Concrete Patios
Transform your outdoor space with a durable, low-maintenance concrete patio designed to last for decades.
Why Choose a Concrete Patio for Your Amherst Home
A concrete patio is one of the smartest investments you can make for your outdoor living space. Unlike wood decks that need regular staining or composite materials that can fade and warp, concrete patios stand up to everything Western New York weather throws at them. Your patio will handle freezing winters, heavy snow loads, and summer heat without cracking or deteriorating when properly installed.
Concrete patios cost less to install than most alternatives and require almost no maintenance over their 30-plus year lifespan. You will not need to worry about annual sealing, replacing rotted boards, or fighting off mold and mildew. A simple hosing down or pressure wash once a year keeps your patio looking great. This makes concrete the go-to choice for homeowners who want to enjoy their backyard instead of constantly maintaining it.
The design flexibility is another huge advantage. You can go with a simple brushed finish for a clean look, add color with acid stains or integral pigments, or create custom textures that mimic stone, brick, or tile. We work with you to design a patio that matches your home's style and fits how you actually use your outdoor space. Whether you are setting up a dining area, a fire pit zone, or just want a place to relax, we can build the perfect patio for your Amherst property.
Our Concrete Patio Installation Process
We start every patio project with proper site preparation because that is what determines how long your patio will last. Our crew removes the existing grass or soil, grades the area for proper drainage away from your house, and compacts a solid base of crushed stone. This foundation work prevents settling and keeps water from pooling on your finished patio.
What goes into a quality concrete patio:
- •Excavation to proper depth and grading for water runoff
- •Compacted stone base for stability and drainage
- •Steel reinforcement or fiber mesh to prevent cracking
- •Proper concrete thickness (typically 4 inches for residential patios)
- •Control joints placed strategically to manage natural expansion
- •Professional finishing for your desired texture and appearance
Once we pour the concrete, timing is everything. We finish the surface while the concrete is still workable, creating your chosen texture and ensuring proper slope for drainage. Our finishers have the experience to know exactly when to trowel, brush, or stamp the surface for the best results. After finishing, we apply a curing compound to help the concrete gain strength gradually and reduce the risk of surface cracking. You can typically walk on your new patio within 24 hours, though we recommend waiting a full week before placing heavy furniture or grills on the surface.
Design Options and Customization
Your patio should reflect your style and work with your home's architecture. We offer several finish options to create the look you want. A basic broom finish provides excellent traction and works great for traditional homes. If you prefer a smoother appearance, we can trowel the surface to a semi-smooth or smooth finish. For something more decorative, exposed aggregate shows off the natural stones in the concrete mix and adds visual interest.
Color options let you move beyond standard gray concrete. Integral color mixes the pigment throughout the concrete for long-lasting color that will not wear off. Acid staining creates rich, variegated tones that look organic and natural. You can also combine different techniques for a truly custom look, like adding colored borders or creating patterns with saw cuts.
Shape and layout matter just as much as finish. We can pour curved edges, create multi-level patios, or integrate your patio with existing walkways and sidewalks. Many homeowners add features like built-in seating walls, planter areas, or spaces for outdoor kitchens. During your free consultation, we will discuss your ideas and help you design a patio that maximizes your outdoor living space while staying within your budget.
Common Questions About Concrete Patios
A properly installed concrete patio typically lasts 30 to 50 years in our climate. The key factors are correct site preparation, adequate thickness, proper reinforcement, and good drainage. We use techniques specifically designed for freeze-thaw cycles common in Western New York. Regular sealing every few years can extend the life even further, though it is not required. Most patios we installed 20 or 30 years ago are still going strong with minimal maintenance.
Yes, but we install it correctly to protect your foundation. We place an isolation joint (also called an expansion joint) between your house and the patio. This joint allows the patio to move independently from your foundation during freeze-thaw cycles. Without this joint, the patio could push against your foundation or pull away and create a gap. We also slope the patio away from your house to direct water away from the foundation. This is critical for preventing basement moisture issues down the road.
Spring through fall are ideal for patio installation in Amherst. We can pour concrete any time temperatures will stay above freezing for several days after the pour. Late spring and early fall offer the best conditions because moderate temperatures allow the concrete to cure at an optimal rate. Summer works fine too, though we take extra precautions on very hot days to prevent the concrete from drying too quickly. We recommend scheduling your project a few weeks in advance during peak season. Winter installations are possible with special measures, but we typically recommend waiting for warmer weather. Our concrete installation services run year-round, so we can help you plan the best timing for your project.