Concrete Patios
If you’re looking to add extra living space to your home, a concrete patio may be the perfect solution. This type of patio is incredibly durable and easy to maintain. Still, it can also be designed in various ways to perfectly match your style and personality.
If you’re thinking about installing a concrete patio in your backyard, follow along for the ultimate guide to do it yourself. We’ll cover everything from preparing the ground before installation to sealing and protecting the patio once it’s finished.
What is a Concrete Patio?
A concrete patio is a paved outdoor area, usually made of concrete slabs. A concrete patio is often a base for a patio garden or an outdoor dining space. Concrete patios are known for their durability and low maintenance. They can last for decades without needing repairs, though weathering can cause them to crack, which requires patching.
Concrete is created by mixing cement, water, and aggregate (sand, gravel, or rocks). The concrete mix is then poured into a mold. The liquid material hardens over time into the desired shape. After the concrete has cured, it can be left as-is or painted or decorated with stencils and sealants.
Types of concrete patios
There are many concrete patios, including stamped concrete patios, poured concrete patios, and colored concrete patios. Here at Patio Design Plus, we specialize in custom-poured concrete patios.
Stamped Concrete Patios
A stamped concrete patio is made by stamping a pattern into the wet concrete to create texture on the patio surface. Stamped concrete patios are smooth like a poured patio but have a texture like a paver patio.
Poured Concrete Patios
A poured concrete patio is created by pouring a liquid layer of concrete over dirt and sand and smoothing the surface. Poured patios are generally considered more aesthetically pleasing than stamped patios because they have a sleeker look with no visible seams between each concrete section.
Colored Concrete Patios
Some homeowners prefer colored concrete patios because it allows for more creative freedom in color and design options. In addition, it can apply a colored or tinted sealer to any stamped or poured patio to add color and protect the surface from staining and damage from the elements.
Benefits of Concrete Patios
Concrete is an incredible material that offers serious benefits over other patio materials like natural stone and brick.
1) Concrete is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the look of your patio in any color, texture, and pattern. It is something you can’t do with other materials.
2) Concrete is one of the most durable materials available for a patio surface. With proper installation and maintenance, a concrete patio will last the lifetime of your home—and possibly even longer!
3) Another benefit of using concrete for your patio surface is relatively low maintenance and ease of keeping clean.
4) Concrete is also very easy to work with and adaptable to different types of patios. For example, you can use it for a standard rectangular patio and curved or circular designs, and more complex multi-level patios.
Installing Process of a Concrete Patios:
Installing a concrete patio is a great way to make the most of your backyard, and it is perfectly suited for any DIYer. With a little planning, you can build a concrete patio that will last for years.
Step 1: Plan ahead
Before starting your project, it’s important to plan. First of all, you need to choose the best location for your patio. The site should be flat and away from any trees or other structures that could overhang the patio. It is also important to get in touch with utility companies such as Water and Electric companies so they can mark all underground lines on the property before you start digging.
Step 2: Excavate the area for the patio
Dig out and remove at least 6 inches of dirt from the chosen area. After removing dirt, make sure that the ground is level by using a long wood board (4-foot is recommended) and a spirit level. If needed, use extra soil or sand to level it up.
Step 3: Remove grass from the excavation
Remove all grass and weeds from your excavation, so they don’t grow through later on when the concrete is poured in and harder to remove without damaging it!
Step 4: Install the forms for the outline
Next, you’ll need to set up your forms around the excavation perimeter. These can be made out of wood or plastic and should be at least two inches high. Be sure that they are level with each other and square with their environment before securing them in place with stakes driven into the ground every two feet or so.
Step 5: Install rebar in the concrete
Setting up your area is one of the most important parts of concrete pouring. First, you need to ensure that you have a flat surface to work with, and you need to set up forms for pouring the concrete into. The best way to do this is to dig down about 6 inches and make sure that the surface is smooth and even. After that, you can begin installing any reinforcing bars or wire mesh that you will use.
Step 6: Pour concrete into the form and finish with afloat.
Once you have your form ready, you can begin pouring in your concrete. Pour slowly to prevent air bubbles from getting trapped in the mix. It’s also important for the pour to be even, so if necessary, you should use a shovel or trowel to spread the concrete evenly over the entire surface of your form. If you have any corners on your patio, be sure to fill them with concrete. Once it’s all poured, you should use a float (a broad tool with a long handle)to smooth out any bumps or uneven spots on your patio surface.
Step 7: Allow the concrete to dry for at least 48 hours.
Allow the concrete to dry for at least 48 hours before removing the forms and installing edging if desired. The result will be a beautiful new patio space that can become an extension of your home—where you can gather for outdoor meals or sit and enjoy your backyard.
Maintenance of concrete patio
A concrete patio is pretty low-maintenance. To keep it looking good for decades, all you have to do is to hose down any dirt or debris, remove stains as soon as they occur, and reseal the surface every two to three years.
Don’t use a pressure washer on concrete, though—it’s too abrasive. Instead, wash the entire patio with a mild detergent (or one specifically designed for concrete), rinse thoroughly, and allow to air dry. Once it’s clean, apply a penetrating sealer. A penetrating sealer will help prevent staining and protect against salt damage if you live in an area with cold winters.
To remove stains from concrete, use an appropriate cleaning product (such as one made for cleaning concrete) or make your own using trisodium phosphate and water. Then, scrub the stain vigorously with a stiff-bristled brush, rinse well with water, and let the surface air dry.
FAQ’s
When is the best time to have a patio installed in my backyard?
We recommend installing a patio in the spring or fall when temperatures are not as hot. It will ensure that the concrete does not dry too fast and crack, nor does it freeze.
How long will it take to have a patio installed?
It generally takes about one day for the concrete to be poured and another two days to cure. After that, you can use your new backyard patio!
What type of materials are used for patios?
The most common choice is concrete. However, you can also choose natural stones or pavers. Each material has different advantages and disadvantages, which we are happy to discuss with you to make an informed decision.
How much does it cost to install a concrete patio?
The cost of installing a concrete patio will vary depending on your location and the size of the area you want to cover. However, for most contractors in the United States, the average price per square foot is around $7 and $16. Therefore, the total cost of installation should be between $1,533 and $4,740, depending on whether or not you include additional features such as drainage or landscaping.
How long will it take to install a concrete patio?
Answer: The answer depends on its size and shape. For example, the average 250-square-foot rectangular patio takes roughly three days from start to finish. However, if you install a curved or circular design with decorative details like borders or stenciled patterns, your project could last much longer.
Will I have to do maintenance work on my new concrete patio?
The short answer is yes. However, maintenance for concrete patios is not nearly as demanding as other materials such as wood or stone. Over time, weeds may grow between joints and cracks in your concrete slab. It can prevent it by applying a sealer before installation and filling cracks as they appear. Sealers should also be reapplied every 2-3 years, depending on how much wear and tear your patio receives.
Final Thought
To sum it up, installing a concrete patio in your backyard is a worthwhile investment. A patio can add instant appeal to your property and increase its functionality and value. The best news? Anyone can do it! Contact ABC Concrete Services for more information about how to plan and install your patio, or have one of our experts visit your house to give you a personal tour of some ideas.