Concrete Patios
Transform your backyard into an outdoor living space that lasts for decades.
The Benefits of a Concrete Patio
A concrete patio gives you a versatile outdoor space for entertaining, dining, or simply relaxing. Unlike wood decks that require annual staining and regular maintenance, concrete patios hold up beautifully with minimal care. You will not deal with rotting boards, splinters, or termite damage. Your concrete patio stays level, stable, and ready to use year after year.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we need outdoor surfaces that handle rain, temperature changes, and occasional frost. Concrete excels in these conditions. A properly installed patio resists moisture damage, does not warp or twist, and maintains its appearance through all seasons. When you work with Marblecrest Burien Concrete, you get a patio built to last in our local climate.
Concrete patios also offer incredible design flexibility. You can choose from various colors, textures, and patterns to match your home's style. Want the look of natural stone without the high cost? Stamped concrete delivers that elegant appearance at a fraction of the price. Prefer a modern, minimalist aesthetic? A smooth trowel finish creates clean lines and contemporary appeal. We work with you to design a patio that reflects your taste and complements your property.
Planning Your Perfect Patio
The right patio size depends on how you plan to use the space. A small intimate patio might work for morning coffee, while larger areas accommodate outdoor dining sets, grills, and seating areas. We help you determine the ideal dimensions based on your yard size, intended use, and budget. Most patios range from 200 to 400 square feet, though we build both smaller and larger installations.
Location and Layout Considerations
Patio placement matters more than you might think. Sun exposure affects comfort during different times of day. Proximity to your home influences convenience and traffic flow. Drainage patterns determine where water goes during rainstorms. We evaluate all these factors during our site visit and recommend the best location for your new patio.
- Direct access from main living areas
- Natural shade from trees or structures
- Privacy from neighboring properties
- Level ground or manageable slope
- Distance from utility lines and services
Design Features and Add-Ons
Your patio can include features that enhance both function and aesthetics. Built-in planters add greenery without taking up floor space. Fire pit areas create cozy gathering spots. Seat walls provide extra seating and define boundaries. Border details and accent colors add visual interest. We can integrate your patio with existing concrete driveways or walkways for a cohesive look throughout your property.
Installation Process and Timeline
Quality patio construction starts with thorough preparation. We excavate the patio area to proper depth, remove all organic material and soft soil, then compact the subgrade until it is rock solid. This foundation work prevents settling and cracking down the road. We grade the area to slope slightly away from your home, ensuring water drains properly and never pools on the surface.
Next, we install a gravel base layer and compact it thoroughly. This provides additional stability and helps with drainage. We set forms precisely to create the patio shape and elevation you want. Reinforcement goes in to add strength. Then we pour quality concrete mixed specifically for flatwork applications. Our crew works the concrete carefully to eliminate air pockets and achieve a smooth, even surface.
Finishing techniques depend on your design choices. For stamped or decorative finishes, we work quickly while the concrete is still workable. For standard finishes, we trowel smooth or broom for texture. After finishing, we cut control joints to manage any natural cracking. Proper curing is essential, so we protect the new concrete and keep it moist during the critical first week. Most patio projects take 2 to 4 days from start to finish, depending on size and complexity.