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How to Budget for a Concrete Patio

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How to Budget for a Concrete Patio

Turn your backyard into a usable living space by breaking the project cost into manageable monthly payments.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $3,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $211.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $3,800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A concrete patio changes how you use your backyard. Once it is poured and cured, you have a solid space for dining or relaxing that stays clean and level. The work usually takes a few days, but the scheduling is the real trick.

Aim to book your crew in late winter for an early spring start. Pros are often looking for work before the busy summer rush hits, so you might get better service. Always get at least three quotes to make sure your price is fair.

This is not free money. The 0% rate is a deadline, and if you have a balance remaining after the 18 months are up, you will be charged interest on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get your quotes

    Contact three different local contractors. Ask for a breakdown of materials and labor costs. Do not just take the cheapest price; check their online photos to see if their work looks level and smooth.

  2. 02

    Set your budget

    The typical cost is around $3800. Build a small buffer into this number for unexpected site prep, like removing stubborn tree roots or old landscaping, so you are not caught off guard.

  3. 03

    Use the Citi Simplicity Credit Card

    This card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This intro window on purchases lasts for 18 months. Using this helps you spread the $3800 cost into smaller chunks.

  4. 04

    Automate your payments

    Divide your total by 18 to get a monthly payment of $211.11. Set up an automatic payment in your bank app so you hit this number every single month without thinking about it.

  5. 05

    Confirm the timeline

    Check with your contractor on the weather requirements. Fresh concrete needs time to cure, and pouring it during a frost or a heavy rain can ruin the finish. Get a start date in writing.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I pay the crew all at once?

Never pay the full amount upfront. A standard practice is to pay a deposit to hold the date, followed by installments as work reaches specific milestones.

Does concrete color matter for the price?

Basic grey concrete is the standard. Adding stamped patterns or custom colors will increase your material and labor costs significantly.

What happens if it rains during the pour?

Professional crews watch the forecast closely. If the weather looks bad, they will postpone to avoid surface damage, which is better than pouring a patio that will crack or flake later.

How do I know if I have a good contractor?

Ask for references from jobs they completed two or three years ago. If the concrete has held up without major cracks, they likely did a proper job with the base and the pour.