Patios are the perfect way to extend your living space outdoors. They are a place to sip your morning coffee in peace, entertain your friends, or enjoy bonfires on warm summer nights.
When it comes to building your backyard oasis, it’s essential to use quality materials that add to your home’s aesthetic. A concrete patio is a durable and surprisingly versatile material with a plethora of options.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of concrete patios to see just how they could dramatically improve your backyard.
Concrete: Built to Last
Concrete is such a versatile substance, offering unique looks to fit your home’s style. In addition, since concrete has such a high tensile strength, it can hold a lot of weight and pressure over time, compared to slabs, bricks, and other materials.
Concrete offers a cohesive, cost-effective option for backyard patios. Depending on your budget, you can customize the size, color, and shape.
Do you want the look of brick but don’t want the price tag? No problem! Stamping concrete emulates brick, stone slabs, or tile. Try adding a geometric pattern or mix and match patterns for a unique look.
Learn more about concrete design techniques that you can apply to your concrete patio.
The Pros and Cons of Concrete Patios
Even though concrete is a versatile material, it doesn’t always fit into a home’s style or even within the homeowner’s desired budget. Whereas more adventurous homeowners can lay patios made from wood or brick with little practice, this isn’t always the best case for concrete patios.
Laying concrete is a permanent fixture that requires a steady and skilled hand to ensure optimal results.
While it is not as expensive as brick or tile, concrete usually has a higher initial installation cost than wood or crushed limestone. This cost estimate is currently fluctuating since lumber prices have recently skyrocketed thanks to the rise in demand. If cost is your determining factor, consult with our concrete patio contractors to see how this investment could add value to your home.
Compare some of the benefits and drawbacks of concrete below.
The Pros of a Concrete Patio
- Durability
- Long-Lasting
- Aesthetically Pleasing
- Versatile Applications
- Broad Style Options
- Accessibility
One often overlooked benefit of concrete patios is their accessibility factor. If you have a loved one visiting who has impaired mobility, it’s crucial to have a space that is accessible. In addition, finishing techniques, like broom brush or slip-resistant coatings, can be applied to reduce tripping hazards.
The Cons of a Concrete Patio
- Higher Cost
- Needs a Maintenance Plan
- Takes 7-10 Days to Cure
Unlike laying brick or a wood patio, once you apply concrete, you can’t move it. This factor can be a significant drawback, especially if you haven’t taken the time to plan out your patio. Also, it’s essential to figure out if you want to add designs. If so, prepare for a price increase with every customization you choose to add.
While you will have less overall maintenance than other materials, you will still need to plan for repairs, sealants, and general care. Preventative care is especially imperative if you live in an area with drastically different seasons or harsh weather conditions.
Consider these factors when budgeting for your new patio.
How Does The Process Work?
Our certified concrete specialist will assess your space and provide you a free estimate. Concrete patios take only a few hours for contractors to pour and design. However, once poured, it’s essential to wait 24 hours before applying any pressure from people, pets, or products so that the concrete can settle.
After a day, you will be able to walk on your patio surface.
The curing period is the time it takes for your concrete to strengthen and seal adequately. Follow the advice of your contractor and wait the appropriate amount of time (usually 7-10 days) before adding heavier items to your patio to help maintain the design.
Click here to learn more about the concrete paving process.
Landscaping Additions
When you install a concrete patio, you’ll need to have your land inspected to see if you need additional services, like grading or demolition, before laying the concrete. If you have an existing patio with a foundation in good condition, you may not need to replace it entirely. Instead, ask about resurfacing options.
Want to add more personalized touches? Consider concrete backyard additions, like fire pits, fountains, spas, and other landscaping features.
Preserving Your Concrete Patio
If your concrete is adequately maintained, it can last nearly 30 years. Creating a concrete care plan is an easy way to ensure your patio stays strong and looking sharp. One way to protect your new terrace is by applying a sealant.
A sealant application needs to be applied once every five years. On the other hand, wooden patios usually need to be refinished, repainted, and resealed annually. Lower annual maintenance is another reason why choosing a concrete patio is a good choice.
Follow this concrete maintenance guide for tips on preserving your concrete patio.
Reinforced concrete can stand up to the elements far better than its counterparts. Plus, having a professional pour your concrete will inhibit shifts, caving, or vegetation growing.
At Richfield Concrete, we also provide pre-winter preparation for your concrete patio to help prolong its quality.
Invest in a Concrete Patio with Richfield Concrete
Investing in a patio doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. By weighing the pros and cons of a concrete patio, you can see what works best with your budget and style. When in doubt, it’s best to consult the experts at Richfield Concrete.
Our team specializes in assessing your needs, offering creative solutions, and helping you revitalize your outdoor space. We are proud to service the Twin Cities community for over 60 years, along with our sister company, Richfield Blacktop.
Don’t let one more summer pass you by without a patio. So spruce up your outdoor living space with a brand new concrete patio from Richfield Concrete. From your initial estimate to aftercare concrete instructions, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today with all your concrete questions and needs. Our team is ready to help.