Concrete patio cost in Durham, NC
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $1,150 – $3,600
- Per sq ft
- $3.70 – $11
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −9%
- US $2,650
- Rank of 300 metros
- #216
- 1 = most expensive
A concrete patio in Durham, NC usually costs $1,150 to $3,600 for 300 sq ft. That works out to about $3.70 to $11 per sq ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $240 less. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $21.36 an hour in the Durham area, 22% below the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Durham, NC, standard level
$1,900 to $2,900
About $5.80 to $8.65 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 48% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $900 | $1,150 |
| Labor | $850 | $1,450 |
| Permits and fees | $150 | $290 |
| Total | $1,900 | $2,900 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Durham, NC
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $720 | $1,000 | $1,300 | 42% |
| Labor | $390 | $1,150 | $1,950 | 48% |
| Permits and fees | $50 | $220 | $390 | 9% |
| Total | $1,150 | $2,400 | $3,600 | 100% |
What is behind the Durham number
The wage side of the estimate leans on cement masons and concrete finishers, who do 50% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $21.36 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Durham is 0.86 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 48% of the total.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Durham is at 96.6 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $1,050 nationally becomes $1,000 here (midpoint, 300 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 97.6: $50 to $390.
Related projects, priced for Durham
Jobs that often go together with concrete patio are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Durham wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, asphalt driveway comes out highest (−4%) and concrete driveway lowest (−11%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,250 – $4,800 | −8% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,000 – $7,200 | −9% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,850 – $5,150 | −5% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $7,000 – $14,100 | −7% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,300 – $8,150 | −11% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $2,950 – $7,150 | −4% |
Add-ons priced for Durham
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.91 for Durham, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.86) and goods price index (0.97). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add an acid or water-based stain | $820 – $2,750 |
Is Durham cheap or dear? The local comparison
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 300 sq ft range from $2,250 to $2,400 across Durham and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham, NCthis page | $1,150 – $3,600 | $2,400 | |
| Burlington, NC15 miles | $1,150 – $3,550 | $2,350 | −2% |
| Greensboro, NC40 miles | $1,150 – $3,550 | $2,350 | −2% |
| Raleigh, NC40 miles | $1,150 – $3,650 | $2,400 | +1% |
| Fayetteville, NC65 miles | $1,100 – $3,400 | $2,250 | −6% |
| Winston, NC70 miles | $1,150 – $3,500 | $2,350 | −2% |
| North Carolina (statewide) | $1,150 – $3,600 | $2,400 | level |
| United States | $1,250 – $4,000 | $2,650 | +10% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Durham ranks #216 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Durham is 0% above the North Carolina figure.
Elsewhere in North Carolina
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | 1,358,370 jobs | $1,150 – $3,700 | $2,450 | +2% |
| Raleigh, NC | 743,120 jobs | $1,150 – $3,650 | $2,400 | +1% |
| Greensboro, NC | 365,410 jobs | $1,150 – $3,550 | $2,350 | −2% |
| Winston, NC | 271,980 jobs | $1,150 – $3,500 | $2,350 | −2% |
| Wilmington, NC | 191,280 jobs | $1,150 – $3,600 | $2,350 | −1% |
| Asheville, NC | 180,620 jobs | $1,150 – $3,650 | $2,400 | level |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Durham against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MA | 349,880 jobs | $1,300 – $4,400 | $2,850 | +20% |
| North Port, FL | 339,940 jobs | $1,150 – $3,700 | $2,450 | +2% |
| Little Rock, AR | 358,210 jobs | $1,100 – $3,400 | $2,250 | −5% |
| El Paso, TX | 339,120 jobs | $1,100 – $3,300 | $2,200 | −8% |
What local crews earn in Durham
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 4 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Durham the blend is 0.86.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 50% of the weighting: a median of $21.36 an hour, 22% below the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $18.21 and $24.17 an hour. About 140 work in the metro. That is 4.1 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 13.3 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $22.38 an hour, which is in line with the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $19.03 and $25.15 an hour. BLS counts 1,120 of them working in the area, 32.6 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Carpenters (47-2031), 10% of the weighting: a median of $24.78 an hour, 15% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $21.40 and $29.03 an hour. About 520 work in the metro. That is 15.1 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 10% of the weighting: a median of $24.44 an hour, 15% below the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $22.61 and $29.62 an hour. About 480 work in the metro. That is 14.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (cement masons and concrete finishers) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $70 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $80. That is a swing of roughly 3.2% to 2.9% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Durham-Chapel Hill has 344,020 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 74th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 50% | $18.21 | $21.36 | $24.17 | $27.41 | 0.78 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $19.03 | $22.38 | $25.15 | $22.66 | 0.99 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $21.40 | $24.78 | $29.03 | $29.12 | 0.85 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $22.61 | $24.44 | $29.62 | $28.78 | 0.85 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.86 | |||||
Pick a size, pick a tier: concrete patio pricing in Durham
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Durham. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from 10x10 (100 sq ft) to 20x20 (400 sq ft).
Basic
$1,150 to $2,150
Plain gray slab, broom finish, flat yard
Standard
$1,900 to $2,900
Colored or stained, saw-cut joints, minor grading
Premium
$2,650 to $3,600
Exposed aggregate or heavy decorative finish, drainage work
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 (100 sq ft) | $420 – $840 | $730 – $1,150 | $1,050 – $1,450 |
| 12x16 (192 sq ft) | $760 – $1,450 | $1,250 – $1,950 | $1,800 – $2,450 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $1,550 – $2,800 | $2,500 – $3,750 | $3,450 – $4,700 |
Why two Durham quotes can differ
Size
Small patios carry fixed costs for forms and mobilization, so the per-square-foot price drops as the patio gets bigger.
Permit
Permits run $50-$400 where required. Many cities don't require one for a small at-grade patio.
Finish
Plain concrete is $4-$12 per sq ft and a broom finish $6-$13; designs with several colors and decorative finishes run up to about $28 (HomeGuide).
Durham weather and the concrete patio calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Raleigh Durham Intl Ap (10 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For pouring concrete, the comfortable months in Durham are April through June and August through October: 6 of 12. Outside them, January, February, March, November and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below, and July has an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
The 40°F line is a deliberately cautious stand-in. The American Concrete Institute's cold-weather guide (ACI 306R-16) defines cold-weather concreting around an average daily air temperature below 40°F, which is colder than our test of an average overnight low at or below 40°F, so we flag a few extra shoulder months. In cold weather crews may need heated enclosures, insulating blankets or accelerated mixes, and those measures can raise a quote.
Heat matters for concrete as well. With average highs of 90°F or more in July, crews often start early, wet the base and plan for faster set times.
Durham gets about 46 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 5 inches of snow. The wettest months are July, August and September (5.2 inches in September). Inside the workable window, May and October are the driest, at 3.4 and 3.4 inches. The station averages about 52 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52 | 32 | 3.4 | Cold |
| Feb | 56 | 34 | 2.8 | Cold |
| Mar | 63 | 40 | 4.1 | Cold |
| Apr | 73 | 49 | 3.5 | Workable |
| May | 80 | 58 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 87 | 66 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Jul | 91 | 70 | 5.0 | Hot |
| Aug | 89 | 69 | 4.7 | Workable |
| Sep | 83 | 63 | 5.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 73 | 50 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Nov | 63 | 40 | 3.3 | Cold |
| Dec | 55 | 34 | 3.4 | Cold |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $1,900 to $2,900 for Durham, NC is attached.
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Multi-page report for Durham, NC: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Concrete patio in Durham: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete patio in Durham?
For 300 sq ft, expect $1,150 to $3,600 in the Durham area. A standard-spec job lands at $1,900 to $2,900. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete patio in Durham?
About $3.70 to $11 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $50 to $390 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $4 to $12.
+Is concrete patio cheaper in Durham or Burlington?
Burlington is 15 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $2,350, which is 2% less than Durham ($2,400). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Durham?
About 48% at the midpoint, or $1,150 out of $2,400. Materials are 42% and permits 9%. Nationally, labor is 51%.
+What would 12x16 (192 sq ft) cost in Durham?
$760 to $2,450. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete patio need a permit in Durham?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $50 to $390 for fees in the Durham area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Durham expensive for concrete patio compared with the rest of North Carolina?
Durham is 0% above the North Carolina statewide estimate ($2,400 at the midpoint). We cover 11 metros in North Carolina; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Durham?
The BLS median is $21.36 an hour in the Durham area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $18.21 to $24.17.
+What do basic and premium concrete patio work cost in Durham?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $1,150 to $2,150 and premium work $2,650 to $3,600. Basic means: plain gray slab, broom finish, flat yard. Premium means: exposed aggregate or heavy decorative finish, drainage work.
+When is the best time to pour a concrete patio in Durham?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through June and August through October. May and October are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "add an acid or water-based stain" add in Durham?
$820 to $2,750 for 300 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete patio near Durham
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- SimplyWise: Concrete Estimate Template: Free PDF + Excel (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Stamped Concrete Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = SimplyWise's sample 200 sq ft broom-finish patio line ($500-$900 in materials) divided by 200 sq ft.