Transform your backyard into an outdoor living space where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy time with family.
Your patio needs to handle everything you throw at it. Furniture gets dragged across the surface. Kids run and play. You set up grills and fire pits. Rain, snow, and ice test the durability every season. Concrete handles all of this better than most other patio materials, and it costs less too.
Unlike wood decks that rot, warp, and need constant staining, concrete stays solid and low-maintenance for decades. Pavers can shift, settle, and grow weeds between the joints. Concrete creates one continuous surface that stays level and weed-free. You can hose it off or sweep it clean in minutes. Spills wipe up easily. With a sealer applied every few years, your concrete patio resists stains from food, drinks, and oils.
The real advantage is design flexibility. We can pour concrete in any shape or size to fit your yard. Want a small 10x10 sitting area? No problem. Need a large 20x30 space for outdoor dining and entertaining? We can do that. Curved edges, multiple levels, integrated planters, and custom borders are all possible with concrete. You can choose from dozens of colors, textures, and patterns to create exactly the look you want.
The best patio design starts with how you actually want to use the space. Think about your typical activities. Do you need room for a dining table and chairs? Want space for lounge furniture and a fire pit? Planning to add a grill or outdoor kitchen? The size and layout should match your lifestyle and the way you entertain.
A small patio starts around 10x10 feet, which fits a bistro table and a couple of chairs. This works fine if you just want a quiet spot for morning coffee. Medium patios run 12x16 to 16x20 feet and accommodate a full dining set with room to move around. Large patios of 20x20 feet or more let you create multiple zones for dining, lounging, and cooking. We help you determine the right size based on your yard dimensions, budget, and how you plan to use the space.
Location matters as much as size. The patio should connect naturally to your home, typically right off a back door or sliding glass doors. You want easy access from your kitchen if you will be carrying food and drinks outside. Consider sun exposure throughout the day. A patio in full sun all afternoon gets hot in summer, while too much shade keeps it cool and damp. Look at views from the patio and privacy from neighbors. Check drainage patterns so water does not pool on the patio or flow toward your foundation.
Basic concrete patios use a broom finish for texture and traction. This costs less and works great if you prefer a simple, clean look. But many homeowners upgrade to decorative finishes that add character and curb appeal. Stamped concrete creates patterns that mimic flagstone, slate, cobblestone, brick, or wood planks. Color can be integrated throughout the concrete or applied to the surface before sealing. Exposed aggregate reveals decorative stones within the concrete for natural texture. You can also combine different finishes, like a smooth border with stamped center, to create visual interest.
The edges and borders frame your patio and define the space. Straight edges create a modern, geometric look. Curved edges feel more organic and flow naturally with landscaping. We can add decorative borders in contrasting colors or textures. Built-in planters, seating walls, or step-downs to different levels add functionality and visual appeal. During your consultation, we discuss all these options and show you examples to help you make decisions that fit your style and budget.
If you are also considering a new driveway, we can coordinate both projects and create a cohesive design for your property. Many homeowners also add concrete walkways to connect the patio to other areas of the yard.
Quality patio installation takes several days and follows a proven process that ensures long-lasting results. We do not cut corners or rush through steps. Every phase matters to the final outcome.
We start by marking the exact layout of your patio using stakes and string lines. This lets you visualize the final size and shape before we dig. Then we excavate to the proper depth, typically 8 to 10 inches below the finished surface level. All grass, roots, and soft soil get removed. We grade the area so water drains away from your house. A compacted gravel base goes down in layers, with each layer packed solid. This base prevents settling and provides drainage so water never pools under your patio.
Wooden or metal forms create the edges of your patio and hold the concrete in place during pouring and finishing. For curved designs, we use flexible forms that bend smoothly. We double-check all dimensions and slopes at this stage. Wire mesh or rebar reinforcement gets positioned on supports so it sits in the middle of the concrete thickness where it provides maximum strength. This steel reinforcement helps prevent cracking as the concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes.
Concrete trucks deliver the mix we specified for your project, formulated with air entrainment to survive Maine winters. We pour and spread the concrete quickly while it is still workable. Screeding levels the surface. Floating smooths out imperfections. For stamped patterns, we apply color hardeners and press texture mats into the surface while the concrete is at just the right consistency. Timing is critical during this phase. Too early and the texture will not hold. Too late and the concrete has hardened. We apply your chosen finish, cut control joints, and then protect the surface while it cures.
Concrete needs time to cure and develop full strength. We remove forms after 24 hours and clean up the work area. You can walk on the patio after a few days, but you should wait at least a week before placing heavy furniture. After 28 days, we return to apply sealer that protects the surface from stains, moisture, and freeze-thaw damage. This sealer also enhances color on decorative concrete. With proper care and resealing every few years, your patio will look great and perform well for decades.
Ready to create your perfect outdoor space? Contact us today for a free consultation where we will measure your space, discuss your ideas, and provide a detailed quote.
