Concrete Patio Planning Guide
A poured concrete patio is one of the most durable outdoor surfaces you can build — properly installed, it lasts 25–30 years with minimal maintenance. The key variables are size, thickness, and whether you need a gravel base (you do).
Cubic yards = Volume ÷ 27
Standard patio: 4 inches thick on 4 inches of compacted gravel
Thickness by Use
- Light foot traffic (small patio, walkway connection) — 3.5 to 4 inches
- Standard residential patio — 4 inches with wire mesh reinforcement
- Heavy use (hot tub pad, outdoor kitchen) — 5 to 6 inches with rebar
- Patio with vehicle access — 6 inches with rebar, engineered base
Every concrete patio needs a compacted gravel base beneath it — typically 4 inches of crushed stone. This prevents frost heave, provides drainage, and gives the concrete a stable, level surface to cure on. Use the Gravel Calculator to estimate the base material separately.