How thick does a concrete patio need to be?

A standard concrete patio should be at least 4 inches thick for normal residential use. This thickness is strong enough to support patio furniture, grills, and foot traffic without cracking. If you plan to park vehicles on your patio or place very heavy items like a hot tub or outdoor kitchen, we may recommend going thicker, usually 5 to 6 inches. The base underneath is just as important as thickness. We install a compacted gravel base that provides stability and drainage, which prevents settling and cracking over time.

Can you build a patio on a sloped yard?

Yes, we build patios on sloped yards all the time in San Bruno. The solution depends on how steep the slope is. For gentle slopes, we can grade the area to create a level surface. For steeper slopes, we might build a retaining wall to hold back soil and create a flat area for your patio. Some homeowners prefer multi-level patios that follow the natural contour of the yard with steps connecting each level. This approach can actually create a more interesting and functional outdoor space than a flat yard. We evaluate your specific property and recommend the best approach during our free estimate.

How long before I can use my new patio?

You can walk on your new concrete patio after about 24 to 48 hours, but we recommend waiting at least a week before placing heavy furniture or grills on it. Concrete reaches about 70 percent of its full strength in the first week, but it continues to cure and strengthen for up to 28 days. During this time, avoid dragging heavy objects across the surface, and be gentle when moving furniture. If you have your patio sealed, you will need to stay off it until the sealer dries, which usually takes 24 hours. We give you specific instructions when we finish your project so you know exactly when you can start enjoying your new outdoor space.

Concrete Patios San Bruno, CA | SBC San Bruno Concrete

Create the Backyard You Have Always Wanted

Your backyard should be a place where you actually want to spend time. A concrete patio gives you a clean, level space for outdoor furniture, grilling, entertaining, or just relaxing with a cup of coffee on a nice morning. It instantly makes your yard more functional and enjoyable, and it adds real value to your home.

In San Bruno, where the weather is pleasant most of the year, a patio extends your living space outdoors. You can set up a dining area, create a cozy fire pit zone, or build an outdoor kitchen. The possibilities are endless when you have a solid, permanent foundation to work with. Unlike decks that need regular maintenance and eventually rot, a concrete patio will serve your family for decades with very little upkeep.

We have built patios for homes all over San Bruno, from small, simple slabs to large entertainment areas with multiple levels and decorative features. Every project starts with understanding how you want to use your space. Are you hosting big family gatherings? Do you need room for outdoor furniture? Will you be placing a hot tub or pergola on the patio? These questions help us design and build a patio that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Why Concrete Makes Sense for Bay Area Patios

You have several options when it comes to patio materials, but concrete offers the best combination of durability, affordability, and design flexibility. Wood decks look nice at first, but they require yearly staining and sealing, and they eventually warp, crack, and rot. Pavers are attractive but expensive, and they can shift over time, creating uneven surfaces and trip hazards.

Concrete handles our Bay Area climate perfectly. It does not absorb moisture, so you do not have to worry about mold or rot. It stays cool enough to walk on barefoot even on warm days, unlike composite decking materials. And it can handle the weight of heavy furniture, outdoor kitchens, and even vehicles without cracking or sinking.

The design options with concrete are amazing. You can keep it simple with a standard gray finish, or you can add color, texture, and patterns to create something truly unique. Stamped concrete can mimic the look of natural stone, brick, or tile at a much lower cost. We can also create borders, integrate different colors, or add saw-cut patterns to make your patio stand out.

Popular Patio Features We Can Include

Built-in seating areas or planter boxes
Fire pit pads with heat-resistant finishes
Multi-level designs for sloped yards
Decorative borders and accent colors
Smooth surfaces for patio furniture or textured finishes for traction
Integration with existing landscaping and hardscaping
Proper drainage systems to keep water away from your home

How We Build Patios That Last

A great patio starts with proper planning and site preparation. We visit your property to assess the area, check the slope and drainage, and discuss your vision. If your yard has a slope, we can build a retaining wall or create multiple levels to maximize your usable space. Proper grading is critical because we need to make sure water flows away from your house, not toward it.

Once we have a plan, we excavate the area to the proper depth and install a compacted gravel base. This base provides stability and drainage, preventing your patio from settling or cracking over time. We pay special attention to compaction because loose soil or poor base preparation is the main cause of patio problems down the road.

After the base is ready, we set forms to define the shape of your patio and install reinforcement. Steel rebar or wire mesh gives the concrete extra strength and prevents cracks from spreading. Then comes the pour. We use fresh, high-quality concrete mixed to the right consistency for our local climate. Our crew spreads the concrete evenly, levels it, and applies your chosen finish.

Finishing is where the magic happens. Whether you want a simple broom finish or an elaborate stamped pattern, our team has the skills and experience to do it right. We work quickly because concrete starts to set fast, and timing is everything when it comes to achieving a beautiful finish. After the concrete is finished, we apply a curing compound and let it harden properly before you start using it.

Design Ideas to Match Your Home

Your patio should complement your home's style and your personal taste. For modern homes, a sleek, smooth concrete finish with clean lines and minimal color creates a contemporary look. You can add interest with saw-cut patterns or contrasting borders. Modern patios often feature integrated lighting, built-in seating, or geometric shapes.

If your home has a more traditional or rustic style, consider stamped concrete that mimics natural materials. We can create patterns that look like flagstone, slate, or cobblestone. Adding earth-tone colors makes the patio blend beautifully with your landscaping. Traditional patios work well with curved edges, rounded corners, and natural-looking finishes.

For Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes popular in the Bay Area, a terracotta-colored patio with a saltillo tile stamp looks stunning. We can even create intricate mosaic patterns or decorative medallions as focal points. The key is choosing colors and textures that tie into your home's existing palette and architectural details.

Size matters too. A small patio for a bistro table needs at least 8 by 10 feet. A standard dining area requires 12 by 12 feet or larger. If you want space for a full outdoor living room with multiple seating areas, plan for at least 16 by 20 feet. We help you figure out the right size based on how you plan to use the space and how it fits within your yard.

Caring for Your Concrete Patio

One of the best things about concrete patios is how little maintenance they require. A quick sweep and occasional hose-down keeps them looking clean. For tougher stains, a pressure washer works great. Just avoid using extremely high pressure, which can damage the surface, especially if your patio has a decorative finish.

Sealing your patio every two to three years protects it from stains, moisture, and wear. Sealer is especially important if you have a stamped or colored patio because it keeps the colors vibrant and prevents fading from sun exposure. Sealing also makes cleaning easier because spills and dirt do not penetrate the surface.

Watch for cracks and address them early. Small cracks are normal and can be filled easily with concrete crack filler. If you ignore them, they will grow larger, especially during freeze-thaw cycles in winter. If you notice a section of your patio sinking or becoming uneven, we offer concrete leveling services that can fix the problem without replacing the entire patio.

Avoid using de-icing salts or harsh chemicals on your patio during winter. These can damage the concrete surface and cause scaling. If you have plants near your patio, be careful with fertilizers because some can stain concrete. A little preventive care goes a long way in keeping your patio looking great for decades.

Concrete Patios