Concrete Patios

Create Your Perfect Outdoor Space

Your backyard should be more than just grass and a grill. A well-designed patio gives you a solid foundation for outdoor furniture, entertaining guests, and enjoying your property year-round. Whether you want a simple rectangle for a table and chairs or an elaborate space with multiple levels and built-in features, concrete delivers the durability and versatility you need.

We build concrete patios throughout Park Ridge that handle our weather extremes without cracking or heaving. Freeze-thaw cycles, summer heat, and moisture all put stress on outdoor surfaces. Our installations include proper drainage design, adequate base preparation, and control joints placed strategically to manage natural concrete movement. These details ensure your patio stays level and intact for many years.

The best part about concrete patios is the design flexibility. You can go with a clean, modern look using smooth finishes and geometric shapes. You can choose stamped patterns that mimic natural stone or brick for a more traditional feel. You can add color, borders, and custom features that reflect your style. We work with you through the entire design process to create something that fits your vision and budget.

Design and Layout Considerations

Planning your patio layout takes more than just deciding on a size. You need to think about how you will use the space, where the sun hits throughout the day, and how it connects to your house and yard. We help you work through all these details during the design phase.

Size and Shape

The right size depends on your intended use. A patio for a small bistro set needs less space than one designed for hosting barbecues. We typically recommend at least 12 by 12 feet for basic furniture arrangements, but many homeowners go larger for more flexibility. Shape matters too. Rectangular patios work well in most yards, but curves, angles, and irregular shapes can follow your landscape features or create distinct zones for different activities.

Location and Access

Most patios work best when they connect directly to your house through a back door or sliding glass doors. This makes it easy to move food, drinks, and supplies outside. We also consider sun exposure, wind patterns, and views when positioning your patio. If you want shade, we can design the layout to accommodate a pergola or umbrella. Access to utilities like electrical outlets or gas lines for grills can be built into the plan from the start.

Drainage and Slope

Proper drainage is critical for any patio. We grade everything so water runs away from your house foundation. Even a slight slope, about a quarter inch per foot, keeps water from pooling on the surface. In some cases, we add drainage channels or French drains to handle runoff. These details prevent water damage to your home and keep your patio usable even after rain.

Installation Process and Timeline

Building a concrete patio follows a proven sequence of steps. Each phase is important for the final result, and we never rush through any part of the process.

• Site layout and excavation to remove sod and prepare the area
• Base installation with compacted aggregate for stability
• Form setup to define edges and ensure proper thickness
• Concrete pouring and spreading to achieve uniform coverage
• Finishing with your chosen texture, pattern, or decorative elements
• Curing period to allow concrete to reach full strength

Most residential patios take one to two days for the actual concrete work, depending on size and complexity. Decorative finishes like stamping add time but create stunning results. After we finish, the concrete needs several days to cure before you can use it for furniture or foot traffic. We protect the surface during this time and let you know exactly when it is ready. Weather can affect the timeline, especially extreme temperatures or rain, but we plan around conditions to deliver quality results.

If you are considering other concrete work like a new driveway or walkways, combining projects can sometimes save you money and minimize disruption to your property. We can coordinate multiple installations to make the most efficient use of equipment and materials. Everything gets done to the same high standards, creating a cohesive look across your entire property.

Frequently Asked Questions