Concrete Patios

Transform your backyard into an outdoor living space with a custom concrete patio that's built to last and looks amazing.

Beautiful stamped concrete patio in South Whittier backyard

Why Choose a Concrete Patio?

A concrete patio gives you a durable, low-maintenance outdoor space where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy your backyard. Unlike wood decks that rot and require constant upkeep, or pavers that shift and grow weeds, concrete stays solid and looks great year after year. It handles South Whittier's weather beautifully, standing up to sun, heat, and occasional rain without warping, fading, or deteriorating.

Concrete patios also offer incredible design flexibility. You can choose from dozens of colors, patterns, and textures to create exactly the look you want. Want the elegant appearance of natural stone or brick without the high cost? Stamped concrete delivers that premium look for less. Prefer a sleek, modern finish? We can create smooth, colored surfaces with clean lines. The options are nearly endless, and we'll work with you to design a patio that complements your home and fits your style.

When you work with an experienced South Whittier concrete contractor, you get more than just a flat slab. We create outdoor living spaces that add value to your home and become your favorite place to spend time. Whether you're hosting barbecues, setting up patio furniture, or creating a play area for kids, a well-built concrete patio provides the perfect foundation for outdoor living.

Patio Design and Style Options

One of the best things about concrete is how customizable it is. Here are popular design options that South Whittier homeowners love.

Stamped Concrete Patios

Stamped concrete lets you achieve the look of expensive materials like slate, flagstone, brick, or wood at a fraction of the cost. We press patterns into the concrete while it's still wet, creating realistic textures and designs. You can choose from dozens of stamp patterns, and we can combine multiple patterns or add borders for extra visual interest. Stamped concrete works especially well for patios because it gives you that upscale, custom look while staying within a reasonable budget.

We often combine stamped patterns with color to make the effect even more realistic. For example, a stone pattern in earth tones looks just like natural flagstone, or a brick pattern in red and gray mimics classic brick pavers. The result is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind patio that impresses guests and makes your backyard feel like a resort. If you're interested in this option, check out our stamped and decorative concrete services for more details.

Colored Concrete

Adding color to your concrete patio opens up even more design possibilities. We can mix integral color into the concrete for consistent color throughout, or apply color hardeners and stains to the surface for varied, natural-looking tones. Popular colors include earth tones like tan, brown, and terra cotta, but you can also go bold with grays, blues, or even custom colors to match your home's exterior.

Colored concrete doesn't have to be solid. We can create multi-tone effects, add color accents, or combine colors with stamped patterns for a truly custom look. The color penetrates the concrete surface, so it won't peel or flake like paint. With proper sealing and maintenance, your colored patio keeps its vibrant appearance for many years.

Broom Finish and Smooth Trowel

Sometimes simple is best. A broom finish creates subtle texture by dragging a broom across wet concrete, giving you a slip-resistant surface that's practical and clean-looking. This classic finish works great if you want a straightforward, affordable patio without decorative elements. You can still add color or borders to make it more interesting.

For a more modern aesthetic, a smooth trowel finish creates a sleek, polished surface. This works beautifully for contemporary homes and minimalist designs. We can polish the concrete to different levels of smoothness and combine it with saw-cut patterns or contrasting colors for architectural interest.

Exposed Aggregate

Exposed aggregate reveals the stones (aggregate) in the concrete mix, creating a textured, natural appearance. This finish is extremely durable, slip-resistant, and has a distinctive look that works well in outdoor settings. You can choose the type and color of aggregate, from small pebbles to larger decorative stones, to create different effects. Exposed aggregate patios are popular around pool areas and in modern landscape designs.

How We Build Your Concrete Patio

Building a concrete patio takes skill and attention to detail. Here's our step-by-step process to ensure your patio turns out perfect.

•Design Consultation: We start by discussing your vision, budget, and how you plan to use the space. We measure your yard, assess site conditions like drainage and slope, and help you choose the right size, shape, and design options. This is your chance to ask questions and see examples of different finishes and styles.
•Site Preparation: We mark out the patio area and excavate to the proper depth, usually 6 to 8 inches. We remove grass, roots, and debris, then grade the area to ensure proper drainage away from your house. Good site prep prevents settling and drainage problems later.
•Base Installation: We add a compacted gravel base, typically 4 inches thick, which provides stability and drainage. This base is crucial for preventing cracks and settling. We compact it thoroughly with professional equipment to create a solid foundation for the concrete.
•Forming and Reinforcement: We set up forms to define the edges and shape of your patio, making sure everything is level and positioned correctly. Then we install wire mesh or rebar reinforcement to strengthen the concrete and minimize cracking. Proper reinforcement is especially important for larger patios.
•Concrete Placement and Finishing: On pour day, we place the concrete, working quickly to spread it evenly and work out air pockets. We use screeds and floats to level the surface, then apply your chosen finish, whether that's stamping, coloring, brooming, or exposing aggregate. This is where your patio's personality really comes through. Our experienced crew knows how to time each step perfectly for the best results.
•Curing and Sealing: After finishing, we protect the concrete while it cures, which takes about a week. Once cured, we apply a quality sealer to protect the surface from stains, moisture, and wear. Sealing is especially important for colored and stamped patios, as it enhances the color and protects your investment.

The entire process usually takes about a week from start to finish, depending on the size and complexity of your patio. We clean up thoroughly each day and make sure our work area is safe and organized. You can typically walk on your new patio after a few days, but we recommend waiting at least a week before placing heavy furniture.

Patio Maintenance and Care

One of the best things about concrete patios is how little maintenance they require. With basic care, your patio will look great and last for decades. Here's what you need to know.

Regular Cleaning

Keep your patio looking its best by sweeping it regularly to remove dirt, leaves, and debris. A few times a year, wash it with a garden hose and mild detergent. For stubborn stains, a pressure washer on a low setting works well, but avoid high pressure that could damage decorative finishes. If you spill something like grease or oil, clean it up quickly to prevent staining.

Resealing

Most concrete patios benefit from resealing every 2 to 3 years. Sealer protects the surface from moisture, stains, and UV damage. It also enhances the color and shine of stamped or colored concrete. Resealing is a simple process that you can do yourself or we can handle for you. It's like giving your patio a fresh coat of protection that keeps it looking new.

Addressing Cracks

Small cracks can develop over time due to settling or temperature changes. These are usually cosmetic and don't affect the patio's structure. You can fill minor cracks with concrete filler or caulk to keep them from growing. For larger cracks or structural issues, give us a call. We offer concrete repair services to fix problems and keep your patio in top shape. Early repairs prevent small issues from becoming expensive problems.

Furniture and Accessories

Feel free to put patio furniture, grills, planters, and other items on your concrete patio. The concrete is strong enough to handle normal outdoor furniture without any issues. Consider using furniture pads under metal or sharp legs to prevent scratching decorative finishes. In winter, if you move furniture around, just be careful not to drag heavy items across stamped or polished surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about concrete patios in South Whittier.

How much does a concrete patio cost?

The cost varies based on size, design complexity, and finish options. A basic broom-finish patio is the most affordable option, while stamped or decorative finishes cost more due to the extra labor and materials involved. Most patios in South Whittier range in price depending on these factors. Larger patios cost more in total but may have a lower cost per square foot. Site conditions also affect pricing. If your yard has poor drainage, significant slope, or difficult access, extra work may be needed. We provide free estimates where we assess your property and give you an accurate quote with no hidden fees. We'll explain all your options and help you design a patio that fits your budget while giving you the features you want most.

How long does a concrete patio last?

A properly built concrete patio can last 30 years or more with basic maintenance. Concrete is one of the most durable patio materials available. It won't rot like wood, shift like pavers, or deteriorate in the sun. The key to longevity is proper installation, including good base preparation, adequate reinforcement, and correct finishing techniques. We build every patio to last, following best practices and using quality materials. With regular cleaning and occasional resealing, your patio will stay beautiful and functional for decades. Even if minor repairs are needed over the years, they're typically simple and inexpensive. A concrete patio is a long-term investment that pays off in years of outdoor enjoyment.

Can I add a patio to a sloped yard?

Yes, we can build patios on sloped yards. The approach depends on how steep the slope is. For mild slopes, we can grade the area to create a level pad for the patio. For steeper slopes, we might build a raised patio with retaining walls or create multiple levels with steps connecting them. Sloped sites require more excavation and possibly retaining wall work, which adds to the cost, but the result is a functional, attractive outdoor space that makes the most of your yard. We've completed many patio projects on hillside properties throughout South Whittier and surrounding areas. We'll assess your specific situation and recommend the best solution. A sloped yard shouldn't stop you from enjoying a beautiful patio.