Concrete Patios

A professionally installed concrete patio typically lasts 30-50 years with proper maintenance. This far exceeds wood decks (15-20 years before major repairs) and composite decking (25-30 years). Regular sealing every 2-3 years helps protect against weather and stains, ensuring your patio stays beautiful for decades.

Concrete patios are the better choice for Pacific Northwest climates. They require minimal maintenance (no yearly staining), resist rot and pests, handle our wet weather better, and last significantly longer. While wood decks may have lower upfront costs, concrete delivers superior long-term value through durability and reduced maintenance. Concrete also offers more design flexibility with colors, patterns, and integrated features.

Standard residential patios should be 4 inches thick with proper base preparation and reinforcement. For areas with heavy furniture, hot tubs, or outdoor kitchens, we may recommend 5-6 inches. Proper thickness combined with steel reinforcement (rebar or mesh) and a well-compacted base ensures your patio handles loads without cracking.

All concrete develops some minor cracks over time - that's the nature of the material as it responds to temperature changes and settling. However, we minimize cracking through proper site preparation, adequate base material, correct thickness, steel reinforcement, and strategic control joint placement. These measures keep any cracks small, controlled, and often barely noticeable. For decorative patios, patterns and joint lines can be designed to disguise potential cracks.

Exposed aggregate is ideal for pool decks - it provides excellent slip resistance when wet, stays cooler underfoot than smooth concrete, and the textured surface hides water spots and minor stains. Light colors help reflect heat. We can also use stamped concrete with slip-resistant sealers for a decorative look. Avoid smooth finishes around pools as they become dangerously slippery when wet.

Proper drainage is critical for patio longevity. We create a minimum 2% slope (1/4 inch per foot) away from your home's foundation to prevent water pooling and foundation issues. For patios adjacent to the house, we ensure water directs to appropriate drainage areas or install channel drains if needed. We also consider existing yard drainage patterns and may install French drains or other solutions to manage water flow.

Absolutely! Sloped yards are perfect for multi-level patio designs. We can create terraced patios with integrated retaining walls and steps that maximize your usable outdoor space while creating distinct zones for different activities. These designs often become the most impressive features of a property, turning a challenging slope into a stunning architectural element.

Concrete patios are remarkably low-maintenance. Regular sweeping and occasional hosing remove debris. For best results, reseal your patio every 2-3 years to protect against stains and weather damage. Avoid using de-icing salts (use sand instead) and promptly clean spills. For decorative finishes, avoid metal snow shovels that can scratch - use plastic instead. That's it - far less work than maintaining a wood deck!

You can walk on your new patio after 24-48 hours for light foot traffic. For furniture placement and normal use, wait 7 days. If you're adding heavy features like hot tubs or outdoor kitchens, wait the full 28 days for complete curing. Weather conditions affect timing - we'll provide specific guidance for your project. Initial sealing typically happens after 28 days of curing.

Yes! We can closely match colors, patterns, and finishes to existing concrete work like driveways or walkways. However, perfect color matching can be challenging due to weathering, age differences, and natural variations in concrete. We'll provide samples and discuss options to create the most cohesive look. Sometimes a complementary contrasting border or pattern can tie different areas together beautifully.