How Much Concrete for a Patio?

Q: What's the best thickness for a patio slab?

For most residential patios, 4 inches is the standard thickness and provides adequate strength for normal use. However, if you plan to place heavy furniture, hot tubs, or vehicles on the patio, increase the thickness to 5-6 inches. Always check local building codes as some areas require minimum thicknesses. The thicker the slab, the more concrete you'll need, but it will be more durable and long-lasting.

Q: How many bags of concrete for a 10×10 patio?

For a 10×10 patio at 4 inches thick, you'll need approximately 55-60 bags of 80-pound concrete mix. This calculation is based on the volume: 10' × 10' × 0.33' (4 inches) = 33 cubic feet. Since each 80-pound bag covers about 0.6 cubic feet, you'll need 33 ÷ 0.6 = 55 bags. Always add 10% extra for waste and spillage, bringing the total to about 60-65 bags for a 10×10 patio project.

Q: Is ready-mix cheaper than bags?

Yes, ready-mix concrete is typically more cost-effective for projects larger than 1 cubic yard. While bagged concrete costs around $4-6 per 80-pound bag, ready-mix costs approximately $135-165 per cubic yard delivered. For a 10×10 patio (about 1.2 cubic yards), ready-mix would cost $160-200, compared to $240-360 for bagged concrete. Ready-mix also saves time and labor since it's delivered ready to pour, though you'll need to coordinate delivery timing and access.

Q: Can I pour concrete patio myself?

Yes, pouring a concrete patio is definitely achievable as a DIY project with proper preparation and planning. The key steps include: preparing the site with proper excavation and gravel base, building forms to contain the concrete, installing reinforcement (wire mesh or rebar), mixing and pouring the concrete, and finishing with proper curing. While it requires physical labor and attention to detail, many homeowners successfully complete patio projects. Consider starting with a smaller project to gain experience before tackling larger areas.

Planning to pour a concrete patio? Whether it’s a cozy spot for summer BBQs or a sleek backyard upgrade, one big question stands between you and the pour:

"How much concrete do I need for my patio?"

Don’t guesstimate — save money and avoid mid-pour panic with our easy Concrete Calculator. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to measure, estimate volume, and calculate cost for your concrete patio project.

What You'll Learn

Simple steps to measure any patio shape

Convert feet to cubic yards easily

Real cost comparison: bags vs truck delivery

When to add wire mesh and expansion joints

Quick reference table by patio size

Common mistakes to avoid

Want to skip the math? Try our free Concrete Calculator for instant results.

Step 1: Measure Your Patio Dimensions

Length (in feet or meters)
Width
Thickness (usually 4 inches or 0.33 feet)

Example: A 10 ft × 12 ft patio with 4-inch thickness

Step 2: Calculate Concrete Volume

You can use the formula:

Length × Width × Thickness = Volume (in cubic feet)

Then convert to cubic yards (since concrete is sold by the yard):

Cubic Feet ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards

Example Calculation:
10 ft × 12 ft × 0.33 ft = 39.6 cubic feet
39.6 ÷ 27 = 1.47 cubic yards

🎯 Or skip the math and use our free Concrete Calculator — just enter the numbers and we’ll handle the rest.

Step 3: Estimate the Cost

Bagged Concrete
80 lb bag = ~0.6 cubic feet
You’ll need around 66 bags for 1.47 cubic yards
Average bag cost: $5–$6
Estimated Total: $330–$400

Ready-Mix Delivery
National average: $135–$165 per cubic yard
1.5 yards × $150 = $225 (plus delivery)

Pro Tip: Add 5–10% extra for spillage, uneven ground, or rework

Step 4: Plan for Reinforcement

Wire mesh or rebar
4–6 inches of gravel base for drainage and stability
Expansion joints for larger patios (over 10 ft)

Even if you’re doing a simple patio, reinforcement helps prevent cracking.

Summary: Concrete for Patio Cheat Sheet

Patio Size	Thickness	Concrete Needed (yd³)	Bags (80 lb)
10 ft × 10 ft	4 in	1.23	~55 bags
12 ft × 12 ft	4 in	1.78	~79 bags
10 ft × 20 ft	4 in	2.47	~110 bags
15 ft × 15 ft	4 in	2.78	~124 bags

📌 Use our Concrete Calculator for any custom size or depth.

FAQ: Patio Concrete Questions

Q: What's the best thickness for a patio slab?

A: 4 inches is the standard. Use 5–6 inches for heavy furniture or hot tubs.

Q: How many bags of concrete for a 10×10 patio?

A: Around 55–60 bags (80 lb) if 4 inches thick.

Q: Is ready-mix cheaper than bags?

A: Yes — for anything over 1 cubic yard, ready-mix is usually more cost-effective.

Q: Can I pour concrete patio myself?

A: Yes! It's a manageable DIY project with proper prep, reinforcement, and planning.

Ready to Get Started?

Use our free Concrete Calculator to figure out exactly how much concrete you need in seconds.

No sign-up. No fuss. Just simple, accurate results.

👉 Calculate Now

Key Points Covered

How to measure your patio
Concrete volume formula
Bagged vs. ready-mix cost
Reinforcement tips
Concrete calculator usage
Patio concrete FAQ

What You'll Learn

Step 1: Measure Your Patio Dimensions

Step 2: Calculate Concrete Volume

Step 3: Estimate the Cost

Step 4: Plan for Reinforcement

Summary: Concrete for Patio Cheat Sheet

FAQ: Patio Concrete Questions

Q: What's the best thickness for a patio slab?

Q: How many bags of concrete for a 10×10 patio?

Q: Is ready-mix cheaper than bags?

Q: Can I pour concrete patio myself?

Ready to Get Started?

Key Points Covered

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