A 12×20 concrete patio costs about $1,440-$4,800 installed, with a typical standard-finish project averaging around $2,640. Price depends on the slab thickness, site preparation, concrete finish, local labor rates, and whether an old patio must be removed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic installed patio | $1,440 | $2,640 | $4,800 | 240 sq ft; about $6-$20 per sq ft, depending on scope and finish |
| Concrete and basic supplies | $500 | $800 | $1,200 | Standard ready-mix, reinforcement, and base materials |
| Labor and finishing | $650 | $1,100 | $1,800 | Forming, placing, finishing, and cleanup |
| Removal or difficult access | $0 | $500 | $1,500+ | Only applies when demolition, hauling, or special delivery is needed |
What a 240-square-foot concrete patio usually costs
A 12×20 patio covers 240 square feet. For a basic 4-inch slab with a broom finish, straightforward access, and ordinary grading, many homeowners can budget $1,800-$3,600 installed, or roughly $7.50-$15 per square foot. National prices vary, and small projects can carry a higher per-square-foot rate because setup and mobilization costs are spread over fewer square feet.
A low quote near $1,440-$1,800 may assume a flat, prepared site, easy truck access, minimal reinforcement, and no demolition. A higher standard-project quote may include extra base work, thicker concrete, drainage adjustments, or higher local labor rates. Decorative finishes can lift the total above the standard range.
Assumptions: 240 square feet, standard gray concrete, a 4-inch slab, normal access, and no major excavation or removal.
Concrete volume also affects material planning. At 4 inches thick, the patio needs about 2.96 cubic yards before allowing for waste; contractors commonly order around 3.25-3.5 cubic yards. A 6-inch slab uses about 4.44 cubic yards before waste, so the thicker specification adds material and may require more labor.
How concrete, labor, and base work appear on the quote
A useful estimate separates the slab itself from preparation and finishing. Ask whether the price includes excavation, compacted gravel, reinforcement, forms, concrete delivery, control joints, cleanup, and disposal. Comparing line items makes it easier to distinguish a genuinely lower price from a quote that leaves necessary work out.
| Quote item | Typical rate | Estimated 12×20 price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete and delivery | $150-$220 per cubic yard | $500-$950 | Mix specification, order size, delivery distance, and short-load fees |
| Gravel base and compaction | $1.50-$4 per sq ft | $360-$960 | Base depth, soil condition, and excavation required |
| Forms and reinforcement | $1-$3 per sq ft | $240-$720 | Form complexity, rebar or mesh, and edge details |
| Placement and finishing labor | $3-$8 per sq ft | $720-$1,920 | Crew size, finish type, access, and local wage rates |
| Permits, delivery extras, disposal | $0-$1,500+ | $0-$1,500+ | Local rules, old slab removal, and truck access |
These component ranges are not meant to be added at their maximums. Some contractors quote a bundled installed rate, and overhead, equipment, and routine cleanup may already be included. Confirm whether sales tax applies to materials in the project location.
Thickness, reinforcement, and finish that change the price
Slab specifications and surface treatments can move a 240-square-foot quote substantially. A basic 4-inch slab is common for ordinary foot traffic and patio furniture, while a 6-inch slab may be specified for heavier loads or particular site conditions. The thicker option requires roughly 50% more concrete than a 4-inch slab, before waste.
Reinforcement choices also affect the estimate. Welded wire mesh may add about $0.30-$1 per square foot, while rebar grids can add roughly $0.75-$2 per square foot, depending on spacing and local material costs. Reinforcement does not prevent every crack; proper base preparation and joint placement remain important.
A broom finish is generally among the least expensive options. Exposed aggregate may add about $2-$6 per square foot, while stamped concrete often adds $5-$12 or more per square foot over a basic finish. Color, borders, multiple patterns, and detailed layouts can add further labor.
Drainage and geometry matter, too. A simple rectangle is easier to form than a patio with curves, steps, multiple levels, or a built-in border. If the patio needs a slope to carry water away from the house, the contractor may need additional grading and careful elevation work. Confirm the slab thickness, reinforcement, finish, and drainage plan in writing before comparing totals.
How access and crew hours affect a backyard pour
A conventional installation often takes a small crew about 1-2 days on site, followed by curing time before regular use. Excavation and base preparation may occur before the pour day. Labor may account for roughly $720-$1,920 of a standard 12×20 project, although some bids bundle labor with equipment and overhead.
For example, 24-40 crew-hours at $30-$55 per worker-hour equals about $720-$2,200 in labor value, before contractor overhead, equipment, and other project costs.
Backyard access can add time and equipment expense. If a ready-mix truck cannot reach the forms, a contractor may need a Georgia buggy, concrete pump, or extra wheelbarrow labor. Pumping may add around $500-$1,200, depending on local minimums, distance, and setup. Narrow gates, stairs, long carry distances, and soft ground can also raise the quote.
Scheduling matters because concrete must be placed and finished promptly after delivery. A complicated finish, poor weather, or a small crew can extend the work window or require an additional trip. Ask which tasks are included in the stated labor charge and whether equipment rental or delivery minimums are billed separately.
Regional patio pricing from rural markets to major metros
Labor, concrete supply, and hauling commonly make installed patio prices vary by location. A rural area with nearby ready-mix suppliers may come in below a major metro, while high-cost markets and locations with limited contractor availability may run higher. As a planning adjustment, rural quotes can be about 5%-15% below a national midpoint; major metro quotes may be 10%-30% above it.
Climate and local construction practices also influence specifications. Freeze-thaw regions may call for concrete mixes and drainage details suited to repeated freezing, while expansive or poorly drained soil can require more excavation or a deeper compacted base. These are site-specific costs rather than automatic charges for every home in a region.
For a basic patio that would cost about $2,640 at a midpoint rate, a rural estimate might be roughly $2,240-$2,510, while a high-cost metro estimate could be around $2,900-$3,430. These figures are comparisons, not guaranteed regional prices; local bids and project conditions determine the actual total.
Compare at least three local, itemized estimates using the same dimensions, thickness, reinforcement, finish, and preparation scope. That makes regional differences easier to assess without mistaking an incomplete quote for a bargain.
Three 12×20 quotes with different finishes and site conditions
The examples below show how scope changes the total for the same 240-square-foot footprint. Rates are illustrative U.S. estimates, not fixed national prices. A contractor’s minimum charge, access, and soil conditions can shift each total.
| Project example | Scope and unit rate | Labor assumption | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic broom-finish slab | 240 sq ft at $8-$12 per sq ft; 4 inches thick, compacted base, standard access | 24-30 crew-hours | $1,920-$2,880 |
| Prepared-site upgrade | 240 sq ft at $12-$17 per sq ft; 6 inches thick, rebar, simple border | 30-38 crew-hours | $2,880-$4,080 |
| Stamped patio with removal | 240 sq ft at $18-$28 per sq ft; old slab removal, color, stamped pattern | 40-55 crew-hours | $4,320-$6,720 |
For the first example, the lower end assumes little grading and an uncomplicated pour. The second allows for added concrete and reinforcement, while the third combines a more labor-intensive finish with demolition and hauling. Ask whether each quote includes the same base depth, concrete volume, finishing details, and disposal.
Removal, permits, and delivery charges beyond the slab
Replacing an existing patio can add $2-$6 per square foot for demolition and hauling, or about $480-$1,440 for 240 square feet. Reinforced concrete, thick slabs, restricted access, or long hauling distances can push removal costs higher. Some contractors also set a minimum charge for small demolition jobs.
Ready-mix suppliers may charge a short-load fee when the required amount falls below their delivery threshold. For a 4-inch patio, the order may be near 3.25-3.5 cubic yards after waste, but supplier minimums vary. Ask whether delivery, fuel surcharges, waiting time, pumping, and washout handling are included.
Permit requirements differ by city and county. A simple ground-level patio may not require a permit in some jurisdictions, but rules can change when the work includes retaining walls, grading near property lines, drainage changes, or electrical features. Permit and inspection charges may range from $0 to several hundred dollars; verify requirements with the local building department before work starts.
Other possible additions include steps, a privacy wall, a drain channel, low-voltage lighting, or a raised edge. Each is a separate scope item. Request a written price for any add-on rather than relying on a broad allowance in the base estimate.
Ways to lower the 12×20 patio price without cutting corners
Keeping the layout rectangular and choosing a broom finish usually controls forming and finishing labor. A standard gray mix avoids the extra cost of integral color, while a straightforward border can cost less than a complex stamped pattern. Select specifications based on intended use and site requirements rather than automatically ordering the thickest slab or most elaborate finish.
Good preparation can reduce surprises. Clear movable furniture and vegetation from the work area, identify underground utilities, and discuss access before the quote is finalized. Homeowners should not excavate or alter drainage without coordinating with the contractor; an improperly prepared base can lead to settlement and expensive repairs.
Compare itemized bids that state the same footprint, thickness, base depth, reinforcement, finish, and removal scope. Check whether the contractor includes concrete delivery, forms, control joints, cleanup, and warranty terms. A lower bid that omits base compaction or disposal may not be less expensive after those items are added.
If an existing slab is structurally sound, ask whether a repair or resurfacing option is suitable before paying for full demolition and replacement. Resurfacing is not appropriate for every cracked or moving slab, so the condition should be assessed first. The best savings usually come from controlling finish complexity, preventing scope gaps, and avoiding unnecessary demolition or upgrades.