Turn Your Backyard Into Your Favorite Room
Your backyard should be more than just grass and a grill. A concrete patio gives you a solid, level surface where you can entertain guests, let the kids play, or simply enjoy your morning coffee. Unlike wood decks that rot and splinter or pavers that shift and sink, concrete stays put and looks great with almost no effort on your part.
In State College and the surrounding communities, we know how important outdoor space is. You want to make the most of those warm months when you can actually be outside. A well-designed patio extends your living area and gives you a place to gather without worrying about uneven ground or muddy spots. It becomes the heart of your outdoor space.
Concrete patios work with any home style and any budget. You can go simple with a smooth finish, or add personality with stamped patterns and custom colors. Either way, you get a durable surface that handles everything from summer cookouts to winter snow without breaking down or needing constant repairs.
Why Homeowners Choose Concrete Patios
- •Lasts decades longer than wood decks or loose pavers
- •Requires almost no maintenance compared to other materials
- •Stays level and stable through freeze-thaw cycles
- •Adds usable square footage to your property
- •Increases home value and curb appeal
Design a Patio That Fits Your Style
The beauty of concrete is that it can look however you want. A basic gray patio is clean and modern, perfect if you prefer simplicity. But if you want something with more character, we can add color, texture, and patterns that make your patio look like natural stone, brick, or tile at a fraction of the cost.
Popular Finish Options
Stamped concrete is a favorite around here. We press patterns into the wet concrete to mimic slate, flagstone, or cobblestone. Add some color, and most people cannot tell the difference from the real thing. It gives you that high-end look without the high-end price tag or the maintenance headaches that come with natural stone.
If you prefer a smoother look, we can create a broom finish for traction or a trowel finish for a sleek, modern feel. You can also add borders, bands of color, or geometric patterns to break up large areas and add visual interest. We work with you to design something that matches your home and fits your lifestyle.
Size matters too. Think about how you want to use the space. A small patio might work for a bistro table, but if you are planning to host family gatherings or set up outdoor furniture, you will want something bigger. We help you figure out the right dimensions so your patio feels spacious without overwhelming your yard.
How We Build Your Patio
Every good patio starts with the ground beneath it. We excavate the area, remove any grass or old material, and grade it so water drains away from your house. Then we lay down a compacted gravel base that prevents settling and cracking. This foundation work is not glamorous, but it is what keeps your patio looking great for decades.
Professional Installation Steps
Once the base is ready, we set up forms to define the shape and edges of your patio. We can do straight lines, curves, or custom shapes to fit your landscape. If you are adding steps or retaining walls, we coordinate everything so it all ties together seamlessly.
The concrete pour is where things get exciting. We use the right mix for our climate and add color if you want it. As soon as the concrete is placed, we smooth it, stamp it if you chose a pattern, and add texture for grip. Timing is critical because concrete starts to set quickly, especially on warm days. Our experienced crew knows exactly when to do each step for the best results.
After finishing, we cut control joints to guide any natural cracking into straight lines where it is barely noticeable. We apply a curing compound to help the concrete harden properly, and then we protect it while it sets. In about a week, your patio is ready to use. We clean up completely and leave you with a space you will love spending time in.
Keep Your Patio Looking New
One of the biggest advantages of concrete is how easy it is to maintain. You do not need to stain it every year like a deck or reset pavers that shift out of place. A quick sweep and occasional rinse with the hose is usually all it takes to keep your patio clean and inviting.
Simple Care Tips
Seal your patio every two to three years to protect it from moisture, stains, and the elements. A good sealer makes spills wipe up easily and keeps the color from fading if you have stamped or colored concrete. It also helps prevent damage from de-icing salts in winter, which can be tough on concrete if left unprotected.
Clean up spills promptly, especially things like oil, grease, or acidic liquids. While sealed concrete resists most stains, leaving messes too long can cause discoloration. Use a mild detergent and water for cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers on high settings, which can damage the surface or strip the sealer.
If you notice cracks forming, do not worry too much. Small hairline cracks are normal and do not affect the structure. For larger cracks or settling, we offer repair services to fix issues before they get worse. With proper care, your concrete patio will stay beautiful and functional for 30 years or more. That is a lot of barbecues, family gatherings, and quiet mornings with a cup of coffee.
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Get in touch today for a free consultation. We will discuss your ideas, show you examples, and give you a detailed estimate. Let's create a patio that you will use and enjoy for years to come.