Concrete Patios in Redmond, WA
Expand Your Home with a Stunning Concrete Patio
Redmond Concrete Works can help you improve your yard from just dirt to a nice grassy area by installing custom-designed and installed concrete patios, creating functional and beautiful outdoor living spaces. Do you need to build a simple area to have family gatherings, or do you want to build a larger outdoor kitchen? Regardless of whether you are looking for a simple or complex concrete patio, we will create a patio that increases the value of your home and fits your lifestyle.
In addition to being a local contractor with experience building concrete patios in Redmond, we also know the weather conditions we face here, and that is why we know how to build the best outdoor spaces possible, and they will function properly regardless of the season.
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Why Choose a Concrete Patio
One of the main benefits of a concrete patio over both wood decks and pavers is its ability to withstand our Pacific Northwest weather conditions without warping, rotting, or shifting. Unlike pavers, which may require re-leveling each year due to settlement of the base materials, and unlike wood decks, which will need to be stained annually, replaced periodically for board failure, and maintained regularly in terms of cleaning, a well-constructed concrete patio can last for decades with very little maintenance.
Another key advantage of a concrete patio is its cost-effectiveness. Although the initial construction costs for a high-quality concrete patio are typically on par with those of either a wood deck or paver installation, the long-term cost of owning a concrete patio is significantly less than that of other alternatives. Since there are no yearly maintenance costs (i.e., staining, cleaning) and no replacement parts needed as part of normal use, a well-constructed concrete patio will provide years of service with little to no additional cost.
Finally, one of the primary benefits of working with concrete is its design flexibility. We are able to create virtually any shape or design that you would like, including multi-level designs, curved lines, and built-in features, and integrate concrete patios and walkways so that they flow smoothly from one to the next. Concrete steps, retaining walls, fire pits, etc., can also be integrated into the overall design of your outdoor living space, allowing us to design and construct exactly what you have envisioned.
Concrete Patio Finishes
While the type of finish you choose is about how your patio will look (and how well it will function), finishes for concrete patios are available in a variety of forms—ranging from the simplest to the most decorative. In addition to helping clients understand the many types of finishes available, we assist our clients with selecting the right finishes based on their needs and expectations.
Concrete patio finishes also have an impact on safety; while smooth finishes look good, they are very slippery when wet. Broom finishes have a rougher surface, providing a much greater level of traction than a smooth finish. Texture can be incorporated into stamped designs, which means there is always some level of texture present, regardless of whether or not you want it. Based upon your patio’s location, the amount of time it will be exposed to the elements (rain), as well as what you plan to do with your patio, we will recommend a finish to fit your needs.
All finishes for your patio will require protection; we apply sealers once the concrete has cured. Sealers protect your finish by preventing stains, making cleanup easier, and protecting your patio from damage caused by the weather. Sealers will need to be reapplied every few years—a simple maintenance activity that will extend the life of your patio significantly.
Concrete Patio Makeover
You do not always have to replace an aged-out patio. A concrete patio remodel/overlay will give you a renewed surface at a fraction of the price of installing a new one. If you still have a sound structural base on your patio, but it appears to need updating as far as its look/appearance, there are a few ways to go about that.
A concrete patio overlay can provide a decorative finish to your patio by placing a thin layer of material on top of the original surface (you can apply decorative finishes such as stamping, acid staining, or texture). This overlay adheres to the old concrete as if it were a brand new install and provides a cost-effective method with a quicker turnaround time compared to completely replacing the entire patio.
Another option for remodeling your patio is through the application of surface treatments. Acid staining adds color without adding any additional surface area to the patio. Grinding removes some of the surface imperfections, allowing for a smoother appearance to the patio and also allows for exposure of the aggregates. Both of these surface treatment methods would be used when the patio has some minor problems with the surface; however, the structure of the patio is intact.
The Installation Process
Quality concrete patios begin with good planning and preparation. This is how we prepare and build quality patios that will last you a long time.
- Planning and Design of Your Patio
We meet with you to discuss your dreams and ideas of what you want in a patio, your needs, and your budget. We take measurements of the space where the patio is going to be built and check the site for any potential problems. When we are finished, we provide you with a complete written proposal on how we plan to design and build your patio. This proposal will include information such as the design of your patio, all of the materials we plan to use to build your patio, and an estimated completion date. - Preparing the Site of Your Patio
After you approve our proposal, we will come to your location and excavate the ground to the correct depth. We will remove any sod or other undesirable soil from the area. Once the area has been excavated, we will grade the ground so that when the rain falls, it will drain away from your house. Once the ground has been properly graded, we will install base material and then compact it to create a solid base for your patio. - Creating the Formwork and Installing the Rebar (Reinforcing Steel)
Once the site is prepared, we will construct formwork around the perimeter of your patio and create a slope in the patio to help ensure that water will run off of the patio instead of collecting on it. We will also position the wire mesh or rebar into the formwork for added support and to prevent cracks in the concrete. The rebar acts like a skeleton in the concrete, giving it additional strength and stability. - Pouring the Concrete and Finishing the Surface of Your Patio
Now that the site is prepared and the formwork is in place, we can pour the concrete into the formwork. We will carefully pour the concrete to avoid creating air pockets in the concrete. As soon as the concrete has been poured, we will begin to finish the surface by first spreading the concrete evenly throughout the formwork. Next, we will use a tool called a “screeder” that rides on top of the formwork to make sure that the surface of the concrete is smooth and even. The screeder will guide us to ensure that the surface of the concrete is at the same height as the surrounding surfaces. - Adding Your Finish and Cutting the Joints
After the surface of the patio is finished, we can add any finishing touches that you would like, such as floating, troweling, brooming, stamping, or exposing aggregate. After your finish is applied, we will cut the control joints, which will help prevent large cracks in your patio. These joints will allow for some movement of the concrete over time, but they will still hold the patio together. - Curing and Sealing the Patio
To develop the strength of the concrete, we will apply a curing compound to the patio. If there is no suitable curing compound available, we may use other methods to keep the patio moist, such as placing plastic sheets over the patio or spraying it down with water regularly. Once the patio has cured, we will return to your location to seal the surface of the patio.
Concrete Patio Designs
We offer a number of concrete patio design ideas that can be matched to both your home style and your personal taste. Each of these design choices provides the durability you need for your outdoor living space, but also provides different aesthetics as well.
Classic Broom Finish
The classic broom finish to a concrete patio is timeless, functional, and affordable. A light texture will provide good traction for your feet so you don’t slip or fall when stepping onto your patio barefoot. This finish will work for any size patio and will complement virtually every home’s architectural style.
Smooth Trowel Finish
A smooth trowel finish creates a very modern look and feel for any concrete patio. Smooth finishes are also much easier to sweep and maintain than textured finishes. We typically recommend a smooth finish for covered patios where the rain isn’t going to create a slippery condition on the surface of the patio.
Exposed Aggregate
An exposed aggregate finish allows the aggregate (stone) in the concrete mix to show through and creates a natural textured appearance and visual appeal. With this type of finish, there are many different stone colors from which to choose, so you can customize the appearance of your patio. Exposed aggregate has excellent traction characteristics and will hide minor imperfections in the surface of the patio.
Stamped Patterns
Stamped concrete allows you to transform your patio into a custom feature with patterns that mimic stone, brick, tile, etc. Stamping concrete is an affordable alternative to using the actual materials as a base material for your patio. There are almost endless possibilities with the amount of color you can use with stamped concrete. When deciding between a concrete patio vs. stamped concrete, we typically have to discuss this with our customers who desire a decorative surface for their patio. As long as it is concrete, stamping simply adds additional texture and pattern to the surface of your patio.
Stained or Colored Concrete
Adding color to your concrete patio will add personality and individuality to your patio without adding a pattern. If you want an integral color in your patio that will remain uniform throughout the entire surface, we can do that. Alternatively, if you would like to create a more natural, variegated color scheme with acid stains applied after the installation process, we can do that as well. The most important thing to remember is that both of these methods will work with any surface texture of your patio.
Ready to Transform Your Backyard?
A concrete patio extends your living space and increases property value. Whether you want a simple gathering area or an elaborate outdoor entertainment space, we’ll create a patio that enhances your lifestyle. Contact Redmond Concrete Works today to discuss your patio project and receive a detailed estimate.