What to know before building a concrete patio
Are you considering building a concrete patio? Whether for decorative or functional reasons, you’re in the right place! Our expertise in the field of concrete is here to guide you through every step of the project.
Why build a concrete patio instead of a wooden one?
Are you torn between a wooden patio and a concrete terrace? Building a concrete patio offers many advantages. Here are a few reasons why it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice among homeowners.
- Durability and strength: Concrete is a robust material, resistant to weather, UV rays, shocks, and daily wear. A concrete patio can last for decades with minimal maintenance, making it a long-term investment.
- Variety of design choices: Concrete offers great flexibility in terms of design and finish. You can choose from a variety of textures and colors to create the exact look you want for your patio.
- Easy maintenance: Unlike other materials like wood, concrete doesn’t require regular treatment, staining, or sealing. A simple periodic cleaning with soapy water is enough to keep your patio in perfect condition.
- Fire resistance: Concrete is fireproof, making it a safe choice for installing a fire pit.
- Long-term savings: Although the initial cost of building a concrete patio may be slightly higher than other materials like wood, long-term costs are generally lower due to its durability and low maintenance needs.
- Adaptability to climate conditions: Concrete is a material that can adapt to various climate conditions, such as the freeze-thaw cycles in Quebec.
- Increased property value: A well-designed and well-maintained concrete patio adds aesthetic and functional value to your property, an asset during resale.
Steps to Build a Concrete Patio
1. Project Planning
Before you start pouring concrete, meticulous planning is essential! Here are some elements to consider:
Location: Choose the ideal location for your patio considering sunlight, privacy, and access from the house.
Dimensions: Determine the size and shape of your patio based on your needs and available space.
Permits and regulations: Check local building permit requirements and comply with all applicable regulations.
2. Site preparation
The site must be properly prepared to allow the patio to take shape.
Excavation: The area must be dug according to the planned dimensions of the patio, respecting sufficient depth for stability and drainage.
Soil compaction: Use a soil compactor to uniformly compact the soil to avoid future settling.
Surface leveling: Adjust the soil surface to achieve a flat surface necessary to ensure construction stability and quality.
3. Solid foundations
Gravel use: Add a layer of compacted gravel to promote drainage and stabilize the base.
Metal mesh reinforcement: Place a mesh at one-third of the slab thickness before pouring the concrete to reinforce the structure or consider using polypropylene fibers incorporated into the concrete mix design.
4. Pouring the concrete: which concrete to choose for a patio?
Concrete choice: Opt for a concrete mix designed for outdoor applications and weather resistance. For small to medium-sized projects, Groupe Bellemare’s pre-mixed concrete is durable, easy to use, and offers great value.
Calculating the right amount of concrete: Use our concrete calculator to buy the right amount and avoid waste!
Pouring the concrete: Pour the concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If needed, hire a professional team.
Leveling and smoothing: Use leveling and smoothing tools to create a flat and even surface.
5. Finishing and Maintenance
Surface finish: Choose from a variety of surface finishes, such as smoothing, stamping, or texturing, to add character to your patio.
Sealing: Applying a concrete sealer is not mandatory but is recommended to protect the surface against stains, wear, and weather.
Maintenance: Ensure to clean your concrete patio as needed and inspect for cracks for optimal durability.
How to recognize durable, high-quality concrete?
Its strength: Concrete should not crumble or crack easily. Once cured, it should feel solid to the touch.
Its texture: After placement, it should be uniform, without visible air pockets, lumps, or excess water on the surface.
Its mix design: Good-quality concrete contains the proper proportions of cement, sand, gravel, and water. The addition of admixtures can also enhance performance (e.g., air-entraining agents, waterproofing additives).
Its long-term performance: Properly installed, high-quality concrete withstands freeze–thaw cycles, moisture, and wear.
Other frequently asked questions
Can a concrete patio crack?
Proper control (control joints, reinforcement, proper mix design, and curing) helps limit and manage cracking, which is normal in concrete.
What is the best time to build a concrete patio?
Spring, summer, and early fall are ideal, as temperatures are mild and stable, promoting proper concrete curing. Ideally, temperatures should remain moderate (between 10°C and 25°C) to ensure uniform setting, without the risk of freezing or excessive drying. To ensure quality placement and slab durability, it is recommended to avoid periods of heavy rain or extreme heat.
How long before the patio can be used?
At least 24 to 48 hours should pass before walking on the concrete surface. Full curing typically takes 7 to 28 days, depending on the concrete mix, temperatures, and applied loads, such as heavy furniture. A bit of expert advice can make all the difference from the start.
Is a permit required to build a concrete patio?
Yes. In most municipalities in Quebec, a permit is required. It is important to verify local regulations before starting the work.
What concrete thickness is recommended for an outdoor patio?
To determine the appropriate concrete thickness for a patio or any other project, refer to our article: How to choose the ideal thickness for a concrete slab based on its use.
Why cut a concrete slab?
Saw cutting creates control joints, allowing concrete to crack in a predictable manner along pre-established lines. This step helps prevent structural cracking.
How should a concrete patio be maintained?
It is recommended to clean the surface regularly and apply a sealer approximately every 2 to 3 years to protect against moisture and stains. It is also advisable to avoid using de-icing salt in winter.
What is the lifespan of a concrete patio?
With proper maintenance, a concrete patio can last 30 to 50 years or more without requiring major repairs. Compared to wood patios such as cedar or treated wood (average lifespan of 15 to 20 years, depending on climate and maintenance) and composite materials (average lifespan of 25 to 30 years, with a higher initial cost than concrete), concrete proves to be a durable, cost-effective, and high-performance long-term solution.
Decorate Your New Concrete Patio
After constructing your patio, all that’s left is to decorate and furnish it to proudly welcome your guests!
We invite you to be environmentally respectful and manage your construction waste properly during the work!
