Quick answer: Puget Sound homeowners should generally budget about $14 to $25 per square foot for standard poured-concrete patios or driveways, $20 to $35 for colored, exposed-aggregate, or stamped concrete, $20 to $40 for concrete-paver patios, and $25 to $50 or more for paver driveways. A typical 400-square-foot patio may cost $7,000 to $16,000, while a 600-square-foot driveway may cost $10,000 to $30,000 or more depending on demolition, access, excavation, base depth, drainage, reinforcement, finish, and right-of-way work.
Last reviewed: August 2026. These figures are planning ranges, not a quote. Final pricing depends on the property, project scope, materials, access, permits, taxes, and conditions discovered during the work.
This guide is designed for homeowners in Federal Way, Puyallup, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, Auburn, Lacey, Olympia, Bremerton, Kent, Tacoma, and surrounding Puget Sound communities who want a realistic planning range before requesting a project-specific proposal.
Hardscape pricing depends on much more than the visible surface. A complete project may include design, layout, utility locating, demolition, hauling, excavation, soil export, geotextile, compacted aggregate base, forms or edge restraint, reinforcement, concrete pumping, paver cutting, drainage, steps, walls, permits, right-of-way work, landscaping restoration, sealing, and cleanup.
For preliminary planning in the Puget Sound market, ordinary poured concrete commonly costs $14 to $25 per square foot as a complete residential project. Decorative concrete commonly costs $20 to $35 or more. Properly built concrete-paver patios commonly cost $20 to $40, while vehicle-rated paver driveways commonly cost $25 to $50 or more because they require deeper excavation, stronger base construction, and driveway-rated products.
These are consumer planning ranges for Federal Way, Puyallup, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, Auburn, Lacey, Olympia, Bremerton, Kent, Tacoma, and surrounding Puget Sound communities. Small projects often have high effective per-square-foot costs due to mobilization, concrete short-load charges, pumps, minimum crews, and disposal.
Typical Patio and Driveway Costs
Project type | Complete project planning range |
|---|---|
Broom-finished concrete patio or walkway | $14–$24+ per sq. ft. |
Colored or exposed-aggregate concrete | $18–$30+ per sq. ft. |
Stamped or decorative concrete | $20–$35+ per sq. ft. |
Concrete-paver patio or walkway | $20–$40+ per sq. ft. |
Natural-stone patio or walkway | $30–$65+ per sq. ft. |
Standard concrete driveway | $14–$25+ per sq. ft. |
Decorative or stamped concrete driveway | $20–$38+ per sq. ft. |
Concrete-paver driveway | $25–$50+ per sq. ft. |
Permeable-paver system | $30–$60+ per sq. ft. |
Ranges assume professional installation and ordinary residential conditions. Major retaining walls, deep unsuitable soils, contamination, utility relocation, extensive drainage, right-of-way reconstruction, and landscape redesign are separate unless stated.
Example Project Budgets
Example project | Preliminary planning budget |
|---|---|
200 sq. ft. broom-finished concrete patio | $4,000–$7,000+ |
400 sq. ft. standard concrete patio | $7,000–$11,000+ |
400 sq. ft. stamped or exposed-aggregate patio | $9,000–$15,000+ |
400 sq. ft. concrete-paver patio | $9,000–$16,000+ |
600 sq. ft. standard concrete driveway | $10,000–$18,000+ |
600 sq. ft. decorative concrete driveway | $14,000–$25,000+ |
600 sq. ft. concrete-paver driveway | $18,000–$32,000+ |
1,000 sq. ft. driveway with apron and drainage work | $20,000–$45,000+ |
Where the Budget Goes
Project component | Typical planning allowance |
|---|---|
Design, layout, utility locating, and permits | $1,000–$6,000+ |
Demolition, hauling, and disposal | $4–$12+ per sq. ft. |
Excavation, soil export, and rough grading | $4–$15+ per sq. ft. |
Aggregate base, geotextile, and compaction | $4–$10+ per sq. ft. |
Forms, edge restraint, and layout | $2–$8+ per sq. ft. |
Concrete or paver materials and installation | $10–$30+ per sq. ft. |
Drainage and stormwater improvements | $2,500–$20,000+ |
Steps, walls, curbs, and finish details | $2,500–$25,000+ |
Landscape and irrigation restoration | $1,500–$10,000+ |
These allowances overlap and should not be added automatically. Use them to identify whether the proposal includes complete site preparation, drainage, reinforcement, finish work, disposal, and restoration.
Concrete Patio Costs by Finish
Concrete finish | Typical complete project range |
|---|---|
Broom-finished gray concrete | $14–$24+ per sq. ft. |
Integral color or surface color system | $17–$28+ per sq. ft. |
Exposed aggregate | $18–$30+ per sq. ft. |
Basic stamped concrete; one pattern and color | $20–$30+ per sq. ft. |
Multi-color or detailed stamped concrete | $25–$40+ per sq. ft. |
Polished, specialty overlay, or architectural finish | $30–$60+ per sq. ft. |
Decorative-concrete scope should identify the sample or mockup, color method, release agent, pattern, border, control joints, curing, washing, sealing, slip resistance, color variation, crack expectations, maintenance, and repair limitations.
Quick answer: CONCRETE WILL CRACK: Good design, base preparation, reinforcement, joint layout, placement, curing, and drainage reduce uncontrolled cracking but cannot guarantee a crack-free slab. Require the proposal to explain control-joint locations, reinforcement, curing, crack policy, and what is considered cosmetic versus warrantable.
Paver Patio Costs
Paver patio type | Typical complete project range |
|---|---|
Standard concrete pavers; simple pattern | $20–$32+ per sq. ft. |
Premium architectural concrete pavers | $28–$45+ per sq. ft. |
Porcelain outdoor pavers | $30–$55+ per sq. ft. |
Clay brick pavers | $28–$50+ per sq. ft. |
Natural stone or irregular flagstone | $35–$70+ per sq. ft. |
Permeable paver patio system | $30–$55+ per sq. ft. |
Paver pricing should identify excavation depth, geotextile, aggregate type and compacted lifts, bedding layer, paver manufacturer and product, edge restraint, pattern, cuts, joint material, compaction, drainage, waste, cleaning, and sealing.
Concrete Driveway Costs
Concrete driveway type | Typical complete project range |
|---|---|
Standard broom-finished driveway | $14–$25+ per sq. ft. |
Colored or exposed-aggregate driveway | $18–$32+ per sq. ft. |
Stamped or decorative driveway | $20–$38+ per sq. ft. |
Thicker slab for heavy vehicle or special use | $18–$32+ per sq. ft. |
Heated driveway system | $35–$70+ per sq. ft. |
Driveway overlay where technically suitable | $8–$16+ per sq. ft. |
A driveway proposal should state slab thickness, concrete strength, air entrainment if specified, reinforcement, thickened edges, base depth, compaction, joint layout, apron and sidewalk interfaces, slope, drainage, curing, access restrictions, and vehicle wait time.
Concrete Reinforcement and Heavy-Use Slab Design
Reinforcement should be selected for the slab’s actual use, soil support, base, geometry, joints, and expected loads. A residential patio, passenger-car driveway, RV parking pad, shop floor, and vehicle-lift foundation are not interchangeable assemblies. Reinforcement helps control crack width and maintain load transfer after cracking; it does not compensate for weak soil, poor drainage, inadequate base, insufficient thickness, bad joint layout, or improper curing.
Reinforcement or slab upgrade | Typical planning impact |
|---|---|
Synthetic fiber added to concrete mix | $0.75–$2+ per sq. ft. |
Welded-wire reinforcement or mesh | $1.50–$4+ per sq. ft. |
No. 3 or No. 4 rebar grid on supports | $3–$7+ per sq. ft. |
Dowels into an approved existing concrete edge | $75–$200+ each |
Thickened slab edge or localized grade beam | $25–$75+ per linear ft. |
Increase typical slab from 4 to 5 or 6 inches | $3–$8+ per sq. ft. |
Heavy-equipment pad, footing, or lift foundation | $2,500–$15,000+ per location |
Costs depend on bar size and spacing, laps, chairs, dowels, edge details, congestion, pump access, slab thickness, concrete volume, and engineering. Reinforcement must be supported at the specified elevation; mesh or rebar left on the subgrade does not provide the intended crack control.
Intended use | Common planning considerations - not a final design |
|---|---|
Pedestrian patio or walkway | Often 4-inch concrete over prepared base; fiber, mesh, or rebar may be specified based on geometry, soil, joints, and owner expectations. |
Passenger-vehicle driveway | Often 4 to 5 inches with specified mesh or rebar, sound compacted base, proper joints, and strengthened edges or transitions where needed. |
RV, trailer, or heavy pickup parking | Often 5 to 6 inches or more, with a rebar grid, deeper compacted base, wider turning-load consideration, strengthened edges, and verification of actual axle and point loads. |
Residential shop or garage floor | Often 4 to 6 inches depending on use, plus compacted base, vapor retarder, reinforcement, joint plan, door-edge details, and coordination with walls, columns, and equipment. |
Vehicle lift, machinery, or concentrated load | Manufacturer loads and anchor requirements govern. Local thickening, isolated footings, higher-strength concrete, engineered rebar, and precise anchor-zone details may be required. |
Commercial delivery or repeated heavy traffic | Requires project-specific pavement and subgrade design; residential driveway assumptions should not be used. |
These examples are preliminary planning concepts, not prescriptive structural designs. Final thickness, concrete strength, reinforcement size and spacing, subgrade preparation, joints, footings, and curing should be determined by the responsible contractor and engineer when loads or conditions warrant.
Quick answer: FIBER, MESH, AND REBAR ARE NOT EQUIVALENT: Synthetic fibers primarily help control plastic-shrinkage and early microcracking unless a structural fiber system is specifically engineered. Welded-wire reinforcement and rebar provide different levels of crack control and load transfer. The estimate should state the exact product, bar or wire size, spacing, laps, supports, placement elevation, and whether engineering is included.
Shop Slabs, Vapor Control, and Vehicle Lifts
Shop or garage component | Typical planning allowance |
|---|---|
Under-slab vapor retarder and sealed penetrations | $1.50–$4+ per sq. ft. |
Rigid under-slab insulation | $3–$8+ per sq. ft. |
Rebar grid and chairs | $3–$7+ per sq. ft. |
Thickened perimeter or interior footing | $3,000–$15,000+ |
Vehicle-lift footing or thickened anchor zone | $2,500–$10,000+ per lift |
Floor drain, trench drain, or oil-water coordination | $2,500–$12,000+ |
High-performance coating after concrete cure | $5–$15+ per sq. ft. |
A shop slab should be coordinated with the building foundation, insulation and energy requirements, vapor control, plumbing, electrical conduit, radiant heat, door thresholds, equipment anchors, vehicle lifts, floor drains, coatings, and the concrete finish. Lift manufacturers commonly specify minimum slab thickness, strength, condition, anchor spacing, and distance from joints or edges.
Paver Driveway Costs
Paver driveway type | Typical complete project range |
|---|---|
Standard concrete driveway pavers | $25–$40+ per sq. ft. |
Premium or large-format driveway-rated pavers | $35–$55+ per sq. ft. |
Clay brick or natural-stone driveway | $40–$75+ per sq. ft. |
Permeable paver driveway system | $35–$65+ per sq. ft. |
Paver border or decorative band | $15–$40+ per linear ft. added |
Driveway pavers require a vehicle-rated product and a base designed for traffic, soil, drainage, and expected loads. Patio-grade pavers or a shallow pedestrian base should not be substituted for a driveway assembly.
Demolition and Disposal Costs
Existing surface | Typical removal planning range |
|---|---|
Plain concrete slab or patio | $4–$8+ per sq. ft. |
Reinforced or thick concrete driveway | $6–$12+ per sq. ft. |
Asphalt driveway | $3–$7+ per sq. ft. |
Paver surface and bedding | $3–$8+ per sq. ft. |
Concrete steps, curbs, or walls | $1,500–$10,000+ |
Difficult access, hand removal, or small equipment | $3–$10+ per sq. ft. added |
Removal scope should identify sawcut limits, reinforcement, buried thickness, hauling route, dump or recycling fees, protection, dust and slurry control, adjacent surfaces, utility risk, and the final excavation depth.
Excavation, Base Preparation, and Compaction
Site-preparation item | Typical planning range |
|---|---|
Ordinary excavation and soil export | $4–$10+ per sq. ft. |
Deep excavation or unsuitable-soil removal | $8–$20+ per sq. ft. |
Geotextile separation fabric | $1–$3+ per sq. ft. |
Compacted crushed-rock base | $4–$10+ per sq. ft. |
Stabilization grid or geogrid | $2–$6+ per sq. ft. |
Proof rolling, compaction testing, or geotechnical support | $1,500–$8,000+ |
Base depth should be specified after considering soil, slope, drainage, freeze-thaw exposure, vehicle loading, groundwater, and existing fill. “Four inches of gravel” is not meaningful unless the material, compacted thickness, lift placement, and compaction method are defined.
Quick answer: THE BASE IS THE PROJECT: Concrete and pavers both depend on stable, well-drained support. Settlement, rocking pavers, low spots, joint separation, and slab cracking often begin with inadequate excavation, unsuitable soil, poor compaction, or water trapped beneath the surface.
Drainage and Stormwater Costs
Drainage component | Typical installed planning range |
|---|---|
Surface grading and positive drainage | $1,000–$5,000+ |
Channel or trench drain | $150–$400+ per linear ft. |
Catch basin and solid-pipe connection | $1,500–$6,000+ |
Drywell or dispersion system | $5,000–$20,000+ |
Permeable base and underdrain system | $8–$20+ per sq. ft. added |
Retaining or grade-transition solution | $5,000–$30,000+ |
Do not direct new runoff toward the house, neighboring property, sidewalk, or unstable slope. Confirm finished elevations at doors, siding, garage slabs, foundation vents, steps, gates, and property boundaries before construction.
Steps, Seat Walls, Fire Features, and Accessories
Accessory | Typical planning range |
|---|---|
Poured-concrete step | $1,500–$4,000+ per step or small group |
Paver or stone step | $2,000–$5,000+ per step or small group |
Segmental seat wall | $250–$600+ per linear ft. |
Retaining wall with engineering as required | $350–$900+ per linear ft. |
Built-in gas fire pit | $4,000–$12,000+ |
Outdoor kitchen foundation and utility coordination | $5,000–$25,000+ |
Low-voltage step or patio lighting | $500–$2,500+ per zone |
Fire features, cooking equipment, gas, electrical work, walls, guards, and steps may require permits, setbacks, clearances, engineering, or licensed trades. Coordinate utilities before excavation and surface installation.
Driveway Aprons, Curbs, Sidewalks, and Right-of-Way Work
The portion between private property and the street may include the driveway apron, sidewalk, curb, gutter, planting strip, utility structures, and public right-of-way. Work in this area commonly requires a street-use or right-of-way permit, approved traffic and pedestrian control, inspections, standard details, bonding or insurance, and coordination with the local transportation department.
Right-of-way scope | Typical planning allowance |
|---|---|
Replace existing driveway apron | $5,000–$12,000+ |
New or modified curb cut | $8,000–$20,000+ |
Sidewalk panel replacement | $2,500–$7,500+ per panel or group |
Curb and gutter repair | $250–$600+ per linear ft. |
Traffic control, pedestrian routing, and protection | $1,500–$6,000+ |
Street-use permit, drawings, and inspection coordination | $1,500–$8,000+ |
Costs vary widely by jurisdiction, street classification, utilities, trees, accessibility requirements, sidewalk condition, and whether a new curb cut is allowed. Do not assume private-property pricing applies to public right-of-way work.
Permits, Engineering, and Design
Planning or approval item | Typical planning allowance |
|---|---|
Hardscape layout and finish selections | $1,000–$5,000+ |
Permit-ready site or right-of-way drawing | $2,500–$8,000+ |
Structural or civil engineering | $2,000–$10,000+ |
Geotechnical investigation or consultation | $2,500–$12,000+ |
Building, grading, drainage, or right-of-way permits | $500–$8,000+ |
Ordinary patios on private property may not require a building permit, but grading, drainage, retaining walls, steps, utilities, heated systems, large structures, sensitive areas, curb cuts, sidewalks, and right-of-way work may require permits or review. Confirm requirements for the project address.
Sealing, Maintenance, and Repair Costs
Maintenance item | Typical planning range |
|---|---|
Concrete cleaning and penetrating sealer | $2–$5+ per sq. ft. |
Decorative concrete resealing | $3–$7+ per sq. ft. |
Paver cleaning and joint-sand renewal | $3–$8+ per sq. ft. |
Paver sealing | $4–$9+ per sq. ft. |
Concrete crack repair | $500–$3,000+ per project |
Lift and relay settled pavers | $15–$35+ per sq. ft. affected |
Sealants change color, sheen, slip resistance, maintenance, and future repair options. Require a test area and product documentation, particularly on decorative concrete, natural stone, and pool or wet-area surfaces.
Hidden Conditions and Contingency
Common discoveries include thick or heavily reinforced concrete, buried footings, unsuitable fill, peat or organics, groundwater, abandoned utilities, undocumented drainage, contaminated soil, tree roots, failed retaining walls, buried debris, irrigation lines, septic components, and elevations that conflict with doors or foundations.
Homeowners should generally retain 10% to 15% contingency for an accessible, well-investigated replacement and 15% to 25% for demolition, unknown soils, steep sites, drainage problems, right-of-way work, buried utilities, or retaining walls. Keep contingency owner-controlled and use it only through documented change orders.
What Makes These Projects More Expensive?
Restricted access
No machine access, narrow gates, steep slopes, occupied properties, overhead wires, and long haul routes increase labor and equipment needs.
Poor soil and deep excavation
Unsuitable fill, organics, groundwater, buried debris, and settlement require removal, stabilization, drainage, deeper base, and sometimes engineering.
Complex geometry and elevations
Curves, borders, multiple levels, steps, walls, door thresholds, garage transitions, and precise drainage increase layout and finish labor.
Decorative materials
Stamped patterns, multiple colors, exposed aggregate, premium pavers, natural stone, custom cuts, and specialty sealers require more labor and mockup coordination.
Vehicle and heavy-load requirements
Driveways, RV pads, workshops, delivery access, and retaining-wall surcharges require stronger bases, thicker slabs, reinforcement, and durable edge restraint.
Public right-of-way work
Permits, standard plans, traffic control, pedestrian access, inspections, utilities, curb cuts, and sidewalk reconstruction add time and cost.
What Should a Complete Estimate Include?
- Measured area, dimensions, slopes, elevations, access route, property limits, utilities, trees, and existing conditions
- Demolition limits, sawcutting, reinforcement assumptions, hauling, disposal, dust and slurry control, and protection
- Excavation depth, soil export, geotextile, aggregate type, compacted base thickness, lift depth, and compaction method
- Concrete thickness and strength; fiber, mesh, or rebar type; bar or wire size and spacing; laps, chairs, dowels, thickened edges, joints, finish, curing, sealing, weather plan, and crack policy
- Paver manufacturer, product, rating, color, pattern, waste, bedding, edge restraint, cuts, joint material, and compaction
- Drainage slopes, trench drains, catch basins, piping, underdrains, discharge points, and restoration
- Steps, walls, lighting, gas, electrical work, landscaping, irrigation, fences, gates, doors, and adjacent-surface restoration
- Permits, engineering, right-of-way work, inspections, taxes, allowances, exclusions, schedule, change orders, and warranty
Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete and Paver Costs
How much does a concrete patio cost in Puget Sound?
A complete broom-finished concrete patio commonly costs $14 to $24 per square foot. Colored, exposed-aggregate, or stamped patios commonly cost $18 to $35 or more. A 400-square-foot patio often costs about $7,000 to $15,000.
How much does a paver patio cost?
Concrete-paver patios commonly cost $20 to $40 per square foot as a complete project. Premium architectural pavers, porcelain, clay brick, natural stone, difficult access, walls, steps, or drainage can raise the price to $40 to $70 or more.
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
A standard residential concrete driveway commonly costs $14 to $25 per square foot. Decorative concrete commonly costs $20 to $38. A 600-square-foot driveway often costs roughly $10,000 to $25,000 before unusual right-of-way, drainage, or soil work.
How much does a paver driveway cost?
A properly built concrete-paver driveway commonly costs $25 to $50 per square foot. Premium products, natural stone, permeable construction, deep base requirements, borders, and right-of-way work can exceed that range.
Are pavers better than concrete?
Neither is universally better. Concrete provides a continuous, generally lower-cost surface but will crack and can be difficult to match when repaired. Pavers cost more, have many joints, and require base and joint maintenance, but individual units can be lifted and replaced.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
Thickness depends on soil, base, vehicle loads, edges, reinforcement, and local requirements. Four inches is common for light residential use, while heavier vehicles, poor soils, or special conditions may require five, six, or more inches and engineered details.
What reinforcement should be used for an RV pad or shop slab?
There is no universal answer. RV pads commonly need a deeper compacted base, increased slab thickness, a supported rebar grid, strengthened edges, and verification of axle loads. Shop slabs must also account for vapor control, walls, columns, lifts, machinery, drains, heat, and anchor zones. Concentrated or unusual loads should be engineered.
Is fiber reinforcement the same as rebar or wire mesh?
No. Ordinary synthetic fiber mainly reduces plastic-shrinkage and early microcracking. Welded-wire reinforcement and rebar provide different crack-control and load-transfer behavior. Fiber does not automatically replace properly designed and supported steel reinforcement.
Do patios and driveways require permits?
Ordinary private-property work may not, but new or modified curb cuts, sidewalks, aprons, right-of-way work, grading, drainage, retaining walls, utilities, sensitive areas, and heated systems may require permits or review.
How much contingency should I carry?
Generally 10% to 15% for a well-defined accessible project and 15% to 25% for demolition, unknown soils, steep sites, drainage problems, buried utilities, walls, or right-of-way work.
DwellOne’s Approach to Transparent Hardscape Pricing
Homeowners deserve to know whether a number represents surface material only or a completed patio or driveway with demolition, excavation, base preparation, reinforcement, drainage, access, disposal, permits, and restoration. DwellOne helps define measured area, finish, base, loading, elevations, drainage, accessories, allowances, exclusions, schedule, and contingency so proposals can be compared fairly.
DwellOne Project Managers coordinate qualified concrete, paver, excavation, drainage, landscaping, masonry, engineering, electrical, gas, and right-of-way trade partners as needed. The goal is a durable finished surface supported by a suitable base and drainage plan - not a low initial bid that settles, ponds, cracks prematurely, or leaves unfinished site work.
Important pricing information: The figures in this guide are general planning ranges for residential concrete, paver, patio, and driveway projects in the Puget Sound region as of August 2026. They are not a quote, offer, or guarantee. Actual costs may be higher or lower based on area, access, demolition, soil, excavation, base, reinforcement, finish, drainage, walls, utilities, permits, right-of-way requirements, taxes, and final scope.
