Broom and trowel
A broom finish gives grip for walkways and patios. A smoother finish feels cleaner underfoot and shows less texture.
Concrete patios & walkways
Concrete patios and walkways in Menlo Park and the Bay Area.
Flat, smooth and built to last. Concrete patios, walkways, pads and slabs poured and finished to the shape you need.
Patios Walkways Pads and slabs
Simple and solid
Concrete for the spaces you use every day.
Concrete is a practical choice for patios, walkways and pads. It is clean-lined, takes little upkeep and can be shaped to almost any outline. We pour and finish it to the size and shape you want, with joints placed to keep the surface looking good.
A concrete slab also works as a base for other things: a pad for a grill area, a landing at a door or a flat spot for a shed or equipment. Tell us what it needs to carry.
- Patios of any shape
- Walkways and landings
- Pads and slabs for other uses
- Finishes from classic broom to color and texture
- Slopes that drain away from the house
Concrete Patios & WalkwaysMenlo Park, CA · Bay Area wide
How it is built
How we build a concrete patio.
Prep, forms, pour, finish and cure, each done in order.
- Step 1
Plan the shape and level
We agree on the size and outline, and set the heights so the slab meets doors and steps cleanly and slopes slightly away from the house.
- Step 2
Prepare the ground
We remove sod and soft soil, then grade and compact a base. A firm base keeps the slab from settling unevenly.
- Step 3
Set the forms and reinforcement
Forms hold the shape. Where a job calls for mesh, rebar or fibers, we place them before the pour.
- Step 4
Pour and finish
The concrete is placed, leveled and finished. A broom finish adds traction, and a smoother trowel finish suits other spaces.
- Step 5
Joint and cure
Control joints are cut or tooled so cracks follow chosen lines, and the slab is cured, kept moist for several days, so it comes out strong.
The details
What makes a slab last.
From concrete industry guidance. Your project may need different specs.
JointsSquare-ish panelsPanels roughly square, with joints cut at least a quarter of the slab depth.
CuringKeep it moistAt least 3 days of moist curing, and up to a week or so where conditions allow.
WaterNot on siteAdding water to the mix on site weakens it and invites cracks.
Timing1 to 2 daysTypical wait before foot traffic on a new slab.
Finish options
Broom, smooth, color and pattern.
Color
Concrete can be colored in the mix or stained, so the patio matches the house. Colors on a screen never match exactly, so we bring samples.
Scoring and pattern
Scored lines, stamped patterns and borders can break up a big slab. Tell us what you have in mind and we will tell you what works.
Photos
Concrete patios and walkways, for ideas.
Stock photos for inspiration. Tap one to see it larger, then ask us what is possible in your yard.
Afterward
Keeping a concrete patio looking good.
Seal it
A sealer repels stains and helps protect the surface. Different types last for different amounts of time.
Keep it clean
Sweeping and an occasional wash keep concrete looking fresh. Wipe up oil and food spills soon.
Small cracks
Hairline cracks are common in concrete. Joints help keep them in line, and larger ones can be filled or repaired.
Related services
Often built together.
Most yards need more than one trade. These pair well with this one.
PaversPaver patios
A paver patio gives you a flat, tough spot for dining, grilling and hanging out. We lay out the shape, build a compacted base, set the pavers and lock them in.
See details
PaversPaver walkways and steps
Walkways and steps that feel good underfoot and stay easy to keep clean. Straight, curved or stepped to follow the lay of your yard.
See details
ConcreteConcrete driveways
A poured concrete driveway is a clean, long-lasting surface. We prep the base, set the forms, pour and finish it.
See detailsWhere we work
We build concrete patios and walkways across the Bay Area.
Based in Menlo Park, working in 20 Bay Area cities. Pick yours to see what we build there.
Questions
Concrete patios and walkways: questions, answered.
How thick should a concrete patio be?
Slabs for patios and walkways are commonly around 4 inches thick, with more for heavier loads. We will confirm what your project needs at the free estimate.
How long does concrete take to cure?
Concrete keeps gaining strength for weeks. It should stay moist for several days while it cures. Foot traffic is usually fine after a day or two, and furniture and vehicles need longer. Weather changes the timeline, so we will tell you what to expect.
Why do concrete slabs crack, and can you prevent it?
Cracks come from drying shrinkage, temperature change, loads and ground movement. We cannot promise a slab will never crack, but joints, good base prep and proper curing keep cracks to a minimum and keep them where we want them.
Can you add color or a pattern?
Concrete can be colored in the mix or stained, and scored or patterned. Tell us what you have in mind and we will tell you what works for your project.
Concrete or pavers for a patio?
Concrete usually costs less up front and takes little upkeep. Pavers offer more patterns and colors and can be repaired one section at a time. We will go over both at your free estimate.
Let's talk
Ready for a yard you'll love?
Call, text, email or send a request. Tell us what you want to build and we'll set up a free estimate.
Free estimates for pavers, concrete and fences, from Menlo Park to the whole Bay Area.
Call or text today(650) 334-6529
Menlo Park, CA · Serving the whole Bay Area · Estimates are free