How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost in Tampa? Your Complete Guide to Budgeting Your Patio

Dreaming of a cozy concrete patio and actually getting one installed are two different things. In the first one, you just have to picture it in your mind and think about having a good time. In the second, you have to consider a lot of things - budget, climate and topography, permits and insurance, and the list goes on. But if you are on the verge of turning your patio dreams into reality and curious about how much a concrete patio costs, then we have the right information for you. 

Find out more about concrete patio contractors in Tampa, FL and how they can help with installation and maintenance

How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost?

So, how much does a concrete patio cost? Well, there are many factors that affect how the concrete patio cost. For now, let’s cover the main factors that determine the high or low cost of concrete patio installation: 

Project Scope & Size of Concrete Patios:

The size of the concrete patios is definitely one of the main factors determining the total cost of the project. How so? Taking it from top to bottom, you will need more materials and concrete for the subbase, the base, and the surface concrete slab. Also, the bigger the surface of the concrete patio is, the thicker concrete is needed to make sure it can carry the load of all the people and heavy furniture you’ll have on top of the concrete. It also helps with proper weight distribution to prevent cracks from developing. Moreover, the bigger the concrete patio is, the more time it would take for contractors to finish prepping the base, pouring concrete, applying finishing, and curing. 

Finishing Touches for Concrete Slab

There are many different types of concrete patio finishes you can choose from. However, keep in mind that the more intricate and more components are used, the higher the price will be.

• Trowel Finish Concrete Patio: Because of its smooth, polished finish, the trowel is great for patios mainly used for entertaining. It reflects more sunlight and less hot underfoot during summer. However, this finish is not recommended for pool decks as it could be slippery when wet.
  
  
• Broom Finish Concrete Patio: This type of finish is great for neighborhoods like Carrollwood or New Tampa, where it rains often. The textured finish created by brushing a broom across the setting concrete provides traction when it is wet, adding an anti-skid feature to the floor. On top of that, it is also cheaper than other custom designs for your home patio installation.
  
  
• Stamped Concrete Patio: If you live in areas that give much thought to aesthetics, like SoHo or Hyde Park, this is a good option, especially if you are on a budget. This is a popular finish that can be made to look like higher-end materials like brick, natural stone, or slate. By pressing design stamps into wet concrete, concrete patio contractors get to add that much-wanted appeal to outdoor living spaces like the driveway and patio.
  
  
• Stained Concrete Patio: Stained concrete is a great choice if you live in historic districts like Hyde Park.  Since stains come in different colors, from translucent to opaque, and can be used to create a solid color, you can copy the old charm of your neighborhood without breaking the bank. What’s even better is that your patio could last for a long time while maintaining that variegated or stained effect.
  
  
• Exposed Aggregate Finish: For a more posh and upscale look, this finish is your best friend. It greatly complements neighborhoods like Seminole Heights or Tampa Heights. This is done by washing away the cement paste after curing to expose the aggregates (stones) mixed with the cement and other concrete components. 

Average Concrete Patio Costs Per Square Foot

To give you an idea of the average cost of a concrete patio depending on the type of finish you choose, we’ve prepared a table. Take note that this is just an estimate of material and labor costs and not an actual quote per square foot. To get accurate concrete patio prices, contact a few local concrete contractors for their free estimate services.

Building a Strong Foundation: The Tampa Subsurface

We love the beach and the sand. However, it can pose a problem when paving driveways and patios. While sand helps with proper water drainage, it tends to shift and move around. In the process, the structure on top of it moves along with it. For pavers, it could cause the units to settle or misalign and become a tripping hazard. For concrete, it presents a bigger problem as it could result in cracks. To prevent this from happening, professionals need to build a stable subbase, use joints, and employ other techniques. All these mean added costs to the construction project. 

Other Factors Affecting Concrete Patio Prices

Living on the Level: Uneven Yards and Retaining Walls

Tampa’s topography is relatively flat. But it’s not all flat terrain. We also have rolling hills and areas that slope. There are two ways to deal with this kind of terrain: level it or construct a retaining wall. No matter what you choose, it will cost you money. Discuss these with your contractor during the consultation phase so you don’t get blindsided. It is best to know how much each would cost so you are prepared for the possible additional costs. 

A Temperate Touch: Tampa's Climate and Concrete

Florida is best known for its 246 sunny days and blistering hot summers. We are not known for freezing cold winters. But they do come. And when they do, expect concrete to suffer through freeze-thaw cycles. You may want to factor this in choosing the type of concrete you want installed. Don’t worry. Concrete has come a long way and now has an air-entrained feature to better handle expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Simply put, concrete won’t easily crack because of hot and cold weather. 

Drainage Done Right: Keeping Your Tampa Patio High and Dry

Tampa receives its fair share of rain. We see an average 51 inches of rainfall yearly, with two-thirds of it falling in summer. Knowing this, plus the fact that most homes are in flat terrain, proper drainage is necessary. To prevent flooding and protect the hardscape from possible damage, you may need French drain systems. Your concrete patio contactor might recommend slight sloping to drain water away from the structure.

Don't Forget These Extras:

• Accessibility Matters: If your backyard is tricky to navigate with large equipment or materials, this could affect the overall project cost.
  
  
• Permits & Inspections: A permit from the City of Tampa may be required when building patios. The permit cost will vary depending on the size and complexity of your project. Factor in inspection fees as well, as your local building department will need to ensure your patio meets all safety regulations.
  
  
• Insurance: Peace of mind is priceless! Make sure the concrete contractor you hire carries proper insurance coverage, including liability and worker's compensation. In the unfortunate event of an accident, having proper insurance safeguards both you and the contractor.