Sizing it right
The most common regret with a new patio is making it too small. A table for six with chairs pushed back needs about 12 by 12 feet. Add a grill and walking room and you're closer to 14 by 16. We'll lay it out with stakes and string before anything is dug so you can stand on it and decide.
What goes into a patio that lasts
- A slope of about 1/8 inch per foot away from the foundation
- Four inches of concrete on a compacted gravel base
- Wire mesh or rebar, and control joints every 8 to 10 feet
- An isolation joint where the patio meets the house, so the two can move separately
Finish options
A broom finish is the most affordable and gives good grip. From there you can add a stamped pattern, integral color, or a decorative border. See stamped concrete and stained and exposed aggregate finishes for what each involves.
Replacing an old patio
If your current patio has sunk toward the house, broken into pieces, or holds water, it's usually a base problem, and resurfacing won't fix it. We break it out, haul it off, rebuild the base and pour new. Tear-out shows up as its own line on the quote.
Timing
Most patios take two to three days on site: one to excavate and form, one to pour and finish, and a return trip to cut joints or seal. You can walk on it after a day or two, and put furniture and a grill on it after about a week.
Questions about concrete patios
How much does a new concrete patio cost?
The biggest factors are size, finish, access and whether an old patio has to come out first. A plain broom finish on open ground with easy truck access costs the least. Stamping, color, curves, steps and a long wheelbarrow run into the back yard all add to it. Your written quote lists tear-out, base, concrete and finish separately, so you can see where the money goes.
Pavers or concrete for a patio?
A poured concrete patio costs less than pavers for the same size and has no joints to weed. Pavers can be lifted and reset if something settles. If you like the paver look, a stamped concrete patio gets you close for less.
How thick should a concrete patio be?
Four inches is standard for a patio with furniture and a grill, poured over a compacted gravel base. If you’re planning a hot tub or an outdoor kitchen, tell us up front: that area needs a thicker slab and more steel, and the hot tub maker often lists its own requirements.
Do I need a permit for a patio in Manhattan?
It depends on the size, where it sits on the lot and whether it’s covered. We check the requirements for your address before we quote, and any permit work shows up on the quote.