Here's the straight answer for St. Charles County in 2026: a basic broom-finished concrete patio runs about $8–$12 per square foot installed, and stamped or decorative patios run $12–$20 per square foot. What that means at real sizes:
- 12×12 (144 sq ft) starter patio: roughly $1,300–$1,700 broom finish; $1,800–$2,900 stamped
- 16×20 (320 sq ft) entertaining patio: roughly $2,700–$3,800 broom; $4,000–$6,400 stamped
- 20×25 (500 sq ft) full outdoor living space: roughly $4,200–$6,000 broom; $6,500–$10,000 stamped
What's included in a proper patio quote
A legitimate quote covers excavation and grading, a compacted gravel base, forms, reinforcement, the pour and finish, control joints, curing, and sealing. If a bid is far below the ranges above, one of those steps — usually the base — is being skipped, and that's exactly what causes patios to crack and settle within a few years.
What moves the price
Finish level. Broom finish is the budget option and still looks clean for decades. Exposed aggregate adds roughly $2–$4 per square foot. Full stamping with integral color and accent stain is the premium tier — and still typically 25–40% cheaper than pavers (see our stamped vs. pavers comparison).
Access. If a concrete truck can't get near the backyard, concrete has to be moved by pump or buggy, which adds labor. Fenced yards with narrow gates are the usual culprit.
Site work. Slopes that need cut-and-fill or a small retaining wall, tree roots, and old-patio tear-out all add real cost. Removing an existing patio typically runs $2–$4 per square foot extra.
Extras that are cheap now, expensive later. While the crew and forms are on site, adding a fire pit pad, a grill pad, or a connecting walkway costs far less than mobilizing a second project later. Plan the whole space once.
Patio vs. deck money math
A concrete patio typically costs less than a comparable wood deck up front, and dramatically less over 20 years: no staining, no board replacement, no structural inspections. Composite decking closes the maintenance gap but usually costs 1.5–2× more than stamped concrete installed.
Want a firm number for your yard? We measure, bring finish samples, and quote it in writing — free. Request your free patio estimate.