A concrete patio or walkway turns part of a yard into usable space: somewhere to put a table and grill, a dry path from the driveway to the back door, or a deck around a pool. Because these slabs sit right next to the house, how they handle water matters as much as how they look.
Planning the space
Start with how you will use it. A patio for a small table and two chairs needs far less room than one for an outdoor kitchen or a sectional sofa. Think about where the sun is in the afternoon, where doors open, and how people will walk from the house to the yard. Walkways are usually at least three to four feet wide so two people can pass, and wider where they meet a door or steps.
Finishes
- Broom finish: a simple textured surface that gives good grip and is the least expensive option.
- Exposed aggregate: the top layer is washed away to show the stones in the mix, giving a pebbled look with good traction.
- Stamped or colored concrete: patterns and color added during the pour to look like stone, brick or tile.
- Smooth or troweled: easy to sweep, but it can be slick when wet, so it is used less often outdoors.
Drainage and the house
A patio should slope gently away from the foundation so rain runs into the yard instead of toward the walls. Where a patio meets the house, the contractor should leave the right gap or joint and keep the surface below door thresholds and weep holes. If the yard already holds water, it is worth asking about drains or a gravel base that helps water move through.
Questions worth asking
- How thick will the slab be, and will it be reinforced?
- What slope will it have, and which way will water drain?
- Can the patio be extended later, and how would that joint be handled?
- Are steps, edges or seat walls included in the price?
- How should the surface be sealed or maintained, if at all?
How long it takes
Most residential patios and walkways take one to three days of work, depending on size, removal of existing material and site access. Light foot traffic is usually fine within a day or two. Furniture and grills are best kept off for about a week while the concrete cures, and decorative finishes may need a sealer applied once the slab has dried.
Living with it
A well-built patio needs little upkeep beyond sweeping and an occasional wash. Sealing can help resist stains and moisture, especially on decorative finishes. Small cracks are normal over time; sealing them early helps keep water from getting under the slab and keeps the surface looking good for years.