An exposed aggregate patio typically costs $8-$18 per square foot installed, with many standard projects landing near $12 per square foot. The final price depends on patio size, aggregate and color choices, site preparation, access, and local concrete labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed patio | $8 per sq ft | $12 per sq ft | $18 per sq ft | Standard concrete base and exposed finish |
| 300-sq-ft patio | $2,400 | $3,600 | $5,400 | Before unusual drainage or access work |
| Site preparation | $1 per sq ft | $3 per sq ft | $8 per sq ft | More if excavation or removal is needed |
| Sealer | $0.50 per sq ft | $1 per sq ft | $2 per sq ft | May be included in the installation quote |
What Does an Exposed Aggregate Patio Cost Per Square Foot?
Installed pricing generally runs $8-$18 per square foot, or about $2,400-$5,400 for a 300-square-foot patio. A straightforward rectangular pour with standard local stone and normal backyard access is often close to the $12-per-square-foot average. Decorative aggregate, custom borders, small-job minimums, or difficult grading can push the quote toward the upper end.
For a typical 300-square-foot installation, a practical starting budget is about $3,600 before site complications. Estimates should specify the concrete thickness, reinforcement, aggregate blend, finish, and whether excavation, base gravel, and sealing are included. Assumptions: U.S. residential project, standard concrete mix, typical access, and no major drainage correction.
Where Concrete, Labor, and Finishing Charges Add Up
Contractors may quote a single installed price or list materials and tasks separately. The ranges below are common planning figures; line items vary by market and may overlap when a contractor bundles labor, equipment, and finishing.
| Quote item | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete and aggregate | $3-$7 | Per sq ft | Mix design, stone color, and delivery distance |
| Placement and finishing labor | $3-$7 | Per sq ft | Pour size, crew access, and finish complexity |
| Base, grading, and forming | $1-$5 | Per sq ft | Soil condition, slope, and excavation depth |
| Reinforcement and joints | $0.50-$2 | Per sq ft | Mesh or rebar specification and layout |
| Sealing and cleanup | $0.50-$2 | Per sq ft | Sealer type and debris disposal |
Ask whether the base preparation and sealer are included before comparing bottom-line quotes. Concrete pump rental, old patio removal, and hauling may appear as separate charges.
How Patio Size, Aggregate, and Site Access Shift Quotes
Patio area affects both the total and the per-square-foot rate. Projects below roughly 150 square feet may cost more per square foot because setup and delivery minimums are spread over less area; a 500-square-foot pour may get a lower unit rate if access and layout remain simple. Irregular edges also require more forming and finishing time.
Aggregate selection changes appearance and sometimes material cost. Standard locally available stone may fit a basic quote, while colored or specialty stone can add about $1-$4 per square foot. A slope exceeding roughly 2 inches across the patio, soft soil, or a narrow route that prevents truck access can add excavation, stabilization, or pumping charges. Confirm drainage slope and stone blend in writing because both affect the finished surface and estimate.
How Long Does Exposed Aggregate Patio Installation Take?
A typical crew of three to five workers may need one to three days for excavation, forming, pouring, and washing the surface, depending on patio size and site conditions. The exposed finish requires careful timing: the surface retarder and wash must be coordinated with the concrete set, so weather and crew scheduling matter.
Concrete usually needs several days before light foot traffic and around a week before heavier use, although the contractor’s mix and weather guidance should take precedence. Labor is often embedded in the installed rate; for estimating, a crew may represent roughly 24-60 labor hours. Rain delays, hot weather, and hard-to-reach yards can extend the schedule or increase labor charges.
Three Patio Quotes for Common U.S. Project Sizes
These examples use installed rates that include ordinary forming and finishing, but not major demolition or drainage work. They illustrate how scope affects total price rather than setting a fixed national rate.
| Project | Rate assumption | Estimated total | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180 sq ft | $15 per sq ft | $2,700 | Small patio, standard aggregate, minimum charge applies |
| 300 sq ft | $12 per sq ft | $3,600 | Simple layout, ordinary access, basic sealer |
| 500 sq ft | $16 per sq ft | $8,000 | Colored stone, border detail, moderate grading |
A low unit price does not guarantee the lowest project total if preparation or disposal is excluded. Compare the same square footage and written scope across bids.
Regional Concrete Rates in the Midwest, South, and West
Local labor, concrete supply, and delivery distances can move patio pricing substantially. As a broad comparison, Midwest and many Southern markets may fall near the national midpoint, while high-cost coastal metros in the Northeast or West can run about 15%-35% higher. Rural areas may have lower labor rates but higher delivery charges when a ready-mix plant is far away.
Climate also matters. Freeze-thaw regions may require careful base preparation and suitable concrete specifications, while hot-weather pours may need faster placement coordination. Use local quotes rather than a national average when setting the final budget. Request the delivery fee and any short-load charge separately, especially for patios under 200 square feet.
Is Exposed Aggregate Cheaper Than Pavers or Broom-Finished Concrete?
Exposed aggregate commonly costs more than a basic broom-finished concrete patio, often priced around $6-$12 per square foot installed, because the surface requires a controlled wash and decorative stone. It may still cost less than many paver installations, which often run about $12-$25 per square foot with a prepared base and installation.
Pavers allow individual units to be replaced, while concrete can crack and may require patching or replacement of a larger area. A stamped concrete finish is another comparison, often around $10-$20 per square foot. Compare the complete installed scope and upkeep, not just the surface price.
Which Prep and Finish Choices Can Lower the Patio Bill?
Keeping the design rectangular, using a standard local aggregate, and limiting borders or color changes can reduce forming and finishing time. Clearing furniture and vegetation before the crew arrives may help, but excavation and base compaction should remain part of the contractor’s scope when required for a durable slab.
Get at least three written estimates that list square footage, thickness, reinforcement, grading, disposal, sealer, and warranty terms. Ask whether a simpler broom finish meets the project’s needs, and avoid paying for decorative upgrades that do not improve function. Scope consistency is the most reliable way to identify a genuinely lower quote.