Concrete Patios
Transform your outdoor space with a custom concrete patio designed for your lifestyle and built to last.
Creating Your Perfect Outdoor Living Space
Your backyard should be a place where you want to spend time. A well-designed concrete patio gives you a solid, level surface for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. Whether you envision quiet morning coffee, weekend barbecues, or evening gatherings with friends, a concrete patio provides the foundation for the outdoor lifestyle you want.
In Brookline and the surrounding Boston area, outdoor living spaces are especially valuable because they extend the usable square footage of your home during our pleasant spring, summer, and fall months. A concrete patio requires minimal maintenance compared to wood decks and holds up better to our weather conditions. Unlike pavers that can shift and settle, concrete stays level and stable year after year.
We work with homeowners throughout the Greater Boston area to design patios that fit their properties and match their vision. Some people want a simple rectangular patio just outside their back door. Others prefer a larger space with multiple areas for dining, lounging, and cooking. We can incorporate curves, borders, and transitions that work with your landscaping and make your outdoor space feel intentional and complete.
Design Possibilities for Concrete Patios
One of the best things about concrete patios is how versatile they are. You are not limited to a plain gray slab. Modern concrete techniques let you create an upscale look that complements your home and reflects your style. From texture to color to pattern, you have options that fit any budget and aesthetic preference.
Many homeowners choose stamped concrete that mimics the appearance of natural stone, slate, or brick. This gives you the high-end look of premium materials at a fraction of the cost, with better durability and easier maintenance. Stamped concrete comes in dozens of patterns and can be colored to match or complement your home exterior. The result looks custom and intentional without the hassle of maintaining individual pavers or natural stone.
Other popular design options include:
- Colored concrete that coordinates with your home and landscaping
- Exposed aggregate finishes that reveal decorative stones in the concrete mix
- Borders and accent strips that define different areas or add visual interest
- Combination of smooth and textured areas for visual variety
- Integrated planters or borders for seamless landscaping transitions
We help you think through how your patio will be used so the design works practically. If you plan to set up patio furniture, we make sure the space is level and appropriately sized. If you want to add a fire pit, built-in grill, or outdoor kitchen, we plan for those features from the start. The right design makes your patio more functional and enjoyable for years to come.
The Installation Process
Building a quality concrete patio starts with proper site preparation. We evaluate your yard to understand drainage patterns, soil conditions, and how the patio connects to your home. Good drainage is essential to prevent water from pooling on the patio or flowing toward your foundation. We often need to grade the area slightly to direct water away from structures.
After excavating to the proper depth, we create a stable base using compacted gravel. This base prevents settling and provides a solid foundation for the concrete. We install forms that define the shape and edges of your patio, then add reinforcement like wire mesh or rebar to prevent cracking. For patios attached to your home, we install isolation joints that allow the concrete to move independently from your foundation.
The concrete pour and finishing work requires skill and timing. We use a concrete mix designed for outdoor use in New England weather. After pouring and leveling, we create the surface finish you selected, whether that is a smooth finish, broom texture for traction, or decorative stamping. Control joints are added to guide where any future cracks occur, keeping them small and manageable. The patio then needs time to cure properly before you can use it.
Making Your Patio Last
A properly installed concrete patio requires very little maintenance but will benefit from some basic care. We recommend sealing your patio every two to three years to protect it from moisture, stains, and weather damage. A quality sealer also enhances the appearance of colored or stamped concrete and makes the surface easier to clean.
Regular cleaning keeps your patio looking its best. Sweep it periodically to remove dirt and debris, and use a garden hose or pressure washer for deeper cleaning once or twice a year. If you spill something that might stain, clean it up promptly. Most stains can be removed with appropriate cleaners, but prevention is always easier than removal.
During winter, avoid using metal shovels that can scratch or gouge the surface. Choose ice melt products that are safe for concrete, and avoid excessive use of rock salt. If you notice small cracks developing, have them repaired promptly to prevent water infiltration and freeze-thaw damage. With minimal care, your concrete patio will provide decades of enjoyment and add lasting value to your home. If you also need work on your driveway or other concrete surfaces, we can handle multiple projects together.