	$1,150-1,800

Savings: $500-1,200 (for 8-12 hours of work)

By Finish Type (Professional)

Finish	10×10	12×14	16×20
Broom	$800-1,200	$1,350-2,100	$2,600-3,800
Colored	$1,000-1,400	$1,700-2,500	$3,200-4,800
Stamped	$1,400-2,000	$2,400-3,600	$4,800-7,200

Use our patio cost calculator for specific estimates.

DIY vs Professional

DIY Is Great For:

• Small patios (under 150 sqft)
• Basic broom finish
• Simple rectangular shapes
• Experienced DIYers or those with construction experience
• Budget-conscious homeowners with time to invest

Hire a Pro For:

• Large patios (over 200 sqft)
• Decorative finishes (stamped, exposed aggregate)
• Complex shapes or curves
• Connecting to existing structures
• Tight timelines

The Physical Reality

Mixing and pouring 60 bags of concrete is hard work. Each bag requires:

• Lifting 80 lbs
• Dumping into wheelbarrow
• Adding water, mixing thoroughly
• Pouring and spreading

That's 4,800 lbs of concrete to handle. Factor in the screed, float, and finish work before it sets. It's manageable, but don't underestimate the physical demand.

Ready-mix alternative: For patios over 100 sqft, ready-mix delivery is often worth considering. You'll need 2-3 helpers and need to work fast, but you skip hours of mixing.

Maintenance and Sealing

Does a Patio Need Sealing?

Broom finish: Sealing is optional but extends life Colored concrete: Sealing recommended to protect color Stamped concrete: Sealing required every 2-3 years

Sealing Benefits

• Protects against staining
• Reduces water penetration
• Enhances color (wet look option)
• Prevents salt damage in freeze-thaw climates

Sealing Schedule

Concrete Type	Initial Seal	Reseal
Plain/broom	Optional	3-5 years
Colored	After curing	2-3 years
Stamped	After curing	2-3 years
Exposed aggregate	After curing	3-5 years

Routine Maintenance

Annually:

• Clean with pressure washer or concrete cleaner
• Check for cracks, seal small ones
• Clean debris from edges and joints

As needed:

• Remove stains promptly (oil, leaves, rust)
• Reapply sealer per schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick should a concrete patio be?

4 inches is standard and sufficient for patios. Unlike driveways, patios only bear foot traffic—no vehicles. The exception: hot tub pads should be 4-6 inches to handle the concentrated weight. See our patio thickness guide.

How much does a concrete patio cost?

DIY materials run $4-6 per square foot ($400-600 for a 10×10). Professional installation costs $6-12 per square foot for basic broom finish, $10-20 per square foot for stamped or decorative finishes. A typical 12×12 patio costs $1,200-2,000 professionally installed.

Is stamped concrete worth the extra cost?

It depends on your priorities. Stamped concrete costs 50-100% more than plain broom finish but provides the look of natural stone or brick at a fraction of that cost. It requires more maintenance (resealing every 2-3 years) and shows wear in high-traffic areas. For a feature patio you want to show off, it's often worth it. For a utility patio, basic broom finish is more practical.

How big should my patio be?

Bigger than you think. A 10×10 (100 sqft) fits a small bistro set but feels cramped with more furniture. For a 4-person dining table with comfortable circulation, plan 12×14 minimum. For dining plus seating, start at 16×20. Sketch your furniture layout before deciding—patios always feel smaller with furniture than they look empty.

Can I pour a concrete patio myself?

Yes—patios are the most DIY-friendly concrete project. For patios under 150 sqft with simple rectangular shapes, a motivated beginner can succeed with proper preparation. The keys: thorough base preparation, level forms with proper slope, and understanding the timing of finishing before concrete sets. For larger or decorative patios, professional help is usually worth the cost.

Next Steps

1. Calculate materials: Patio Concrete Calculator
2. Estimate costs: Patio Cost Calculator
3. Learn the basics: Concrete Basics Guide
4. Compare to driveway: Driveway Guide
5. Browse all guides: Concrete Guides Hub