Concrete Patios & Pavers, Done Right

Discover more about concrete patios & pavers.

You have removed backyard obstructions and after careful consideration, you’ve decided to build an additional patio space for outside entertaining.

Gatherings around the home on weekends can be fun. Neighbors, friends and family gather around the outside grill. Here you can enjoy the cooking of steaks, hamburgers and hot dogs. Joy is enhanced with your new exterior patio. With many types of exterior finishes, you can be sure to enhance the look of your home with true functionality. Read below and discover the many concrete patios & pavers options available to you now.

Type of Concrete Patios

1. Gravel
2. Concrete
3. Pavers
4. Stone
5. Brick
6. Flagstone
7. Tile
8. Sand or Gravel

Gravel

After careful excavation, you will install sand or gravel to the excavated cavity. You can now place the selected material to the defined area. This material can be pea gravel, river rock, 3/4″ gravel, 3/8″ stone and many other options.

Concrete

Broom Finish

Typically found on your standard concrete sidewalk. The broom finish enhances sure footedness.

Exposed Aggregate

This aggregate can be of different sizes, shapes and colors. This exposed material can provide for varied and colored options, visible to the eye.

Salt Finish

This finish is usually installed around the swimming pool. Course salt is applied to concrete around the pool. After the concrete hardens, the salt is washed away. The result is a textured surface. This results in a nonslip and appealing finish.

Stamped Concrete

Rubber forms can provide for a variety of concrete surface finishes. Brick, pavers, cobblestone, flagstone are just a few of the designs available today.

Stained Concrete

Water combined with hydrochloric acid and acid-soluble metallic salts can provide beautiful stained concrete. The infused stain can provide for luminous and translucent tones. This application process can mimic polished marble, tanned leather, natural stone even wood. This requires the skills of an professional.

Polished Concrete

Polished concrete is achieved mechanically. This multistep process grinds the concrete to a smooth finish. Each step enhances the smoothness of the concrete. The smoothing of the concrete a chemical hardener is applied. As the hardener penetrates the concrete a chemical reaction will harden the concrete and dust proof the surface.

Pavers

Numerous manufactures provided different shapes and colors for your visual preference. Pavers can be a standard brick design or unique masonry shape. Shapes are designed for aesthetics. This material is designed for exterior use. Proper material installation will require a compactable base. Compactable base can be fill dirt, 21a, #57 and or any combination. This type of installation will usually have a specially designed outer edge to maintain the patio design. This application calls for yearly maintenance.

Often times, the pavers are set in a mortar base over concrete with tooled mortar joints. This procedure results in years of service.

Stone

I have seen some many beautiful stones provided by the quarry. This natural material has been used throughout time. Natural material is often set in a sand bed or concrete base. Beautiful effects are achieved with different shapes and colors.

Tile

This option can provide for easy cleaning and is pleasant to walk on. With a concrete base, tile installation can be inexpensive with many styles, shapes and colors for options. These options can provide an array of pleasing exterior effects. These themes can provide a safety concern. Safety is a concern for all your guests. As tile gets wet, it can be slippery, which can effect the safety of your guest.

Sand or Gravel

After you have carved out the area for your new patio, you can fill the area with sand or stone of your liking. Stones today, include a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. These stones will enhance the beauty of your patio. Your new new patio area, can provide years of entertainment joy.

As you can see the options and combinations can provide you with limitless opportunities. These opportunities provide for a entertainment platform with beauty that will add beauty and charm to your yard.

Your choice for the type of concrete patio & pavers work will determine the need for a professional.

Contractor Selection

Find Candidates

Ask your friends for referrals. Check the internet. You can get some personal recommendations from the local building supply house.

Get Estimates

With your vision recorded on paper with photos of ideas, invite your contractor candidates to your home for a site inspection. Make sure you give all potential contractors the same information. You want to do all you can to receive similar detailed proposals.

Photos and References

Ask for photos and references of completed work. With final selection, go out and visually inspect the project. If possible, ask for a walkthrough of the completed work.

Get License & Insurance Verifications

Always get a copy of the license and insurance. Contact the building department and insurance agent, make sure the license and insurance are active and in force.

Make Your Decision

 

With confirmation of great work, active license and insurance, confidence in the candidate, make your decision.

Planning

Pre-construction meetings are advisable. You want to layout a timeline of events. A step by step process will serve as a guide for the proposed completion of the project. Gather all phone numbers and emails for questions about the process.

Preparation

Always a good idea to secure the existing living space with plastic, this avoids dust migration into your living space. Make sure there is a portable toilet on site (for longer projects). Provide for access at one location. Establish workdays and hours. Exceptions can apply with prior notice.

Permits

With all permits posted, you are ready for project commencement. Be sure to make copies of all your permits. You want to keep all project information handy. In the event you need to contact the building department, you will have all information at your disposal.

Ms. Utility

Contact Ms. Utility. Ms. Utility usually needs 2 – 3 days to mark your property. Ms. Utility will locate the utility lines adjacent to your home and new construction.

Start

You can get started, with your project plan, permits and marked utility lines. Make sure work progresses in a manner you expect. I encourage you to purchase a $2.00 Composition and record all your thoughts, concerns, events, about your project. Use ink to record your notes and never tear a page out of the book. The information recorded in your Composition Book may be of important value in the future.

Process

Periodic checks on the work and permit status is a must. Ask to see the contractor, invite him/her over for coffee and a donut. You need not limit your conversations for issues of concerns. Make your project as enjoyable as possible.

Completion

The day has finally arrived, your new concrete patio & pavers project is complete and it looks great. Make sure:

1. Permits inspections complete.
2. All punch list work has been complete.
3. Get a lien release with final payment.
4. Yard is clean and project material removed.
5. Present final payment.

Enjoyment

With all work completed, permits closed out and a lien release in hand, you can begin to enjoy the new home concrete patio.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Patio

Selecting the best material for your patio is key to enhancing your outdoor space. Consider the durability and appearance of concrete, pavers, and stone. Concrete patios offer various finishes like broom, exposed aggregate, and stamped designs. Pavers come in numerous shapes and colors, providing flexibility in design. Stone adds a natural look with unique patterns. Each material has benefits and maintenance needs. Think about your lifestyle and the look you want to achieve before making a final decision.