Are you Contemplating a new Concrete Patio but just aren’t sure of what to be looking for and what questions to ask? Great, we have some Inspiring Concrete Patio Ideas that will help you with this process.
This is a hard subject to talk about from the lay person’s perspective. There are so many different avenues for a patio none are written in concrete. And when you think about it you may even get aggregated, like I did. LOL. All puns were intended.
When I moved into the home, I was happy even to have a deck. Wooden or otherwise.. But in the area that it was I was seeing pooling of water next to the home. So no matter what, it left me no choice but to either rip out and not replace or rip out and put in a new one. I chose a more permanent solution-addressing the water situation. I couldn’t be happier.
Patio Preparation
Here is the order of the project…
1. They Removed the old deck.
2. Began to clear and leveling the area to be paved.
3. To ensure that water will run off the paved area and away from the house, create a slight slope by grading the ground to drop about 1/4″ per foot in the direction you want the water to travel.
4. Pack the soil down firmly with a hand tamp, or allow a good rain to do the job for you.
Potential Aggregate Choices
You have two options for aggregate flooring — polished and natural.
Polished
With polished aggregate flooring, the contractors grind the surface with an increasingly fine sander until they achieve a sheen.
Natural
With natural finishing, the flooring is left textured by the aggregate. The most common aggregates for concrete flooring are gravel and crushed stone.
When choosing what is right for you and your patio there are many choices out there:
- Concrete
- Natural stone/flagstone
- Brick
- Pavers
- Wood Decking
- Trex Decking
I chose concrete because of its durability. It can be:
PLAIN
STAMPED
STAINED
In addition to the above, you can have Aggregated Concrete.
Meaning:
Exposed Stones
Glass Pieces
I chose aggregated stone in a warm rustic tan. This is my second patio using the same material. I am always pleased with it.
As in previous articles, the choosing of a contractor is always a challenge. In this instance, God Blessed me (always). My neighbor across the street owns his own family concrete company. Chris Bury, Bury Cement Contracting.
He visited, saw my drawing and agreed it could be done. After looking at it, my outline in the grass (white leftover spray paint), he suggested to extend it even further. I agreed. If you’re going to do this, better to do what you want to do in the beginning for a more cohesive look. That way the concrete is all one color and it’s more pleasing to the eye.
When talking with the contractor, we decided it needed a retaining wall. These are usually utilitarian, not this time, we added wall caps so that it would be additional seating when entertaining guests. I am all about that….entertaining.
It is important to determine how you will use your deck or patio, on an average how many people do you normally entertain and how much furniture and grilling area will be needed. Also, in the future do you plan on perhaps adding a kitchen area? Allow space for that as well in your design.
At the time of installing the patio, the Contractor and I discussed putting a covering over it (i.e Pergola, roof, or entirely enclosed). At that time, I chose not to. Cost was one of the most determining factors. I have now decided next summer to put a covering over the entire patio. it will include fully covered roof and electricity.
She Shed
HGTV Dream Home
My Wish List
If you have been following my blog post, you know I always say, I don’t get one project started before I have two and three others on the drawing board or even in the works. That’s just my nature, sounds like you? LOL
Finished Project
Well I am still enjoying my patio during the day but especially in the evenings when it is cool. I love entertaining 2 to 20 people at a time. The patio is a perfect size.
I hope that this article about Inspiring Concrete Patio Ideas has given you lots of ideas and encouragement to move forward on to whatever type of deck/patio you choose.
We are coming into good weather that we can sit outside in the evenings and it won’t be so stinking hot out. My two best times that I enjoy outside our spring/fall. How about you?.
Thanks again for joining us and being a part of The City Cottage Family. I love when we can visit.
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Until next time…..
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