If you are considering a concrete patio for your Bellingham home, the first question on your mind is almost certainly: what is this going to cost? The honest answer is that patio pricing varies significantly based on size, finish, site conditions, and add-on features. A basic 200-square-foot concrete pad might cost $2,600, while a 600-square-foot stamped patio with a fire pit, seating walls, and integrated lighting could exceed $35,000.
As patio installation contractors who have completed hundreds of projects across Bellingham and Whatcom County, we have compiled this comprehensive cost guide based on actual 2025 market pricing in our area. These figures reflect real project costs, not national averages, because material prices, labor rates, and site conditions in the Pacific Northwest differ meaningfully from other regions.
Base Patio Costs by Finish Type
The single biggest cost variable for a concrete patio is the finish. Here is what each option costs per square foot in the current Bellingham market, including standard site preparation, 4-inch slab with wire mesh reinforcement, and standard gravel base.
Basic Broom Finish
A standard gray broom-finish patio is the most economical option. The textured surface provides excellent traction in our wet climate and requires minimal maintenance. This is the workhorse finish you see on most practical patios throughout Birchwood, Sunnyland, and Columbia.
- Cost per square foot: $13-$18
- 200 sq ft patio: $2,600-$3,600
- 400 sq ft patio: $5,200-$7,200
- 600 sq ft patio: $7,800-$10,800
Colored Concrete (Integral Color)
Adding integral color to your concrete mix produces a uniform tone throughout the slab. Popular colors in Bellingham include sandstone, slate gray, terra cotta, and charcoal. Integral color adds visual warmth without the maintenance requirements of surface treatments.
- Cost per square foot: $15-$22
- 200 sq ft patio: $3,000-$4,400
- 400 sq ft patio: $6,000-$8,800
- 600 sq ft patio: $9,000-$13,200
Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate reveals the natural stone within the concrete, creating a textured, visually rich surface. Using local Nooksack River aggregate blends, exposed aggregate patios complement Pacific Northwest landscaping beautifully. This finish is popular in Edgemoor, Fairhaven, and Sehome for its combination of durability and aesthetics.
- Cost per square foot: $16-$24
- 200 sq ft patio: $3,200-$4,800
- 400 sq ft patio: $6,400-$9,600
- 600 sq ft patio: $9,600-$14,400
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete mimics the appearance of natural stone, brick, tile, or wood at a fraction of the cost of those materials. The process involves pressing patterns into fresh concrete, then applying color hardener and release agent. Stamped concrete requires periodic resealing, which is an important ongoing cost consideration in Bellingham's rainy climate.
- Basic stamp (single pattern, single color): $20-$28 per square foot
- Mid-range stamp (pattern with accent colors): $25-$32 per square foot
- High-end stamp (multiple patterns, borders, complex coloring): $30-$40 per square foot
For a 400-square-foot stamped patio, expect to pay:
- Basic: $8,000-$11,200
- Mid-range: $10,000-$12,800
- High-end: $12,000-$16,000
Acid Stained Concrete
Acid staining creates rich, variegated color effects that mimic natural stone or leather. Each application is unique because the stain reacts chemically with the concrete. This is a premium decorative option that looks stunning but requires sealer maintenance similar to stamped concrete.
- Cost per square foot: $18-$28
- 400 sq ft patio: $7,200-$11,200
Site Preparation Cost Variables
The base prices above assume relatively straightforward site conditions. Several common factors in Bellingham can add to your project cost.
Demolition and Removal
If you are replacing an existing patio, the old concrete must be broken up, removed, and hauled to a recycling facility. Demolition costs in Bellingham run:
- Standard 4-inch slab removal: $3-$5 per square foot
- Thicker or reinforced slab removal: $5-$8 per square foot
- Disposal fees: $150-$300 per truckload at local recycling facilities
For a 400-square-foot patio removal and replacement, budget an additional $1,500-$3,000 for demolition and disposal before new installation costs.
Grading and Drainage
Proper grading ensures water flows away from your house and does not pond on the patio surface. Most Bellingham backyards require some grading work, and properties on slopes in South Hill, Alabama Hill, and Sehome may need significant earth moving.
- Minor grading (less than 6 inches of cut/fill): $500-$1,500
- Moderate grading (6-18 inches, may require soil export): $1,500-$4,000
- French drain installation: $1,500-$3,500
- Channel drain at patio edge: $800-$2,000
Access Difficulty
Concrete trucks need to get reasonably close to the pour location. If your backyard is accessible only through narrow side yards, which is common in the Lettered Streets, York, and Happy Valley, concrete may need to be pumped in using a line pump or boom pump.
- Line pump (for distances under 150 feet): $600-$1,200
- Boom pump (for distances over 150 feet or over obstacles): $1,200-$2,000
Popular Add-On Features and Their Costs
The base patio slab is just the starting point. Most Bellingham homeowners add at least one or two features that enhance functionality and aesthetics. Here is what the most popular add-ons cost in our market.
Patio Covers and Pergolas
Given Bellingham's rainfall, a patio cover dramatically increases your usable outdoor days. The cover structure itself is typically built by a general contractor or specialized pergola builder, but the concrete pad beneath it is our domain. The patio slab under a covered area should be poured at the same time as the rest of the patio for a seamless result.
- Pergola with open slats (wood): $4,000-$10,000 for a 12x16-foot structure
- Pergola with polycarbonate roof panels: $6,000-$14,000
- Solid roof extension matching house: $10,000-$25,000 (requires building permit)
- Retractable awning: $2,000-$6,000
Fire Pits
- Reinforced fire pit pad (for portable fire pit): $500-$1,000
- Built-in wood-burning fire pit: $2,500-$5,000
- Built-in gas fire pit with ignition system: $3,500-$7,000
- Fire pit with surrounding seating wall: $5,000-$12,000
Seating Walls
Concrete or block seating walls (typically 18 inches tall) provide built-in seating and define patio zones. They are particularly popular on sloped properties where they serve double duty as low retaining walls.
- Poured concrete seating wall: $50-$80 per linear foot
- Block seating wall with concrete cap: $40-$65 per linear foot
- Curved seating wall (more complex formwork): $70-$100 per linear foot
Steps and Level Changes
- Standard concrete steps (per step): $150-$300
- Wide landscape steps (4+ feet wide): $300-$600 per step
- Multi-level patio transitions: $1,000-$3,000 per level change, including structural reinforcement
Outdoor Kitchen Base
- Basic L-shaped counter with concrete top: $5,000-$10,000
- Full kitchen with sink, grill station, and storage: $10,000-$20,000
- Utility connections (gas, water, electrical): $1,500-$4,000
Integrated Lighting
- Step lights (LED, per fixture installed): $150-$300
- Perimeter LED strip lighting: $15-$25 per linear foot
- Low-voltage transformer and wiring: $400-$800
- Complete lighting package for a 400 sq ft patio: $1,500-$4,000
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Your patio cost does not end at installation. In Bellingham's climate, maintenance is an essential budget item that varies significantly by finish type.
Sealing
Stamped and stained concrete patios require professional sealing every 2-3 years to maintain water resistance, color vibrancy, and surface integrity. In our wet climate, neglecting sealer maintenance accelerates deterioration faster than in drier regions.
- Professional sealing (per application): $1.50-$3.00 per square foot
- 400 sq ft patio sealing: $600-$1,200 every 2-3 years
- 20-year sealing cost: $4,200-$8,400
Broom finish and exposed aggregate patios benefit from sealing but do not strictly require it, making them lower-maintenance options for budget-conscious homeowners in Birchwood, Geneva, and Samish.
Cleaning
Annual pressure washing removes moss, algae, and organic staining that accumulate in our damp climate. Shaded patios in heavily treed neighborhoods like Samish and the southern end of South Hill may need cleaning twice per year.
- Professional pressure washing: $150-$350 per session
- DIY pressure washer rental: $60-$100 per day
Total Project Cost Examples
To give you a realistic picture of what complete patio projects cost in Bellingham, here are four examples based on actual recent projects.
Budget-Friendly Patio (Cordata neighborhood):
- 300 sq ft broom finish with integral color
- Minor grading and standard drainage
- No add-ons
- Total: $5,500-$7,500
Mid-Range Patio (Sunnyland neighborhood):
- 400 sq ft exposed aggregate
- Moderate grading, French drain
- Built-in gas fire pit
- Total: $14,000-$20,000
Upscale Patio (Edgemoor neighborhood):
- 500 sq ft stamped concrete, two-level design
- Fire pit with curved seating wall
- Integrated step lighting
- Grading and drainage on sloped lot
- Total: $25,000-$35,000
Premium Outdoor Living Space (South Hill):
- 700 sq ft multi-level stamped patio
- Outdoor kitchen base with countertops
- Gas fire pit with seating wall
- Complete integrated lighting
- Significant grading, retaining elements, and drainage
- Total: $45,000-$65,000
ROI and Home Value Impact
A well-designed concrete patio is one of the highest-ROI home improvements you can make, particularly in the Bellingham real estate market where outdoor living space is a major selling point. Industry data consistently shows that patios return 60-80% of their cost in home value at resale, with upscale outdoor living spaces in desirable neighborhoods like Edgemoor, Fairhaven, and Sehome sometimes returning even more.
Beyond resale value, a patio improves your quality of life every day you use it. In a market where Bellingham home prices continue to be strong, investing in outdoor living space is both a lifestyle and a financial decision that makes sense.
Getting an Accurate Estimate
Online cost calculators and national averages can give you a ballpark figure, but accurate pricing requires an on-site evaluation. Every property in Bellingham has unique conditions, from the glacial till soil in Happy Valley to the steep slopes of Alabama Hill, that affect the actual cost. Drainage conditions, access for equipment, existing landscaping, and local permit requirements all factor into your final price.
We provide free, detailed estimates for patio projects throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County. Our proposals include a line-item breakdown so you can see exactly where your money goes and make informed decisions about which features to include or defer. No pressure, no hidden costs, just honest numbers from a local contractor who has been building patios in this community for years.
Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free estimate — we serve all of Bellingham and Whatcom County.