There's a concrete answer to all your concrete questions
Concrete is a popular choice for patios. Not only are concrete patios cost-effective, but the material is highly durable and customizable. Though it might sound simple, your best bet is to hire a local concrete company that installs concrete patios to take on the job.
Compared to handypeople, general contractors, or even landscapers, concrete patio companies have actual experience working with concrete. Let's walk through why hiring this specific pro is the best move.
Concrete can be a complicated material. It must be properly mixed, poured, and cured to avoid shrinkage, cracks, and structural issues. Concrete professionals know how to design and install a new patio that blends aesthetics with strength.
Concrete patio companies also have a clear idea of the cost of concrete delivery and the final cost of the concrete patio from start to finish. They are aware of local permitting fees, costs to remove your old patio, and the price of special add-ons.
There are multiple types of concrete and a time and a place for each one. Concrete patio pros will also know how to stamp, finish, and seal concrete to show off a stylish design. If you plan to install heavy items on your patio, such as an outdoor kitchen, they may also recommend concrete reinforcement materials.
Building a patio in many areas requires a permit. Concrete patio companies will know how to pull them in your area and how this could affect your timeline.
Pouring concrete yourself is considered an expert-level DIY project. Not only will you need highly specialized equipment and materials, but it's best to have some knowledge about concrete already. If you mix concrete incorrectly or with the wrong type of water, you can end up with stress cracks, slumping, or an uneven patio. It's also best to check building laws in your area to confirm that you can install a concrete patio without certification.
There are, however, more DIY-friendly projects, such as patio resurfacing or repairing small concrete cracks that appear over time.
A landscape or hardscape specialist can install a patio, but they may still hire a subcontractor to handle the concrete. If you do choose to go this route, be sure to choose a designer with concrete patios in their portfolio. Your landscaper should be familiar with the right tactics for pouring and fortifying concrete, as well as how to grade and adjust the surrounding land to support the slab.
After obtaining the proper permits, concrete patio contractors schedule a time for installation when there is temperate weather. They will excavate several inches into the ground and, if necessary, remove any large rocks or roots along the area. The team will then add wooden concrete forms around the perimeter of your slabs, adding multiple beams in the center of the patio, depending on the design.
Crushed stone or gravel will then go into the excavated area inside the mold to act as a sub-base. After mixing the concrete, they will then pour the mixture into the molds, adding fortifications if necessary. The process should take one to three days, depending on the preparation and concrete curing time.
