Concrete Patios

Why Concrete Patios Work So Well in Socorro

Your backyard should be more than just grass and a fence. A concrete patio gives you a solid, flat surface for outdoor furniture, grills, fire pits, and family gatherings. Unlike wood decks that rot or splinter, concrete stands up to whatever Texas weather throws at it.

Concrete patios cost less to install than wood or composite decking. They also require way less maintenance over time. No staining, no sealing every year, and no replacing rotted boards. Just sweep it off and maybe power wash it once in a while. That is it.

You also get total design flexibility. We can pour your patio in any shape or size to fit your yard perfectly. Curved edges, multiple levels, built-in planters, or integration with existing landscaping are all possible. If you want to get fancy, we can add stamped patterns and colors to make it look like natural stone or tile.

A well-designed patio increases your usable outdoor space and adds value to your home. It becomes the center of backyard activities, from morning coffee to evening cookouts. And because concrete lasts 30 years or more with minimal care, it is an investment that keeps paying off.

Choosing the Right Size and Layout

The size of your patio depends on how you plan to use it. A small breakfast nook might only need 100 to 150 square feet. A full outdoor entertaining space with dining and lounge areas usually runs 300 to 500 square feet or more.

Here are some common patio sizes and what they accommodate:

• •12 x 12 feet (144 sq ft): Small bistro table and two chairs. Good for morning coffee or a small grill.
• •12 x 16 feet (192 sq ft): Dining table for four to six people plus a small grill area.
• •16 x 20 feet (320 sq ft): Dining area plus lounge seating. Room for a grill and maybe a fire pit.
• •20 x 24 feet (480 sq ft): Full outdoor living space with separate zones for cooking, dining, and relaxing.

Shape matters too. Rectangles and squares are simple and cost-effective. Curved or irregular shapes add visual interest and can help your patio blend into landscaping. Multi-level patios work great on sloped yards and create natural separation between activity zones.

We help you figure out the right size during our consultation. We look at your yard layout, how you want to use the space, and what fits your budget. The goal is to build something that feels spacious without overwhelming your backyard.

What to Expect During Installation

Building a patio takes a few days from start to finish, depending on size and complexity. We handle everything from ground prep to final finishing so you can just sit back and watch your new outdoor space take shape.

First, we mark out your patio location and remove grass, rocks, or anything else in the way. We excavate down several inches to make room for the base and concrete. Proper depth is crucial for preventing settling and cracking later.

Next comes the base layer of crushed gravel or stone. We spread it evenly and compact it thoroughly. This layer provides drainage and a stable foundation. Skipping this step or doing it wrong leads to problems down the road, so we never rush it.

We then build wooden forms to shape your patio and add reinforcement like rebar or wire mesh. After that, we pour the concrete, level it, and finish the surface. For basic patios, we use a broom finish for traction. For decorative work, this is when we add stamps, colors, or other textures.

The concrete needs time to cure before you can use it. You can walk on it after about 24 hours, but wait a few days before moving heavy furniture onto it. Full strength develops over the next month. We also apply sealer to protect the surface and make maintenance easier.

Making Your Patio Unique

Plain gray concrete works fine if you want simple and affordable. But you have plenty of options to make your patio stand out. Different finishes, colors, and borders can transform basic concrete into something special.

Broom finishes are the most common. We drag a stiff broom across the wet concrete to create texture and traction. It is practical, affordable, and looks clean. Smooth troweled finishes are another option if you prefer a sleeker, more modern appearance.

Exposed aggregate shows off the stones in the concrete mix. We wash away the top layer of cement before it fully hardens, revealing colorful pebbles underneath. This finish adds natural beauty and excellent slip resistance.

For maximum impact, consider stamped and colored concrete. You can make your patio look like slate, flagstone, brick, or even wood planks. Colors range from subtle earth tones to bolder reds and terra cottas. Borders in contrasting colors or patterns define the edges and add a custom touch.

Not sure what finish to choose? We show you samples and explain the pros and cons of each option. Some finishes need more maintenance, while others hide imperfections better. We help you pick something that matches your style and your willingness to maintain it.

Common Questions About Concrete Patios