Patio planning: what to think about before you decide
Before choosing a finish or requesting an estimate, a few questions define the project: How is the existing backyard draining? Is the patio connecting to the house foundation? Are there tree roots near the pour area? What will the space be used for?
Bay Area patios deal with rain seasonally, and a patio that does not drain correctly will hold water against the house or pool in the center. Drainage planning happens in the layout phase, not after the pour.
Plain vs. decorative patio concrete
A broom-finish patio is practical, durable, and cost-efficient. Stamped concrete, exposed aggregate, and integral color options are available for patios where the surface is part of the home aesthetic. Compare options in our finish guide.
Patio drainage and usability
A properly sloped patio sheds water away from the house and toward a planned drainage point. If slope is not designed into the form layout, the patio will collect water wherever the ground settles. See our blog post Concrete Patio Drainage and Usability.