A concrete patio costs about $4 to $7 per square foot for a plain broom finish and $5 to $15 for stamped concrete, while a paver patio costs about $8 to $25 per square foot installed, according to Angi's 2026 cost data. Concrete is cheaper up front; pavers cost more but resist cracking, can be repaired one piece at a time, and usually look better longer.
Those are national ranges, and Los Angeles quotes often land in the upper half because labor, hauling, and dump fees cost more here. Below is a side-by-side cost table, real patio-size examples, the pros and cons of each, and how to choose. Option 1 Builders builds paver patios, walkways, and concrete steps across Los Angeles from our office in Encino.
Pavers vs Concrete Patio Cost per Square Foot
| Patio type | Installed cost per sq ft (2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete, broom or smooth finish | $4 – $7 | Angi, concrete patio |
| Stamped concrete | $5 – $15 | Angi, concrete patio |
| Concrete pavers | $8 – $15 | Angi, paver patio |
| Brick or clay pavers | $10 – $20 | Angi, paver patio |
| Natural stone pavers | $15 – $50 | Angi, paver patio |
Sources: Angi concrete patio cost and Angi paver patio cost. Angi puts the average paver patio at $3,800 nationally and most concrete patios between about $1,900 and $5,400.
What a Patio Costs by Size
Using the per-square-foot ranges above, here is what common patio sizes work out to before extras like steps, lighting, or drainage.
| Patio size | Broom-finish concrete | Concrete pavers | Natural stone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 12 (120 sq ft) | $480 – $840 | $960 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $6,000 |
| 12 × 20 (240 sq ft) | $960 – $1,680 | $1,920 – $3,600 | $3,600 – $12,000 |
| 20 × 20 (400 sq ft) | $1,600 – $2,800 | $3,200 – $6,000 | $6,000 – $20,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $4,000 – $7,000 | $8,000 – $15,000 | $15,000 – $50,000 |
Small patios cost more per square foot than these math examples suggest, because demolition, delivery, and the crew's minimum day do not shrink with the patio. Removing an old slab or lawn and grading the site are also extra on most quotes.
Pavers vs Concrete: Pros and Cons
| Concrete slab | Pavers | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Cracking | Will crack over time; control joints guide where | Joints flex, so cracks do not run across the patio |
| Repairs | Patches show; large cracks mean replacing sections | Lift and reset or replace single pavers |
| Ready to use | Wait for the concrete to cure | Usable as soon as the joints are filled |
| Look | Plain, or stamped and colored | Many shapes, colors, and patterns |
| Water | Water runs off | Permeable pavers can let water soak in |
| Upkeep | Clean and reseal if stained or stamped | Top up joint sand, clean, seal if you want |
Which Is Better for a Backyard: Concrete or Pavers?
- Choose concrete if the budget is tight, the patio is a simple rectangle, and you want a clean, modern look. Concrete steps and walks, like the wide floating steps on our Santa Clarita front yard project, are a good use of plain concrete.
- Choose pavers if you want curves, borders, or patterns, plan to be in the house a long time, or have soil that moves. Pavers flex with the ground and any damaged piece can be swapped.
- Mix them if you want the best of both: a concrete slab under a covered area and pavers for walkways and borders, or pavers paired with artificial turf to break up a large lawn.
A note on stamped concrete: it costs close to concrete pavers, and if it cracks, the crack runs through the pattern and is hard to hide. Option 1 Builders installs pavers and plain concrete work. We do not offer stamped concrete.
What Drives the Cost of a Patio in Los Angeles
- Base work. Pavers sit on a compacted gravel base and bedding sand; concrete needs a compacted base and forms. A thin base is the most common reason patios sink or crack.
- Demolition and haul-off. Breaking out an old slab or lawn adds labor and dump fees.
- Access. A backyard reached only through a side gate means more hand-hauling.
- Slope and drainage. Patios need a slight fall away from the house. Low spots may need a drain; see yard drainage.
- Material grade. Natural stone and large-format pavers cost much more than standard concrete pavers.
- Permits. A simple ground-level patio usually does not need one, but covered patios, retaining walls over the local height limit, and work in the public right-of-way often do. Check with your city.
For driveways, which need a thicker base, see our driveway pavers page.
Questions About Pavers vs Concrete
Are pavers more expensive than concrete?
How much does a 20x20 paver patio cost?
How much does it cost to install 1,000 sq ft of pavers?
Which lasts longer, pavers or concrete?
What are the downsides of pavers?
Is stamped concrete cheaper than pavers?
Patios and Walkways by Option 1 Builders
Option 1 Builders is a licensed California general building contractor (CSLB #1122918) at 16400 Ventura Blvd, Suite 319, Encino, CA 91436. We build paver patios, walkways, driveways, and concrete steps across Los Angeles County, often together with artificial turf. See our paving contractor page and finished work on our projects page.
Want a written number for your patio? Request a free estimate or call 818-297-2475.