There are a lot of options when it comes to planning a concrete patio for your home. There are nearly limitless ways to build a concrete patio, so which options are the best for you? In this article, we will break down some important tips to keep in mind when building the concrete patio of your dreams.
1. Take Your Time Planning
Before you pick up the phone and start calling local concrete companies, the first step should be taking the time to consider the plan for your outdoor space. Some things to think about first would be, how do I want my patio to be used? Do you host a lot of gatherings throughout the year? What kind of furniture would you prefer to have? What kind of surface would you like, patterned, smoothed, or any particular color? These are all great considerations to have in mind before you start your project.
2. Focus on What Kind of Shape
One of the greatest attributes of concrete is not only its strength but it’s ability to be built to unlimited shapes. A major consideration that needs to be determined for your concrete patio is the type of shape you are looking for. Are you looking for a regular rectangle or do you want something that will really compliment the rest of your landscaping? Instead of just having it square you can round it off to give it some dimension. Having the right shape for your patio can really create a welcoming atmosphere for you and your guests.
3. Look At Decorative Concrete Options
Not very long ago the word patio came off as just a small outdoor area with a couple of chairs. Today patios are heavily used especially for people to enjoy parties and host companies. Having a decorative finish to your concrete can really make this area stand out. A very popular option to dress up the concrete is to use stamped concrete, which is setting a design imprint into the concrete as it’s curing. You can even replicate it to look like other building materials such as wood, tile, slate, and brick. Another decorative option is to have your concrete stained. This is a popular option because you have your patio blend in well with the other natural surroundings. These options are also considered to be low maintenance so you won’t have to worry about constant upkeep.
4. Do You Have Good Access
A major part of your concrete patio is to consider how you and guests will enter. Take the time to decide if you need steps anywhere or a walkway that will take you directly to it. A walkway will be your first impression of the patio so you want to make sure you have a good flow and that it works in well with the rest of the atmosphere. Having good access can also help with the overall building cost of the patio. The farther the concrete needs to travel to be installed the more likely it will cost for installation. You can always get pricing options from your local concrete contractor on the most feasible way to accomplish the project.
