You are probably dreaming of a new concrete patio in your Orem backyard. This is a good idea. A well-built patio adds a lot of usable outdoor living space. It also boosts your home's value. A good patio makes life better. Before you start, we should talk about what makes that dream happen. Our team has seen many concrete projects around Orem. We have worked from the foothills to near Utah Valley University. We can tell you that good planning helps a lot.
Before You Start: Planning Your Orem Patio Project
You need to plan your project first. It is not just about where you want the patio. It is also about what the ground underneath is doing. The city rules are important as well as what you can do yourself.
Permits: Do Not Skip This Step
Permits can seem like a headache. However, it is worse to get caught without one. For a basic, ground-level concrete patio without a roof, you will generally not need a building permit in Orem. This is a good thing for homeowners in Utah. If you are planning on adding a roof, you will need a permit. If the patio is going to be more than 30 inches above the ground, you will also need a permit. In addition, if you are thinking about any electrical work, those will require permits. Plumbing work will also require permits. Gas work for an outdoor kitchen or fire pit will also require permits. Our team always checks with Orem City's Building Department first. They can help you figure out the specific requirements for your concrete patio project.
DIY or Pro? Be Honest With Yourself
Many homeowners sometimes get into trouble here. Pouring Concrete is not like painting a wall. It is heavy work. It is also fast-paced. If you make a mistake, it is a big problem. It is also expensive to fix. For small, simple pads, you might be able to do it yourself. This could be for a shed foundation as well as a small walkway. You might save some money on labor this way.
For a Concrete Patio, you should call a professional. This is especially true for anything over 100-150 square feet. If you want decorative finishes like stamping, you should also call a professional. Coloring is another decorative finish that needs a professional. Here is why you should call a professional:
- Experience Matters: We know how Orem's clay soils behave. Our team knows how the freeze-thaw cycles affect Concrete. We also know how to get the right slope for drainage away from your house.
- Equipment: We have the heavy-duty mixers as well as the compactors. Our team also has specialized finishing tools. Renting all of that for a DIY job adds up fast. You might not even know how to use the equipment correctly.
- Speed & Skill: Once the concrete truck arrives, you have a limited window. You need to get the Concrete poured as well as leveled. It also needs to be finished. This is intense, skilled work that needs to be done quickly. It also needs to be done correctly.
- Cost of Mistakes: A botched DIY Concrete job can cost more to demolish. It can also cost more to haul away. This can be more expensive than if you had hired a professional in the first place.
A typical 288 square foot Concrete Patio in Orem can cost from $1,440 to $5,200. The average cost is around $3,200. This includes labor as well as materials. If you do it yourself, you might save 50-70% on that cost. However, you are trading money for a lot of physical work. You are also taking a risk. If you want to save some money, consider a hybrid approach. You can do the excavation yourself. You can also do the base preparation yourself. Then, you can hire Utah Valley Concrete to handle the pour. We will also handle the finish. That can save you 20-30% on your Concrete Patio project.
During the Project: What to Expect
Knowing the steps helps. This is true whether you are doing some of the work. It is also true if you are hiring us for the whole Concrete Patio project.
Site Preparation is Key
This is probably the most important part. It is where many DIY Concrete Patio projects go wrong. You need to clear the area. You also need to dig down about 6-8 inches. This is 4 inches for a gravel base. It is also 4 inches for the concrete slab itself. You must make sure you have a slight slope away from your house for drainage. This slope should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot. Then, you will lay down a good 4-inch layer of gravel. Crushed stone also works. You must compact it thoroughly. This base is important for drainage. It also helps prevent cracking as well as settling later on.
The Pour and Finish
If you are hiring us, we will handle the forms. We will also handle the rebar or wire mesh reinforcement. Our team will also handle the actual pouring. The Concrete gets spread. It is also leveled, which is called screeded. Then, it is floated to bring the cream to the surface. We will cut control joints. These help manage any cracking that might happen naturally. Then, we apply a finish. This might be a broom finish for some grip. It could also be something decorative if that is what you chose for your Concrete Patio.
After the Project: Curing and Care
The work is not over once the Concrete is down. Proper curing is very important for a strong, solid patio. In Orem, we have hot summers. We also have cold winters. This step is even more important here.
The Curing Process
Concrete does not just dry. It cures through a chemical process called hydration. This needs moisture. We will often apply a curing compound. We also cover the concrete to keep it moist for at least 7 to 14 days. Do not let it dry out too fast. This is especially true in our dry Utah air. If it dries too fast, you will end up with surface cracks.
When Can You Use It?
- Foot Traffic: You can usually walk on it lightly after 24 to 48 hours.
- Furniture/Light Loads: You should wait at least 7 days. This is before putting furniture on it. It is also before allowing light vehicle traffic.
- Full Strength: Concrete reaches its full strength around 28 days.
During that first month, avoid dragging heavy items. Do not use de-icing salts, especially in winter. You should also avoid letting it dry out too quickly.
Long-Term Maintenance
To keep your Concrete Patio looking good for many years:
- Clean it: Sweep off dirt as well as debris regularly. You can use a mild detergent as well as water for cleaning.
- Seal it: Reapply a sealer every 2-3 years. You should also reapply it when you notice water is not beading up anymore. This protects against stains as well as weather.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use de-icers. Do not use harsh cleaners. Sand is a better option for winter traction.
A Concrete Patio is a great investment for your Orem home. Doing it correctly means it will last you decades. If you have questions about your Concrete Patio project, give us a call at Utah Valley Concrete. We are always happy to help our neighbors get solid results.