Do It Yourself Concrete Patio Cost

A concrete patio is a popular home improvement project that can add value to your home and provide a beautiful outdoor space for entertaining or relaxing. If you're considering installing a concrete patio yourself, it's important to factor in the cost of materials and labor. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs associated with a DIY concrete patio project:

Materials

The cost of materials for a concrete patio will vary depending on the size and thickness of the patio, as well as the type of concrete mix you use. Materials you need include:

Concrete mix: $10-$20 per cubic yard
Sand: $5-$10 per cubic yard
Gravel: $5-$10 per cubic yard
Rebar: $1-$2 per linear foot
Forms: $1-$2 per linear foot
Joints/Expansion joints: $3-$15 per square foot

For a 12x12 foot patio, you can expect to pay around $200-$400 for materials.

Labor

If you're hiring a concrete contractor to install your patio, you can expect to pay between $4-$8 per square foot. This price includes the cost of labor, materials, and equipment. However, if you're doing the work yourself, you can save a significant amount of money.

Tools

If you're planning to install a concrete patio yourself, you'll need to purchase or rent some basic tools. Tools you might need include:

Concrete mixer
Trowel
Edger
Level
Joints/Expansion joints
Screed
Concrete stamps (optional)

Renting these tools will cost around $50-$100 per day.

Preparation

Before you begin installing your concrete patio, you'll need to prepare the site. This involves clearing the area of any vegetation, leveling the ground, and creating a form for the concrete.

Excavation costs $10-$25 per cubic yard. You can do this step yourself or hire a contractor. The cost increase depends on what is required to prepare your specific site.

Installation

Once the site is prepared, you can begin installing the concrete. This involves mixing the concrete, pouring it into the form, and leveling it. You'll also need to create joints in the concrete to prevent it from cracking.

Concrete pouring costs $100-$200 per cubic yard. Again, this price is subject to change depending on the site prep and the total cubic yards poured.

Finishing

After the concrete has been poured, you'll need to finish it. This involves troweling the surface, edging the joints, and stamping or texturing the concrete. You can also add a sealant to protect the concrete from the elements.

Concrete finishing costs $2-$5 per square foot, but can increase depending on your design ideas.

Total Cost

The total cost of a DIY concrete patio will vary depending on the variables mentioned, but you can expect to pay between $4-$10 per square foot. For a 12x12 foot patio, the total cost will be between $576-$1,440. This includes the cost of materials, labor, tools, and preparation.