A 20×20 patio is 400 square feet. In 2026, a plain concrete patio commonly costs about $1,600 to $4,800, while broom-finish, stained, stamped, or other decorative work can push the same footprint to roughly $3,200 to $12,000 depending on finish and site conditions.
Use our concrete patio cost calculator to adjust for square footage, finish, site preparation, and local pricing.
20×20 Concrete Patio Cost by Finish
| Finish / Scope | 2026 Planning Range | Typical Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Plain / smooth | $1,600–$4,800 | Simple slab, accessible yard, standard prep |
| Broom / upgraded basic | $2,400–$6,400 | Textured finish, reinforcement, normal grading |
| Stamped / decorative | $3,200–$12,000 | Color, patterns, premium finish, more labor |
Why 400 Sq Ft Is a Useful Planning Size
A 20×20 slab is large enough for dining, seating, a grill, and circulation without becoming an oversized hardscape project for many yards. Because 400 sq ft is a common dimension, it is also easy to compare contractor quotes on a per-square-foot basis.
Example Budget
At $8 per sq ft, a 400 sq ft patio costs about $3,200. At $12 per sq ft, the same footprint is about $4,800. Decorative finishes, demolition, difficult access, or drainage work can move the project above those figures.
Site Preparation Can Change the Price Fast
The slab itself is only part of the job. Excavation, grading, compacted base, forms, reinforcement, and drainage all matter. A level backyard with direct equipment access is cheaper than a sloped site that needs hand excavation, pumping, retaining work, or extensive soil correction.
Common Add-On Costs
- Removal of an old patio or pavers
- Excavation and hauling
- Gravel base and compaction
- Wire mesh or rebar
- Drainage corrections
- Thicker slab sections
- Color, stamping, or exposed aggregate
- Sealer
- Permit fees where required
Concrete Patio vs. Deck
Concrete is often less expensive than a comparably sized deck and usually requires less routine maintenance. A deck can be more flexible on sloped sites and may provide a different look or elevation. Compare the project using our deck cost calculator if both options are possible.
How to Compare Concrete Patio Quotes
Two 20×20 patio quotes can look similar while covering very different work. Ask each contractor to spell out the slab thickness, concrete strength, base depth, reinforcement, joint layout, finish, drainage work, access assumptions, cleanup, and whether a concrete pump is included. A lower bid that excludes excavation or base preparation may not be directly comparable with a complete turnkey proposal.
- Confirm the finished patio dimensions and thickness.
- Ask what base material and compaction are included.
- Confirm reinforcement and control-joint details.
- Identify drainage or grading work before the pour.
- Ask whether demolition, hauling, sealing, and cleanup are included.
FAQ
How much does a basic 20×20 concrete patio cost?
Plain concrete commonly falls around $1,600 to $4,800, depending on local labor, base preparation, access, thickness, and finish.
How much is a stamped 20×20 patio?
Decorative stamped work can range roughly from $3,200 to $12,000 for 400 sq ft depending on pattern, color, prep, and local rates.
Do I need rebar?
Reinforcement requirements depend on slab design, soil, thickness, loads, and local practice. Contractors may use rebar, wire mesh, fibers, or a combination.
What a 20×20 Patio Project Really Includes
A 20-by-20 patio is 400 square feet, but the concrete slab is only part of the job. Site access, excavation, base preparation, reinforcement, concrete thickness, drainage, control joints and finish all affect the installed price. Ask contractors to describe these items rather than quoting only a price per square foot.
Base Preparation and Drainage
A durable patio needs stable, compacted support beneath the concrete and enough slope to move water away from the house. Poor drainage or soft soil can require additional excavation, aggregate base or grading. These conditions are difficult to price accurately without seeing the site, so treat online ranges as planning numbers.
Questions for Concrete Contractors
- How thick will the slab be?
- What base material and compaction method are included?
- Is reinforcement included, and what type?
- How will control joints be laid out?
- What finish is included: broom, smooth, stained or stamped?
- Are excavation, haul-away and final grading included?
- How will the patio be sloped for drainage?
Compare quotes that describe the same slab design and site preparation. A lower number can be misleading if it excludes base work, reinforcement or disposal that another contractor includes.
Sources: Concrete Network — Concrete Patio Cost (2026) and Angi — Concrete Patio Cost (2026).