How thick should a concrete patio be?

Standard residential patios need to be at least 4 inches thick. This thickness handles foot traffic, furniture, and typical outdoor use without cracking. If you plan to put a hot tub on your patio or park any vehicles on it occasionally, we will increase the thickness to 6 inches and add extra reinforcement.

Do I need a permit to build a patio?

It depends on the size and location. In Bell Gardens, you typically don't need a permit for a simple ground-level patio in your backyard. However, if your patio connects to your house foundation, exceeds certain square footage limits, or includes electrical work for lighting or outlets, you may need permits.

How do I maintain my concrete patio?

Concrete patios need very little maintenance. Sweep off dirt and debris regularly and rinse with a garden hose. For stubborn stains, use a mild detergent and a stiff brush. We recommend resealing your patio every 2 to 3 years to protect against moisture and stains.

Concrete Patios

Custom concrete patio design and installation that extends your living space outdoors.

Modern concrete patio in Bell Gardens backyard

Transform Your Backyard with a Concrete Patio

A patio is more than just a slab of concrete in your backyard. It's where you host summer barbecues, where your kids play, and where you unwind after a long day. In Bell Gardens, where the weather lets us enjoy outdoor spaces almost year-round, a well-designed patio becomes an extension of your home. It adds square footage to your living area without the expense of a full addition.

Concrete makes the perfect patio material for our climate. It stays cool underfoot compared to dark pavers or stone. It won't splinter like wood decking or require constant staining and sealing. A concrete patio can handle outdoor furniture, fire pits, and play equipment without showing wear. When properly installed with the right slope for drainage, it sheds water quickly during our occasional heavy rains.

We've built patios in every size and shape throughout Bell Gardens. From simple rectangular slabs perfect for a bistro table to elaborate multi-level outdoor living rooms with built-in features, concrete adapts to your vision and budget. Your new patio can match your existing concrete driveway or complement other hardscaping on your property.

Planning Your Perfect Patio

The best patios start with smart planning. Before we break ground, we work with you to make sure your patio fits your lifestyle and your property. Here's what we consider during the design phase.

Location and Size

Most homeowners build patios right off the back door for easy access from the kitchen. This setup works great for dining and entertaining. But your yard might have a better spot. Maybe you want a secluded area away from the house where you can enjoy morning coffee in peace. Or perhaps you have a view worth highlighting. We'll walk your property with you and talk through the options.

Size matters more than you might think. A patio that's too small feels cramped when you add furniture. As a rule, plan for at least 12 by 12 feet if you want space for a dining table and chairs. If you're adding a grill or lounge seating, go bigger. We can help you visualize the layout with stakes and string before we commit to dimensions.

Sun and Shade Patterns

Pay attention to where the sun hits throughout the day. A patio in full afternoon sun might be too hot to use during summer months unless you add shade structure. Morning sun makes a great breakfast spot. We look at existing trees and structures that provide natural shade. If your ideal location gets too much sun, we can discuss adding a pergola or planning for an umbrella.

Utilities and Drainage

Before we dig, we need to know what's underground. Sprinkler lines, gas lines, and electrical conduit all affect where and how we build. We'll locate these utilities to avoid problems. We also look at how water flows through your yard. Your patio needs to slope slightly away from your house to prevent water from pooling or running toward your foundation. In areas where drainage is tricky, we might add a drain system.

Patio Design Features and Finishes

Plain concrete gets the job done, but decorative options turn your patio into an outdoor showpiece. Here are the most popular upgrades we install for Bell Gardens homeowners.

•Stamped patterns: We can make your concrete look like flagstone, slate, brick, or wood planks. Stamping adds texture and visual interest without the cost of natural materials. Popular patterns include ashlar slate, random stone, and herringbone brick.
•Color options: Integral color throughout the concrete or acid staining creates earth tones, terra cotta, gray-blues, or rich browns. Color makes your patio look custom and helps it blend with your home's exterior.
•Borders and accents: A contrasting border defines the patio edges and adds polish. We can also create bands of decorative concrete that divide large patios into zones.
•Multiple levels: If your yard slopes, we can build a multi-level patio with steps connecting each area. This creates distinct spaces for dining, lounging, and grilling.

We can also incorporate features like fire pit pads, built-in planters, or scored patterns that mimic tile. If you're interested in a decorative look, check out our full range of stamped and decorative concrete options.