A concrete patio is one of the best investments you can make for a backyard. Done right, it lasts for decades, requires almost no maintenance, and holds up to Texas heat without buckling or shifting like pavers can.
But concrete is also permanent. You can't easily undo it if you change your mind. Here's what we walk homeowners through before we ever pour a single yard.
Size and Shape
Think about how you actually use your outdoor space. For a dining table and four chairs, you need at least 12x14 feet — more if you want room to pull chairs out without stepping off the slab. For a full outdoor living room setup, 16x20 or larger starts to feel right.
Also consider the shape. Square and rectangular slabs are simpler and more affordable to form. Curved or free-form shapes are possible and can look great, but they add cost because the formwork is more complex.
Drainage and Slope
This is the most overlooked part. A patio with poor drainage will pool water every time it rains — and in Bryan, that's not infrequent. We slope all our slabs slightly away from the house (typically 1/8 inch per foot minimum) to keep water moving off the surface.
If your yard is low or the soil drains poorly, we may also need to address what happens after the water leaves the slab.
Thickness
For a standard residential patio with no vehicle traffic, 4 inches of concrete over a compacted base is typical. If you're pouring a driveway or a pad for heavy equipment, we go to 5–6 inches and may add rebar or fiber reinforcement.
Finish Options
Plain broom-finish concrete is the most affordable and is perfectly functional. If you want something with more visual interest, options include:
- Exposed aggregate — a coarser, natural-stone look
- Stamped concrete — patterns pressed in to mimic stone, brick, or wood
- Colored concrete — integral pigment or surface-applied stain
Each step up adds cost, but can significantly change the look and feel of the space.
The Timing
In Texas, summer pours need to be timed carefully — extreme heat can cause concrete to cure too fast and crack. We do most of our patio work in spring and fall for the best results, but we can work through summer with the right techniques.
Ready to plan yours? We'll walk your yard, talk through options, and give you a solid quote.