Stamped concrete patio in Pittsburgh
A stamped concrete patio gives you the look of slate or stone at a lower price than the real thing. Looking for stamped concrete patio contractors near me? Here's what a good one looks like, and what to ask for in a Pittsburgh backyard.
Planning a patio on a Pittsburgh lot
Stamping a concrete patio, or a pressed concrete patio as some people call it, starts long before the mats come out. Local backyards are rarely flat or simple, and the shape of the lot should come first. These are the things we work out before talking about patterns.
- Where water goes, as the slab must fall away from the house
- How the patio meets the back door, so that the step stays safe
- Room for a table and chairs, which takes about 12 by 12 feet
- Sun and shade, since dark colors get hot underfoot
- How a concrete truck or pump will reach the yard
- Space for a grill, fire pit or seat wall
Good ideas for a stamped patio
A border does more for a patio than almost anything else. A band of a different pattern or a darker color around the edge makes the whole thing look designed, and it costs little. Curves are worth considering too, since they look more natural in a yard than a plain rectangle, though they add form work.
Keep the pattern in scale with the space. A big ashlar slate suits a large patio, while a small backyard often looks better in a tighter cobblestone or a herringbone brick. See stamped concrete patterns and colors for ideas.
What to look for in a quote
Ask for the slab thickness, the depth of the stone base, the steel, the colors and the number of coats of sealer. Check how the slab will be separated from the house and from any steps. Make sure removal of the old patio is included, as well as any drainage work. Our guide to building a concrete patio explains each of these in plain terms.
How the job goes
- Measure
We check the slope, access and doorways.
- Choose
You pick the pattern and colors from real samples.
- Dig and base
Soil comes out, and stone goes in and is compacted.
- Pour and stamp
The crew pours, colors and stamps the slab.
- Seal
Once the surface is dry, the patio gets its sealer.
Common questions
How much does a 20x20 patio cost?
That's 400 square feet, so about $6,000 to $10,000 for stamped concrete here, or $3,200 to $5,600 for a plain slab.
How much for a 20x20 concrete patio?
A plain slab of that size is about $3,200 to $5,600. Stamped, it's about $6,000 to $10,000.
Are concrete patios expensive?
They cost less than most stone or paver patios. A plain slab is the cheapest option, and stamping adds about $7 to $11 per square foot.
Does a patio increase home value?
A well-made patio helps a house show well, but you may not get all the cost back. Build it because you'll use it.
More services
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