Concrete Patios

Your backyard deserves better than a wood deck that requires constant maintenance or pavers that shift and settle over time. Concrete patios offer the perfect blend of durability, versatility, and low maintenance that Arizona homeowners need.

Unlike wood decks that rot, splinter, and need annual staining, concrete patios handle Arizona's extreme heat without warping or fading. You won't spend your weekends power washing, sanding, or resealing. A concrete patio gives you more time to actually enjoy your outdoor space instead of maintaining it.

Concrete also stays cooler than many people think. With the right finish and optional coatings, your patio won't become uncomfortably hot underfoot during summer months. We work with homeowners throughout Apache Junction to create custom outdoor living spaces that match their lifestyle and budget.

Gone are the days when concrete meant boring gray slabs. Today's concrete patios can look like natural stone, tile, brick, or have completely custom designs. Here's what you can choose:

• Stamped concrete: We can replicate the look of flagstone, slate, brick, or wood planks at a fraction of the cost. The patterns and textures look amazingly realistic.
• Colored concrete: Choose from earth tones, grays, or custom color blends that complement your home's exterior. Colors can be integral (throughout the concrete) or surface applied.
• Exposed aggregate: This reveals the natural stones in the concrete for a textured, non-slip surface that's perfect around pools or for a rustic look.
• Broom finish: A simple, affordable texture that provides good traction and a clean, classic appearance.
• Stained or dyed concrete: Add rich, translucent color after the concrete cures for unique, variegated finishes.
• Custom borders and inlays: Combine different colors, textures, or materials to create distinctive patterns and accents.

We'll show you samples and discuss options during your free consultation. Many homeowners choose stamped and decorative concrete to get a high-end look without the high-end price tag.

Building a patio that lasts requires proper planning and execution. Here's what happens from start to finish:

Design and Planning

We start by visiting your property to take measurements and discuss your vision. How do you want to use the space? Outdoor dining? Relaxing by a fire pit? Entertaining large groups? We'll help you determine the right size, shape, and features. Most patios range from 200 to 500 square feet, but we can accommodate any size.

Site Preparation

Once you approve the design and quote, we excavate the area to the proper depth. This typically means removing 6-8 inches of soil. We ensure proper slope for drainage so water doesn't pool on your patio or flow toward your house. Then we install and compact a gravel base that provides a stable, level foundation.

Forms and Reinforcement

We set up forms to create clean edges and ensure proper thickness. For patios, we typically pour 4 inches of concrete with wire mesh or rebar reinforcement. This prevents cracking and adds structural strength. If you're adding features like steps or retaining walls, we build those forms at this stage too.

Concrete Pour and Finishing

On pour day, we place the concrete, level it, and apply your chosen finish. If you've selected stamped concrete, we add the patterns and textures while the concrete is still workable. Color is either mixed into the concrete or applied to the surface. We cut control joints to manage any minor cracking that might occur.

Curing and Sealing

After finishing, we apply a curing compound to help the concrete gain strength gradually. You'll need to stay off the patio for at least 48 hours, with full curing taking about 28 days. We recommend sealing your patio after 30 days to protect the surface and enhance the color. We can handle the sealing or provide instructions if you prefer to do it yourself.

Not sure how big your patio should be? Here are some guidelines based on how you plan to use the space:

• Small intimate space (100-150 sq ft): Perfect for a bistro table and two chairs, or a few lounge chairs for reading and relaxing
• Standard dining area (200-300 sq ft): Comfortable room for a dining table that seats 4-6 people plus space to move around chairs
• Entertainment space (300-500 sq ft): Accommodates multiple seating areas, outdoor kitchen, or fire pit with plenty of room for guests
• Large outdoor room (500+ sq ft): Space for multiple zones like dining, lounging, and outdoor kitchen, perfect for frequent entertaining

The shape matters too. Rectangular patios work well against the back of your house and are cost-effective. Curved or irregular shapes create visual interest and can fit oddly shaped yards better. We can also create multi-level patios if your yard has a slope.

Don't forget to plan for access paths. You'll want concrete walkways connecting your patio to doors, gates, or other areas of your yard.

One of the biggest advantages of concrete patios is how little maintenance they require. Here's how to keep yours looking great:

• Sweep or blow off leaves and debris regularly
• Rinse with a garden hose to remove dust and pollen
• Clean spills promptly to prevent staining
• Reseal every 2-3 years to protect the surface and maintain color
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or de-icing salts
• Move furniture occasionally to prevent permanent impressions

With proper care, your concrete patio can look great for 30 years or more. The initial sealing is important, especially for stamped or colored concrete. After that, maintenance is minimal compared to wood decks or other outdoor surfaces.