Concrete patio contractors in Pittsburgh
Not every patio needs a pattern. Concrete patio contractors spend most of their time on a plain concrete or cement patio, because a clean broom finish with crisp edges looks good and costs far less. We build those too, and that plain slab can take a stamped overlay later on.
Finishes for a plain patio
A plain slab has more options than most people expect. Each of these costs far less than a stamped finish.
| Finish | Look | Cost per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Broom | Fine lines, with good grip | $8 to $14 |
| Broom with a tooled border | A smooth band at the edge | $9 to $15 |
| Salt finish | Small pits, with a soft texture | $10 to $16 |
| Integral color | Color all the way through | $11 to $17 |
Getting the details right
On a plain slab, there's nothing to hide behind. Straight edges, neat joints and an even broom pattern are what make it look professional. Joints should divide the patio into near-square panels, and they should line up with door openings and corners wherever possible. An isolation joint at the house lets the slab move without damaging the wall.
The pitch needs care too. The slab should fall about 1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot away from the house, which is enough to shed water without making your chairs tilt.
Plain now, stamped later
If the budget is tight, pour a good plain slab now. As long as it stays level and sound, you can add color with concrete staining or a pattern with a stamped concrete overlay in a few years. If you want the pattern from the start, see our stamped concrete patio page.
How the job goes
- Walk the yard
We measure and check the slope and access.
- Written quote
Thickness, base, joints and finish are listed.
- Dig and form
The area is dug out, and forms are set to grade.
- Pour
Concrete is placed, finished and edged.
- Cut and cure
Joints go in, and the slab cures.
Common questions
Can you pour a concrete patio yourself?
A small one, yes, if you have help. Anything over about 100 square feet is a hard job to finish before it sets.
How much does a concrete slab patio cost?
About $8 to $14 per square foot here, so roughly $2,400 to $4,200 for 300 square feet.
Should a patio be level or sloped?
Sloped, just a little, at about 1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot away from the house.
Should a patio be level?
Not quite. A dead-level patio holds water, so it needs a slight fall.
Should a concrete patio be sloped?
Yes. Without a slope, water sits on the slab or runs toward your foundation.
More services
- stamped concrete
- stamped concrete patio
- stamped concrete walkway
- stamped concrete steps and porches
- stamped concrete pool deck
- stamped concrete overlay
- stamped concrete sealing
- stamped concrete repair
- concrete staining
- decorative concrete
- colored concrete
- decorative concrete driveway