This article explains the cost of installing an aggregate concrete patio in the United States, with clear price ranges and the main drivers that influence total spend. Expect price variability based on size, thickness, finish, and site access. The section below captures typical costs and per-square-foot rates to help plan a budget for a standard backyard patio.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Per sq ft (aggregate concrete patio)	$6	$9	$20	Includes material, basic finish, and standard prep
Typical patio size (examples)	100 sq ft	250 sq ft	500 sq ft	Common backyards and small patios
Total project (10×12 ft)	$720	$1,080	$2,400	Assumes mid-range thickness and finish
Exposed aggregate with color	$8	$12	$20	Colorant and aggregate options add cost
Crew and labor	$2,000	$4,000	$8,000	Varies by region and access

Aggregate Concrete Patio Cost by Size

Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 4-inch thick slab, broom finish, typical gravel base. For smaller 100 sq ft patios, prices are commonly $6-$8 per sq ft, totaling $600-$800. Larger 300-400 sq ft projects shift toward $8-$12 per sq ft, or $2,400-$4,800, depending on base quality and color accents. Exposed aggregates and color additives push per sq ft toward $12-$20 with a total often in the $3,600-$8,000 range for 300-400 sq ft. When a thicker slab (5 inches) or complex layout is required, expect higher costs per sq ft and longer install times.

Major Cost Components in Aggregate Patio Quotes

Assumptions: Standard 4-inch slab on compacted base, no drainage work beyond trenching. Materials typically account for 25%–45% of total pricing, with labor and equipment comprising most of the remainder. A typical breakdown includes materials (concrete mix, color, aggregate), labor (formwork, pouring, finishing), equipment (compactors, concrete tools), and site prep (grading, base installation). The table below outlines a representative quote structure.

Component	Low	Average	High	Notes
Materials (concrete mix, aggregate, color)	$2.00	$3.50	$6.50	Per sq ft
Labor	$2.00	$3.50	$7.00	Pour, form, finish
Equipment	$0.50	$1.50	$3.00	Tools, access equipment
Base/ prep materials	$0.50	$1.50	$4.00	Gravel, sand, forms
Permits/inspections	$0	$0.50	$1.50	Local requirements vary
Delivery/ disposal	$0.50	$1.00	$2.50	Dump fees, haul off

Key Variables That Change the Final Price

Assumptions: Regional wage differences, access constraints, and chosen finish. Thickness and aggregate type are the dominant drivers: 4 inches vs 5 inches can add $0.50-$1.50 per sq ft. Color and decorative aggregates add $1-$4 per sq ft, depending on material quality. Site access impacts equipment use and may raise labor by 15%-25% in tight lots. Drainage needs, such as slopes or downspouts, can add $300-$2,000 in prep costs for larger patios.

Finish Type and Texture Impact on Price

Assumptions: broom finish on a 4-inch slab with standard gray concrete. Basic broom finish stays near the lower end, while exposed aggregate with seeding or polished surfaces increases price by 20%-60%. A honed or stamped finish can push total above $12 per sq ft in some markets. For a 200 sq ft patio, expect roughly $1,200-$2,400 for standard finishes and $2,400-$6,000 for exposed or decorative options.

Regional Variations Across the United States

Assumptions: Suburban markets with typical permit processes and accessible driveways. Midwest regions tend to be on the lower end of per-sq-ft quotes, while coastal and large-city markets run higher due to labor and material costs. Typical ranges by region might be around $6-$12 per sq ft in many inland areas, $9-$16 per sq ft in coastal suburbs, and $12-$20 per sq ft in dense metropolitan cores for exposed aggregate. A 250 sq ft patio could cost $1,500-$3,000 in the Midwest, versus $2,250-$6,000 in high-cost markets.

Region-Specific Example: 12×14 Patio in Suburban Midwest

Assumptions: Standard 4-inch slab, broom finish, local materials, no complex drainage. The project range often lands around $7,000-$9,500 total for 168 sq ft of exposed aggregate, or $42-$56 per sq ft including color and base improvements. Simple base prep and color adds may add $1,000-$2,500 depending on subgrade conditions. For a tighter lot, mobilization fees could push the total higher by several hundred dollars.

Ways to Cut Aggregate Patio Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

Assumptions: You can adjust scope modestly without changing fundamental durability. Limit scope by sticking to standard gray concrete with a broom finish and avoiding premium colors or intricate patterns. Opt for a 4-inch slab rather than 5 inches, use a standard aggregate rather than a premium decorative blend, and perform prep work in dry, mild weather to reduce labor time. Scheduling in a non-peak season can lower crew rates by 5%-15%. Bundling delivery and disposal with the same contractor often yields a small discount.

Comparing Concrete Options: Poured Aggregate versus Alternatives

Assumptions: You’re weighing a budget patio against durability and aesthetics. Poured aggregate concrete typically costs less than stamped concrete but more than plain gray by about 20%-40% depending on color and texture. GFRC or decorative overlays may offer long-term durability but come with higher upfront prices per sq ft. For a 150 sq ft project, plain concrete might be $900-$1,500, while exposed aggregate could land at $2,000-$3,500 depending on color and stone choice.

Mini Quote Scenarios: Real-World Examples

Assumptions: Three quotes at 150-180 sq ft each, typical access, local materials. Scenario A shows basic gray 4-inch slab at $6-$8 per sq ft total $900-$1,440. Scenario B adds exposed aggregate and color at $12-$16 per sq ft totaling $1,800-$2,880. Scenario C includes prep work and drainage at $16-$20 per sq ft totaling $2,400-$3,600.

Practical considerations for planning

Assumptions: Planning around a single contractor with standard crew sizes. Expect a typical turn-key project to take 2-5 days depending on weather and access, with scheduling possibly affecting pricing by a small margin. For a 200 sq ft project, plan for a range of about $1,200-$2,400 for basic work, up to $3,600-$4,000 if adding color, texture, and drainage improvements.

Warranty, Maintenance, And Longevity Considerations

Assumptions: Standard one-year workmanship warranty, basic cure time observed. Water- and freeze-thaw resistance are built into mid-range mixes, while premium colored aggregates may require more maintenance. Expect resealing every 2-3 years to protect color and surface wear, with reseal costs typically $0.50-$1.50 per sq ft per treatment. A well-installed aggregate patio can last 20+ years with proper base preparation and drainage.

Cost Summary And Quick Reference

Assumptions: Typical backyard setting, 4-inch slab, standard access. Average total costs cluster around $9-$12 per sq ft for basic exposed aggregate, with higher-end finishes running $12-$20 per sq ft. For quick planning, a 200 sq ft patio could range from $1,800 to $4,000, depending on finish and site specifics. Always include base prep and potential permit fees in your estimate to avoid surprises.

Per-Unit And Per-Project Pricing Snapshot

Assumptions: Concrete work priced by square foot and job scope is fixed to residential patio size. Per sq ft pricing is the most common method, but some contractors quote per job for small projects. A standard base rate might be $6-$9 per sq ft for concrete only, with $2-$4 per sq ft for color or decorative aggregate, and $1-$3 per sq ft for delivery and disposal. A 180 sq ft project commonly falls in the $1,620-$2,880 range before specialty finishes or drainage work.

Trade Task	Low	Average	High	Notes
Site prep and base material	$600	$1,200	$2,000	Gravel, sand, grading
Concrete mix and aggregate	$1,000	$1,800	$3,600	Color options extra
Finishing and brooming	$200	$500	$1,000
Labor and installation	$1,000	$2,000	$4,000	Includes pour and cure
Permits and inspections	$0	$250	$1,000	Depends on locality
Delivery and disposal	$150	$300	$700	Waste and material transport