Reviewed and updated August 2026 by Bill Konves.
Quick Answer
Most concrete patios in Columbus cost $15 to $23 per square foot installed. A broom finish runs $15 to $19 per square foot, and stamped concrete runs $19 to $23. Our patio projects start at a job minimum of $8,500 for broom and $9,500 for stamped, so smaller patios are priced at the minimum. For a firm number, we measure on site.
Most concrete patios in the Columbus area run about $15 to $23 per square foot, with a basic broom finish on the low end and stamped concrete on the high end. Final pricing depends on factors like the patio’s size, the chosen finish, site conditions, steps, borders, removal of old materials, and access. At Arlington Concrete, we’ve poured patios across Central Ohio since 2002 with our own crew – owner Matt is on site for every quote and every pour – so you get reliable pricing and workmanship you can trust.
How much does a concrete patio cost in Columbus, Ohio?
In simple terms, you’ll typically see Columbus patios in the $15–$23 per square foot range. Broom-finish concrete (plain, unadorned surface) is at the lower end of that range, while stamped concrete (with patterns and color) pushes to the higher end.
You will find lower per-foot numbers online, but those usually reflect thinner slabs, less base prep, and no removal or sealing included. Our pricing runs higher because we pour a thicker, stronger slab and build the extras into the number up front, so there are no surprises later.
Smaller patios land at our job minimum because the crew, forming, and finishing take a full setup no matter the size.
What’s included in the price?
Every Arlington Concrete patio includes 4.5 inches of 4500-psi concrete over a compacted base, with fiber-reinforced mix and a water-repellent admixture for freeze-thaw durability. We also handle any removal and haul-off of an old patio or pavers in the way – this is built into our quote so homeowners aren’t surprised by add-on fees later. (For broom finishes, we even apply a cure-and-seal coat to protect the new surface through its first winter.)
Keep in mind that for a firm price we will always do a site visit: Matt will measure the area, check the grade, drainage and access, and confirm any permit or HOA requirements before giving you a final number.
Arlington’s quotes always include removal and haul-off of an existing concrete or paver patio in the way, so you won’t be hit with a separate demolition charge afterward. Every pour comes with all materials and labor built in. Remember, the best way to lock in a price is an on-site quote: once we know your exact dimensions and needs, we can give a number we’ll stand behind.
What affects concrete patio cost per square foot?
The short answer is: many things. The “$ per sq ft” ballpark is useful for planning, but the final cost can vary widely. For starters, patio size makes a big difference. Small patios often cost more per square foot because the crew still has to haul equipment, set up forms, and finish the concrete just as carefully as on a large job. A national concrete guide notes that “price per square foot goes down as the patio gets bigger,” and that for very small patios some contractors even use a flat minimum fee.
Next, the finish matters. A plain broom finish is the simplest and most affordable – it’s just a broom-textured concrete surface – whereas stamped concrete takes extra work. Stamped jobs require adding colors, laying patterns or molds, and working the concrete at the right time while it’s still wet. All that labor and the pigments themselves raise the cost. In either case, a correctly installed concrete patio (with sufficient base and reinforcement) will be equally durable, but stamped concrete costs more up front.
Site conditions also drive price. Is the ground level, or does it need grading? Is there an existing patio to demo? How easy is access for a concrete truck and crew? What about drainage or slopes – do we need to form grades or steps?
The same factors affect driveway pricing, including size, removal, grading, drainage, access, and concrete thickness. See our guide to concrete driveway replacement costs in Columbus for a detailed breakdown.
An open, flat backyard is quicker to prep than a tight yard with lots of landscaping. Additional features like adding steps down from your house, a decorative slate border, a fire-pit base, connecting walkways, or a pad for a hot tub will also add time and material.
For example, a concrete border or trim is usually quoted by linear foot; concrete steps (especially with a finished face) are quoted by linear foot as well, since the labor is in the forms and risers, not just area. Every extra element changes the scope, and thus the price.
In short, use the per-square-foot figure for a rough budget, but remember the true cost comes from the complete scope of work. We always encourage homeowners to call us with a size and desired finish so we can give a realistic range, then follow up with a visit for a firm quote.
How much does a stamped concrete patio cost in Columbus?
A stamped concrete patio in Columbus costs $19 to $23 per square foot installed. Stamped runs higher than a broom finish because of the added labor, the pattern work, and the color. All of our stamped patterns are priced the same, so the choice comes down to the look you want, not the cost. Our stamped patio projects start at a $9,500 minimum.
Want to compare patterns, colors, and project options? Explore our stamped concrete patio services in Columbus before scheduling your estimate.
You can see full-size stamp and color samples in person at Deco-Crete Supply in Columbus, where we buy our stamp and color materials, or browse our design catalog first to narrow down a look.
Broom finish vs stamped concrete patio cost
“Broom finish” is the standard, workmanlike look for concrete patios. After the concrete is poured, the crew drags a broom across the surface to give it texture. It’s clean, slip-resistant, and very durable. It’s also the most affordable, because it requires no extra shaping or coloring. Many homeowners choose broom finish for its simplicity and durability – it does the job and lasts for decades with minimal maintenance.
By contrast, stamped concrete is chosen for appearance. While the concrete is still wet, we press it with rubber stamps or molds to create patterns (stone, slate, brick, tile, etc.) and can also add integral color or a stain. The result can convincingly mimic natural stone or pavers. Stamped concrete takes more hands-on time: we must work quickly while the concrete is fresh, apply release agent or color, lay out stamps, and often blend multiple colors. All that extra labor and material pushes stamped patios to the higher end of the price range.
Broom finish patio: $15 to $19 per square foot. Clean, durable, the most affordable option.
Stamped concrete patio: $19 to $23 per square foot. Pressed with a pattern and color to mimic stone, slate, or brick.
Both broom finish and stamped patios are very durable when poured with proper materials (4500 PSI mix, fiber, base compaction). The difference is not structural but aesthetic and economic. Stamped concrete gives you a patio that looks like flagstone, brick, or cobblestone at a fraction of those materials’ cost, but it will usually cost more than a broom-finished slab. Either way, a correctly installed concrete patio will hold up for many years – stamped just looks fancier.
Stamped concrete patios in Columbus can mimic stone or brick – the trade-off is higher cost than a plain broom finish.
Why smaller patios can cost more per square foot
A common question: “Why is the per-foot price so much higher on my 200 sq ft patio than on my neighbor’s 1,000 sq ft patio?” The reason is fixed costs. Pouring concrete involves a crew, equipment, time to set up forms, pour, finish, and clean up – most of which doesn’t scale down linearly. A crew will mobilize for a small patio just as they would for a big one. So on a small job, those fixed setup and tear-down costs are spread over fewer square feet, raising the per-square-foot price.
Think of it this way: It costs nearly as much effort to pour a 100-sq ft slab as it does to pour a 1,000-sq ft slab. You still bring a concrete truck, run a hose or pump line, form the edges, finish the concrete, and clean up the same way. Thus, smaller patios often see a higher “$ per sq ft.”
In fact, some contractors charge a minimum total price on very small patios. We mention this upfront during our estimate so you aren’t surprised – often the solution is to slightly increase the size of a small patio or add an element (like a step or fire-pit pad) to get more area, which can actually lower the per-foot cost.
What is included in Arlington Concrete’s patio pricing?
At Arlington Concrete, we aim to make our pricing transparent. Every quote includes:
- Concrete slab: We pour 4.5 inches of 4500-psi concrete (strong mix designed for Central Ohio’s freeze-thaw conditions) over a compacted gravel base.
- Reinforcement: Fiber reinforcement in the mix for crack control.
- Admixtures: A water-repellent admixture for durability against moisture and winter weather.
- Finishing: A broom finish on plain slabs, or full stamping/coloring work on decorative slabs. (Every broom-finish patio also gets a coat of liquid cure-and-seal after pouring, to protect it through the first winter.)
- Removal & haul-off: If an old concrete or paver patio must be removed first, we include the demo and disposal in the price.
These specs mean our patios are built to last. For example, 4500-psi with fiber and proper curing resists cracking in freeze-thaw cycles. We could skimp on these and give a lower quote, but we want your patio to be a quality addition that stands the test of time – that’s why our pricing may seem higher than some quotes that cut corners.
Arlington Concrete uses a 4.5″ slab of 4500-psi mix with fiber and repellant, so your patio will resist Ohio’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Common upgrades that change the price
Many homeowners like to upgrade their patio area, and each upgrade adds cost:
- Decorative borders: It’s popular to surround a broom-finish field with a colored or textured border (e.g. a slate or accent border). These are usually priced per linear foot around the patio.
- Steps: If your patio sits below a door or you need a drop to the yard, steps are needed. Concrete steps are priced per linear foot (per tread) because the cost is in forming the rise/run. Finished faces (like a stone veneer or limestone cap on the steps) also add material cost.
- Fire pits: A concrete pad or pour for a fire pit (inset or freestanding) is an add-on. We’d include the pit’s size (square or round pad) in the scope.
- Walkways or pads: Extending a patio by connecting a path to the house or grill, or adding a spa/hot tub pad, is priced as part of the whole project. For example, a small sidewalk to the house might be charged by its own square footage or as a bonus detail in the quote.
In general, each feature is scoped and priced based on labor and materials. For instance, a custom pattern border (like a slate-look stamp around the edge) takes extra time, so we’ll add that to your estimate. Steps often double the effort since we’re effectively pouring and forming an extra structure. We’ll always review these upgrades during our visit and clarify how they factor into the price.
Do concrete patios in Columbus need permits or HOA approval?
The actual concrete pour is the same throughout the metro area, but the approval process can vary by city or subdivision. In many planned communities (Powell, parts of Dublin, Lewis Center, etc.), the HOA must approve any new patio design before work starts. They typically want to see a scaled drawing of the patio and any color/pattern for stamped concrete.
We handle that for you: we can draw your patio on your lot’s plat plan (the survey you got at closing) so the HOA can review it. For stamped or colored patios, they often have a design catalog or require samples; we’ll help you pick patterns and then submit those samples if needed.
On the municipal side, some cities or towns require permits for patios. For example, Upper Arlington requires a zoning compliance certificate even for patios, which you submit with a site plan. (It’s not a full building permit but it’s a city paperwork step.) In contrast, the City of Delaware (OH) specifically states that patios do not require a permit. In Columbus itself, you typically need a permit if the patio attaches to the house or if it meets certain size thresholds. Check the City’s Building and Zoning Services documents and forms.
In general, Arlington Concrete checks city and county rules for your address. Any permit fee (city or township) is included in our quote so there are no surprise extra charges later.
Arlington Concrete can sketch your patio to scale on your lot’s plat plan or survey to help with HOA or city approval requirements.
Our service area includes Columbus, Dublin, Powell, Upper Arlington, New Albany, Worthington, Lewis Center, Delaware, and nearby. Each place has its quirks on permits/HOA. But don’t worry – we’re experienced with local rules. We’ll pull the relevant regulations and handle the paperwork as part of our process, so you can focus on planning your patio.
Stamped concrete patio ideas and design choices
Stamped concrete gives you a lot of design flexibility. You can mimic stone, slate, brick, tile, wood planks, cobblestone, etc. Common stamped patterns include random stone, ashlar slate, cobblestone, and brick patterns – each conveys a different look (rustic, classic, modern). Homeowners pick stamp patterns and colors that complement their house or landscaping. For example, earthy browns and grays might imitate fieldstone, while terracotta tones mimic brick.
For color, we often use integral color (mixed in) and/or a color release (powder on the stamp) to create depth. You can have one solid color or two or more colors (e.g. one color on the main field and a different color on the border). We will point you to Deco-Crete Supply in Columbus, where you can see full-size stamp and color samples in person. It is where we buy our stamp and color materials, so the samples are the exact products we use on your patio.
Before choosing a pattern, browse our stamped concrete patio design catalog to see the stone, slate, brick, and travertine-style options available for Columbus patios.
The key is that stamped concrete offers a rich palette of ideas and designs – you’re not limited to plain grey. But keep in mind each pattern/color choice can affect cost (more colors, custom shapes, or intricate patterns cost more labor). Our team will walk you through the options so you get the look you want at a price that fits your budget.
Columbus homeowners can choose from many designs (stone, brick, slate look, etc.) and colors; Arlington Concrete can show you real patio samples before pouring.
Stamped concrete patio vs pavers: cost and maintenance
When comparing options, it often comes down to decorative goals and upkeep:
Stamped concrete patios let you have a decorative surface without laying individual stones. Pavers (brick, concrete, or stone pavers) can achieve a similar look, but pavers usually have higher up-front costs and different upkeep. For example, one guide cites paver patios averaging about $20–$35 per square foot installed – generally more than plain stamped concrete (though very elaborate stamped designs can approach that range).
Pavers also have joints where grass or weeds can grow, and sometimes need periodic re-sanding or re-leveling if stones settle. Stamped concrete, being a continuous slab, needs only a routine reseal (every 3–5 years) and is less likely to shift underfoot.
So the best choice depends on your goals and maintenance plan. If you want a custom pattern and color on a single slab (and the lowest maintenance after installation), stamped concrete is a strong choice. If you love the look of real stone pavers and don’t mind the extra cost and joint maintenance, pavers can be beautiful too. We’re happy to discuss the pros and cons for your particular project during the quote process.
Why the firm number comes from an on-site visit
At Arlington Concrete, we give ballpark estimates by phone or email once we know your patio’s approximate size and finish choice. However, a final quote requires Matt to see the property in person. Why? Because site conditions can change the scope.
When Matt visits, he measures the exact area, checks the yard’s grade and drainage, examines access for equipment, and looks for any existing structures to remove. He’ll also confirm HOA setbacks or city requirements on site. This way, when we quote a number, it’s one we can stand behind without unexpected adjustments.
Before comparing quotes, review what to ask when hiring a concrete contractor in Columbus so you can evaluate base preparation, drainage, finishing, and who will complete the work.
We know homeowners want clarity on cost, so our goal is to be as accurate as possible from the start. Once Matt does the visit, you get a detailed written proposal. It’s part of our service to make sure the number covers everything – from grading to stamps to permits – so there are no surprises later.
Getting a concrete patio quote in Columbus
Ready to get an idea of what your patio will cost? Here’s how our process works:
- Send your address and patio idea. Tell us the rough dimensions (or attach a sketch), whether you prefer broom finish or stamped (and if stamped, any pattern ideas), and note any add-ons (like steps, borders, fire pit, walkway, etc.).
- Get a ballpark estimate. We’ll give you an early cost range by email or phone based on what you’ve told us.
- Schedule an on-site quote. We’ll arrange a convenient time for Matt to visit. He’ll measure your space, evaluate the grade/drainage and access, and finalize the scope. You’ll get a written proposal with a firm price.
- Plan the project. Once you approve the quote and any HOA/permit issues are handled, we’ll schedule your patio pour. We often book several weeks out during the busy season, so the sooner we talk, the sooner you’ll have your new patio.
Ready to price your concrete patio?
Send us your address and what you have in mind, and we’ll give you a ballpark before scheduling a visit. We look forward to helping you create the perfect outdoor space!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 20×20 concrete patio cost in Columbus?
A 20×20 patio is 400 square feet. Our patio projects start at $8,500 for a broom finish and $9,500 for stamped, and at 400 square feet a patio lands at or just under the minimum. So for most 20×20 patios, the minimum is the number to plan around. If you want more for your money, the better move is to size the patio up or add a feature like steps, a border, or a fire pit, which brings the per-foot cost down. We give you a precise number after measuring on site.
Is stamped concrete more expensive than broom finish concrete?
Yes. Stamped concrete is almost always more expensive than plain broom finish. The reason is the extra labor and materials: adding colors, applying stamp patterns, and timing the work carefully all add time and cost. You can think of broom finish as the “standard” slab and stamped as an upgrade. Both can be very durable, but stamped looks like decorative stone or brick. If you want a patterned, colored patio, be prepared to pay on the higher side of the range.
Why do small concrete patios cost more per square foot?
A small patio isn’t just a miniature version of a large one. The crew still must haul equipment, set up forms, prep the base, pour and finish the concrete, and clean up afterwards. These steps take nearly the same effort whether the slab is 200 sq ft or 1,000 sq ft. So those fixed costs (labor, travel, tools) get spread over fewer square feet on a small job, raising the per-foot price. In short, $ per square foot is a convenient metric but the actual cost depends on the total job. This is why we often suggest making a small patio a bit bigger or adding an extra feature (like a step or fire-pit pad) so that it becomes more cost-effective.
Is cement patio cost the same as concrete patio cost?
Not exactly. The term “cement patio” is often used informally, but the material we pour is concrete (which contains cement plus gravel, sand, and water). In everyday language, concrete patios are often called cement patios, but cement by itself is just an ingredient. So if you’re comparing “cement vs concrete patio,” you’re really comparing materials vs job type. Homeowners searching that term are usually asking about the cost of a poured concrete patio (with a cement-based mix). If you were to use just cement (like forming a slab of pure cement, which is very rare), it wouldn’t be standard or cost-effective. Stick with concrete (cement mix) – it’s what concrete contractors use and quote.
Do I need HOA approval for a concrete patio in Columbus suburbs?
It depends on your neighborhood’s rules. Many newer or planned communities (Powell, Dublin, Lewis Center, New Albany, etc.) do require HOA approval for a new patio, especially if it’s stamped/colored or visible from the street. The HOA will want a site plan and often a color/pattern sample. Arlington Concrete handles this by drawing your patio on your lot’s plat survey (which most HOAs require) and helping submit color/pattern samples. Always check your HOA guidelines first. For cities and townships: some (like Upper Arlington) need a zoning permit or certificate, while others (like the City of Delaware) explicitly exempt patios from needing a permit. We’ll figure out what applies at your address and make sure any approvals and fees are part of your quote.
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