Decks & Patios · Materials and methods · Updated November 2026
Concrete Patio vs. Pavers: Cost and Trade-Offs
A poured concrete patio costs less up front. Pavers cost more but are easier to repair and less likely to show cracks, because the individual units can move without breaking.
Cost comparison
| Patio type | Installed cost per sq. ft. |
|---|---|
| Plain concrete | $4–$7 |
| Stamped concrete | $5–$15 |
| Concrete pavers | $8–$15 |
| Natural stone | $15–$50 |
| Removing an old concrete patio | $550–$1,700 (add-on) |
From our deck and patio cost guide. Published ranges: a 12×12 ft. concrete patio runs $850–$2,300; a 14×20 ft. paver patio runs $2,240–$7,000.
How they compare
| Poured concrete | Pavers | |
|---|---|---|
| Cracking | Control joints help, but cracks are common over time | Joints let units shift without cracking |
| Repairs | Patches may not match | Lift and reset or replace individual pavers |
| Look | Plain, colored or stamped patterns | Many shapes, colors and patterns |
| Upkeep | Seal stamped concrete periodically | Refill joint sand; weeds can appear in joints |
| Install time | Fast to pour; needs curing time | More labor to lay; usable right away |
What makes either last
A well-compacted gravel base, proper slope away from the house and good drainage matter more than the surface. Ask each contractor how deep the base will be and how water will drain.
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in our decks & patios cost guide, not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor.