Concrete Patios

When you're planning a patio, the material you choose determines how much enjoyment you'll get from your outdoor space. Wood decks look nice at first, but they require constant maintenance. Staining, sealing, replacing warped boards, and fighting off rot takes time and money every single year.

Concrete patios offer something better. Once we install your concrete patio in Kent, OH, you're basically done. No annual sealing. No painting. No replacing rotted sections. You can spend summer evenings relaxing instead of maintaining your outdoor space.

Let's talk about pavers for a moment. They look great initially, but those individual pieces shift over time. Weeds grow between them. Sand washes out and needs replacing. Ants build colonies underneath. With concrete, you get a solid, continuous surface that stays put. Nothing shifts, nothing settles unevenly, and weeds can't push through.

Concrete also handles Ohio weather without complaint. Summer heat, winter freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rain, and everything in between doesn't faze properly installed concrete. We design your patio with slight slopes for drainage, proper thickness for your climate, and control joints to manage natural movement. The result is a surface that looks good and functions well for decades.

Cost matters too. Concrete costs less than most paver installations and way less than natural stone. You get a premium outdoor space without premium pricing. And because it lasts so long with minimal maintenance, the value proposition only gets better over time.

Your patio should match your lifestyle and complement your home's architecture. The good news is that modern concrete techniques give you almost unlimited design flexibility. Let's walk through your options.

Popular Patio Features

• Custom shapes that follow your yard's natural contours
• Multiple levels for defining different activity zones
• Integrated seating walls and planters
• Fire pit areas with proper clearances and drainage
• Outdoor kitchen foundations built to support heavy equipment
• Pergola footings poured as part of the patio structure
• Textured surfaces for slip resistance around pools
• Border designs that frame your outdoor space

Color transforms concrete from plain to personal. We can add color directly to the concrete mix for consistent tone throughout, or apply stains after curing for more complex color patterns. Earth tones work well because they blend with landscaping and hide dirt. Grays and tans are timeless choices, while richer browns and terracottas create warmth.

Stamped concrete takes design further by adding texture and pattern. We can make your patio look like natural stone, slate, brick, or wood planks. The patterns are pressed into wet concrete using special mats, creating realistic texture and visual depth. This gives you a high-end look without the high-end price tag of actual stone or pavers.

Think about how you'll use your patio. Do you entertain large groups? Size matters. Do you want separate areas for dining and lounging? Multiple levels or defined zones work well. Will you add a grill or outdoor kitchen later? We can pour the foundation now. Planning these details upfront creates a more functional space that serves your needs for years.

Understanding the installation process helps you plan around construction and know what's happening at each stage. Here's how we build patios that last.

We start by marking out your patio's exact location and shape. This is your chance to walk the layout and make sure you love the size and position before we break ground. Once you approve, we excavate to the proper depth, typically 6 to 8 inches below your finished patio level.

Base preparation determines how well your patio performs long-term. We install a gravel sub-base and compact it thoroughly. This creates a stable foundation that won't settle or shift. Proper compaction prevents future cracking and uneven surfaces. We also grade everything slightly away from your house so water always drains away from your foundation.

Forms go in next. These temporary wooden or metal frames create the edges and shape of your patio. If you're adding curves or multiple levels, this step takes extra care to get everything perfect. We also install any reinforcement like rebar or welded wire mesh at this stage.

Pour day is exciting. Concrete trucks arrive and we work quickly to place, spread, and finish the concrete before it starts setting. If you chose stamping or special finishes, we apply those while the concrete is still workable. Timing matters here because concrete waits for no one.

Curing takes patience but ensures strength. We apply curing compound and protect the fresh concrete for several days. You'll need to stay off your new patio for at least a week. After that, it's ready for furniture and use, though it continues gaining strength for several more weeks.

Most patios take 3 to 5 days from start to finish, depending on size and complexity. Weather can affect the schedule because we can't pour in rain or extreme temperatures. We'll keep you updated throughout the process so you know exactly what's happening and when you can start enjoying your new outdoor space.

One of the best things about concrete patios is how little maintenance they require. That said, a few simple practices keep your patio looking its best for decades.

Regular cleaning is basic but important. Sweep off leaves, dirt, and debris regularly so they don't stain the surface. A few times a year, wash your patio with a garden hose or power washer. For stubborn stains from grease, rust, or organic material, use a concrete cleaner designed for outdoor surfaces. Most stains come off easily if you address them quickly.

Sealing protects your investment, especially if you chose colored or stamped concrete. A good sealer keeps color vibrant, makes cleaning easier, and adds resistance to stains and weather. We recommend resealing every 2 to 3 years, though some high-quality sealers last longer. This is the only real maintenance your patio needs.

Watch for cracks, though small hairline cracks are normal and don't affect function. Concrete naturally develops minor cracks as it ages. If you notice larger cracks or sections that seem to be settling unevenly, call us to take a look. Early attention prevents small issues from becoming big problems.

Winter care in Ohio means keeping your patio safe from ice and snow damage. Avoid using salt-based deicers on concrete because they can damage the surface over time. Sand provides traction without harming concrete. If you must use deicing chemicals, choose products specifically labeled as safe for concrete.

Furniture placement matters more than you might think. Use pads under metal furniture legs to prevent rust stains. Don't drag heavy items across your patio because this can scratch or scuff the surface. These small precautions keep your patio looking fresh.

The bottom line is simple. Compared to wood decks that need yearly staining or pavers that require ongoing maintenance, concrete patios are incredibly low-maintenance. Clean them occasionally, reseal every few years, and enjoy your outdoor space without constant upkeep.