Concrete Patio Cost in Riverside, CA
A new concrete patio in Riverside typically costs $6 to $12 per square foot for a standard broom-finish slab, installed. For a 400 square foot patio — a common size for a covered outdoor living area — that puts the range at $2,400–$4,800 before any decorative upgrades.
Decorative finishes push that higher. Here is how pricing breaks down by finish type in the current Inland Empire market.
Pricing by Finish Type
Standard broom finish — $6–$12 per square foot The workhorse finish. Slip-resistant, durable, and the least expensive option. Looks clean and works well under a patio cover or pergola. This is the right choice when function matters more than aesthetics.
Exposed aggregate — $8–$16 per square foot The top layer of cement paste is washed away during finishing to expose the aggregate (stone or gravel) in the mix. The result is a textured, attractive surface that hides minor surface wear better than broom finish. Slightly more labor-intensive, hence the price premium.
Stamped concrete — $12–$24 per square foot The highest-cost option for a standard pour. Patterns are pressed into the concrete before it sets, and color is added via integral pigment or surface stain. The look varies widely depending on pattern choice, color depth, and sealer quality. A well-executed stamped patio is hard to beat for outdoor living areas.
Resurfacing an existing slab — $3–$8 per square foot If the existing slab is structurally sound but stained, worn, or dated, a decorative overlay can transform it without the cost of demolition and a new pour.
What Adds to the Cost
Demolition and haul-off — If you have an existing patio slab that needs to come out, add $1–$4 per square foot.
Sub-base prep — Poor soil conditions, drainage issues, or existing roots may require additional base work before the pour. This is worth doing right; shortcuts here cause long-term cracking.
Drainage — Riverside's rain is infrequent but intense. Patios should be graded away from the house. In some cases, a channel drain or area drain is added, which adds cost but prevents problems.
Access — Tight side yards or fenced backyards that limit concrete truck access may require a pump truck, adding $300–$1,200 to the job.
Sealing — Most quality installations include a first sealer application. Factor in resealing every 2–3 years going forward; it is low cost but important in our high-UV climate.
What to Clarify Before Scheduling
Before scheduling a concrete patio project, make sure the project scope specifies:
- Square footage and slab thickness (4 inches is standard for patios)
- Demolition of existing concrete, if applicable
- Sub-base prep and compaction
- Reinforcement (wire mesh or rebar)
- Finish type and color, if decorative
- Control joint placement
- Sealer application
- Payment schedule
Avoid project scopes that only give a single total with no breakdown. If thickness, reinforcement, drainage, and finish details are not defined, you do not really know what work is included.
Related Patio Services in Riverside
Get an Estimate
Use the form on this site or give us a call. Describe your patio project — approximate size, current condition of the area, and finish preference — and we'll follow up to schedule a site visit and talk through scope, finish options, and pricing.