A concrete patio is a cost-effective option for homeowners to improve their backyard living spaces. It can also add value to a property. There are a wide variety of patterns, designs, and finishes that can be used at affordable prices. These include stamped patterns that mimic brick, tile, or natural stone, scoring geometric designs, staining, and stenciled finishes.
As outdoor living becomes increasingly popular, homeowners want to create functional and aesthetically pleasing backyard spaces where they can relax. Concrete patios at Level Ground Excavation offer an affordable option that can be customized in various patterns and colors to suit any taste. While a concrete patio may cost more upfront than materials like wood or pavers, it is a long-term investment that can add value to a home and save money over time as the surface does not require frequent maintenance or costly repairs.
Concrete is also an environmentally friendly material, eliminating the need for lumber and reducing chemical waste in the environment by minimizing stormwater runoff. It can also be designed to be permeable and used as a drainage system, reducing the amount of water that enters nearby storm drains and waterways.
The main drawback to using concrete as a patio material is that it is not as durable as other paving options, particularly in areas that experience a lot of freezing and thawing of the ground in the winter. This can lead to cracking of the patio and can be costly for the homeowner to repair, as it often requires removing and replacing large sections of the patio.
The initial cost of a concrete patio depends on the size and shape, as well as the site preparation required to level the yard. Straightforward square or rectangular patios are typically more affordable than unique shapes, which require additional lumber to assemble the form and more labor to excavate the site to prepare for installation. If you are considering a concrete patio, request quotes from local contractors to see what your budget will be for the project.
Versatility
Concrete isn’t always viewed as a decorative material, but the slabs of poured patios provide a blank canvas that can be adorned in a wide variety of ways. Contractors can brush, paint, stencil, etch or add pebble aggregate to the surface for a customized look that will match the surrounding landscaping and complement the style of your home. This flexibility makes concrete patios a great alternative to more expensive patio materials such as pavers and natural stones.
Stained concrete is a popular option for updating plain gray patios, but there are even more design possibilities available. A skilled contractor can use a concrete stamp to create designs that mimic stone or block patterns, wavy lines, leaves and fossils. They can also use texture rollers to imprint the concrete with different patterns and textures, giving it a unique finish. Concrete is also a solid choice for creating a raised seating area or as the foundation for a pergola or gazebo that offers shade from the summer sun or protection from rain and wind.
A colorful concrete patio is the perfect backdrop for a vibrant backyard setting. This patio from JC Designs features herringbone pattern blocks that bring added dimension to the space while complementing the outdoor dining and lounge furniture. To make the most of your patio in any season, consider adding overhead string lights or built-in lighting fixtures to illuminate the space after dark.
Durability
A concrete patio offers a long-lasting alternative to wooden decks. It can endure heavy traffic and other forms of wear and tear, and it won’t require the periodic resealing that wood does. In fact, the longevity and durability of concrete also contributes to its low maintenance costs.
A new concrete patio is an investment, so homeowners should consider their style options carefully before settling on one. A professional can help them find a design that suits their home and yard while providing a high return on investment.
Concrete contractors can use a variety of methods to customize the finished product, from a basic broom finish to a stamped or stenciled concrete patio. These styles offer an array of texture, color and pattern options that can complement other backyard features like a swimming pool or water garden.
A textured concrete patio is slip-resistant, even when wet. This feature can improve safety, especially for children and older adults who may have a tendency to fall on smooth surfaces that can’t provide reliable traction.
Another option for a durable concrete patio is a mix that includes rebar. This material strengthens the concrete to minimize cracking, which is an issue with many backyard concrete projects. For patios that will support heavy objects, such as a hot tub or outdoor kitchen, a contractor should use a thicker mix to ensure the patio is sturdy enough.
A concrete patio is an ideal place to entertain guests or host a barbecue, as it can easily accommodate a large crowd and provides easy access to the kitchen or dining room. It can also be used as an informal entryway to a home, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Easy Maintenance
Concrete patios can be a cost-effective investment in your home and provide years of enjoyment with little to no upkeep. Whether they are stamped, plain, or poured as part of an outdoor landscape design, concrete is a durable material that can hold up to the harsh weather elements. With the exception of environmental intrusions like ground shifting or tree root penetration, a well-maintained concrete patio should last for decades.
The beauty of concrete is that it can be colored and textured to look like other materials such as pavers or natural stone. Decorative concrete can add that “wow factor” to a backyard entertainment area, turning it into an outdoor room. However, raw concrete also looks sleek and modern, especially when designed with sharp edges and perfect lines.
Like all surfaces, concrete will need to be cleaned occasionally to remove dirt and debris. Using a pressure washer can help eliminate the majority of surface contamination. If there are stubborn stains on your concrete, you can use a degreaser to break down oil and grease buildup. To protect your concrete from future stains, you can apply a waterproof sealer to the surface after cleaning.
Another advantage of a concrete patio is that it can be designed with sloped edges to prevent water runoff and erosion. To minimize the amount of water that ends up in your landscaping, you can direct runoff into a rain garden or use a storm drain system to keep it from flowing onto your patio.
If you want to minimize the amount of chemicals that are used on your patio, you can cover your concrete with a synthetic rug or a layer of mulch to reduce long-term deterioration and protect your plants. This is a much safer alternative to chemicals that are often used on other patio surfaces such as pavers and wood.
Customizable Designs
Concrete is a versatile material that can be made to mimic almost any type of surface. This makes it ideal for homeowners who want to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor space.
For example, a concrete patio can be designed to look like tile or wood to blend in with a homeowner’s existing décor. It can also be textured to provide reliable traction and grip, even when wet, to reduce the risk of slips and falls.
A concrete contractor can help with all aspects of designing and laying a new backyard patio. This includes ensuring the design will be strong enough to support heavy furniture, grills, and other objects that may be placed on it. It’s also important to consider if the patio will be used for entertaining or as a workspace, and if it will need to be resurfaced with anti-skid materials to ensure safety for guests and family members with impaired mobility.
Patios made from concrete can be poured in place or precast, and there are several different finishing techniques to consider. For example, a concrete patio can be exposed aggregate, which is finished with small pebbles that add a unique texture to the surface. It can also be colored with stains or dyes to achieve a specific look.
Before pouring your concrete patio, you’ll need to prepare the area by removing any weeds or debris. If necessary, the landscaper can also level the ground to ensure a flat surface for the build. Once the landscaping is complete, a professional will set the form boards over the concrete site and saw them flush with the top edges of the forms. Then, the concrete mix will be spread over the form boards using a bull float to smooth the surface and fill in low spots.