Concrete Patios

Why Concrete Patios Beat Wood Decks Every Time

If you're deciding between a concrete patio and a wood deck, let's talk about what actually matters. Wood looks nice when it's new, but Florida's climate destroys it fast. You're looking at constant maintenance with staining, sealing, replacing boards, and dealing with rot, termites, and splinters. Concrete patios skip all that hassle. Once we install your patio, it's basically done. No annual sealing, no rotting wood, no expensive rebuilds every ten years.

Concrete also gives you more flexibility with design. Want a curved edge? A multi-level layout? Built-in seating areas? We can do all of that with concrete. You're not limited to rectangular shapes like you are with wood framing. Plus, concrete stays cooler than wood in direct sunlight, which means more comfort when you're outside during summer afternoons. When friends and family come over, they'll spend more time on a comfortable patio that doesn't trap heat.

Top Reasons to Choose a Concrete Patio

• Lasts 25+ years without needing replacement or major repairs
• Handles Florida weather including rain, heat, and humidity without damage
• Offers unlimited design options with colors, textures, and patterns
• Requires minimal maintenance compared to wood or composite materials
• Increases your usable outdoor space and adds value to your home

We've built hundreds of patios across Hobe Sound, and we've seen what works and what doesn't. The key to a great patio is proper planning. Before we start, we discuss how you'll use the space. Are you setting up outdoor furniture? Installing a grill? Want room for a fire pit? Your answers shape the size, layout, and features we include. A well-designed patio becomes an extension of your living room, not just a slab of concrete in the backyard.

Design Options That Match Your Style

One of the biggest misconceptions about concrete is that it's boring and gray. That might have been true 30 years ago, but modern concrete offers incredible variety. You can choose from dozens of colors, add decorative borders, incorporate different textures, or go with stamped concrete that mimics natural stone, brick, or tile. The finished result looks high-end but costs a fraction of what you'd pay for real pavers or natural stone.

Texture is another important consideration. A smooth troweled finish gives you a clean, modern look and makes it easy to move furniture around. A broom finish adds traction, which is safer when the patio gets wet. An exposed aggregate finish shows off the natural stone in the concrete mix and creates a textured surface that hides dirt and wear. We walk you through these options and show you samples so you can see exactly what you're getting before we pour.

Making Your Patio Functional

Good design isn't just about looks. It's also about making your patio work for how you live. We think through details like drainage so water doesn't pool after rain. We consider sun exposure and suggest placement that gives you shade during the hottest parts of the day. If you plan to add a roof or pergola later, we can reinforce areas where posts will go. Small details like these make a big difference in how much you enjoy your outdoor space.

Size matters too. A patio that's too small feels cramped when you have guests over. Too large and it looks empty and unfinished. We help you find the right balance based on your yard size and how you plan to use the space. Most homeowners are happiest with patios that are at least 12 feet by 12 feet, which gives you enough room for a table, chairs, and space to move around comfortably.

How We Build Your Patio

Building a patio follows a similar process to building a concrete driveway, but with more attention to aesthetics and outdoor living functionality. We start by marking out the area and excavating to the proper depth. Then we build up the base layer with compacted gravel, making sure everything slopes away from your house for proper drainage. This prep work takes time, but it's what keeps your patio from settling or cracking down the road.

On pour day, we set up forms to shape your patio, add reinforcement, and then pour the concrete. If you've chosen a decorative finish, our team works quickly to stamp patterns, add color, or create texture while the concrete is still workable. The timing has to be perfect. Move too fast and the surface isn't ready. Wait too long and the concrete hardens before we can finish it. That's where experience matters. We've done this enough times to know exactly when conditions are right.

Curing and Finishing Touches

After the pour, we protect the surface while it cures. This process takes about a week for the concrete to reach full strength. You can walk on it after a day or two, but heavy furniture should wait until it's fully cured. We apply sealer to protect the surface from stains, moisture, and UV damage. Sealing also brings out the color and makes decorative finishes look richer and more vibrant.

Once your patio is complete, we clean up the site and haul away all debris. You're left with a clean, finished outdoor space ready for furniture, plants, and whatever else you want to add. We also provide care instructions so you know how to keep your patio looking great for years to come. Simple maintenance like occasional cleaning and resealing every few years keeps everything in top condition.

Frequently Asked Questions