Size12 x 12 ft, 4 in thick
Concrete1.96 cu yd with 10% extra
Bags if mixing88 x 80 lb
Curing7 days damp (ACI 308R)
A small patio is one of the most common DIY concrete jobs. The concrete is easy to count; the work is in the base, the forms and the finishing.
Materials
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Concrete | 1.96 cu yd (88 bags of 80 lb mix) |
| Form boards | 48 ft of 2x4 or 2x6, plus stakes |
| Base gravel | depth per your soil and plans |
| Curing | plastic sheeting or curing compound |
Steps
- Call 811 before digging, then lay out the patio with stakes and string.
- Dig to the depth of the slab plus base, sloping slightly away from the house so water drains.
- Compact the soil and base.
- Set and brace the forms; check that the top edges match your slope.
- Pour, screed, float and finish. Cut control joints as your contractor or plans call for.
- Keep it damp for at least 7 days when it is above 50°F.
Sources
- Quikrete Concrete Mix (No. 1101) data sheet: bag yields 0.30, 0.375, 0.45 and 0.60 cu ft for 40, 50, 60 and 80 lb
- ACI 308R basic curing period (7 days above 50°F), as summarized in US NRC concrete training slides
Sources last checked 1 November 2026.
Calculators for this project
Frequently asked questions
Is 1.5 yards of concrete enough for a 12 x 12 patio?
At 4 in thick you need 1.78 yd before extra, so 1.5 yd leaves a reasonable margin.