Concrete Patio Cost Guide: Estimate Slab Size, Yards and Materials
A concrete patio is one of the most common home improvement projects, but cost depends heavily on size, thickness, site prep, and material waste.
Measure the Patio Area
Start with length and width. For a rectangular patio, multiply length by width to get square footage. Use the Square Footage Calculator if the layout has multiple sections.
Convert Thickness to Volume
Concrete is ordered by cubic yards, not square feet. A 4-inch slab is 0.333 feet thick.
Use the Concrete Calculator and Concrete Yard Calculator to convert length, width, and thickness into cubic yards.
Add Waste and Base Material
Most concrete orders include 5 to 10 percent extra. You may also need gravel or aggregate below the slab.
Use the Gravel Calculator and Aggregate Calculator to estimate base materials.
Cost Factors to Include
- Concrete delivery
- Reinforcement
- Gravel base
- Forms
- Labor
- Finishing
- Removal of old material
Bottom Line
Concrete patio planning starts with accurate measurements. Estimate square footage, cubic yards, waste, and base material before comparing quotes.