Do you want to install a concrete patio but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people are intimidated by the thought of installing their patio. But with the right tips and tricks, it can be a breeze!
This blog post will walk you through everything you need to know about installing a concrete patio. We’ll cover everything from preparing the surface, to sealing the finished product up to calling patio contractors Knoxville TN. So read on for all the information you need to have a successful Knoxville concrete patio setup!
A Knoxville TN concrete patio is a flat outdoor living space that is made from poured concrete. It can be used for various purposes, such as a place to sit, put furniture, or even a place to walk. A well-constructed Knoxville concrete patio can last for many years and provide a great addition to your home.
Advantages of having concrete patios include:
When it comes to patio installment, concrete is one of the most popular materials. There are a few things you should consider before starting your task to ensure that the process turns out beautifully and lasts for years. Here are some tips:
The first step is to decide where you want your custom patio to go. Measure the area and plan out your design. You’ll want to make sure that you have enough spot for all of your furniture and that the patio is in a spot that gets plenty of sun (or shade, if that’s what you’re after).
Your situation will also factor into what kind of patio you can install. If you have a lot of trees nearby, for example, you may need to choose a type of concrete that is less likely to be damaged by moisture.
The next step is to decide on the shape and size of your Knoxville patio. This will help you determine how much concrete you need. Rectangular or square patios are typically the easiest to install, but go for it if you have something more elaborate in mind! Just be sure to factor in any curves or angles when calculating the amount of concrete needed.
Once you’ve determined the size and shape of your custom Knoxville patio, consider the design. You can go with a simple pattern or create something more elaborate. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of online resources and books available that can give you some ideas.
Next, decide on the finish for your patio. There are a variety of finishes available in Knoxville, from smooth to rough. Rough finishes provide better traction when wet, but they also easily show footprints and dirt. Smooth finishes are less maintenance-intensive but can be slippery when wet.
Think about what kind of furniture or decorations you want to put on your Knoxville Tennessee patio. This will help determine the size and shape of the custom outdoor living area. For example, if you want a seating area, make sure to leave enough room for chairs or benches.
Finally, know your budget and plan how you’ll fund your job. Concrete patios can be expensive, but there are ways to save money if you’re willing to do some of the work yourself if you have the skills. If not, then getting the expertise of a professional is always an option.
To make a concrete patio, you must first mark out the shape of the patio and then dig it. You’ll also need to form, level, assemble, mix, and pour the concrete, then finish it off with some staining and edging. Here’s how things work in more depth:
To designate your patio, use spray paint or strings, and poles. Make this space s 18 inches longer and wider than the final size of the patio you want it to be. This area will need to be reserved for the forms and working around them.
Dig up the sod and topsoil in your patio’s location with a shovel or a rented tiny excavator. The goal is to dig down six to eight inches below the current earth level.
Shaping your patio with 2×6 or 2×8 boards. Use #10 deck screws and three screws per corner to join the corners.
The goal of the technique is to bring all four diagonal measurement corners into line. If your form region has equal length on both sides (which it should), then equalizing opposite side diagonals after cornering them will result in the corners being squared automatically. Pound one stake into each ground at each corner to keep it upright after you’ve adjusted the form.
You can never be too sure that your lumber is straight. That’s why you should use strings as a straight reference line on the sides of the form. To keep the edges of the form straight, place stakes every 36 inches along each outside face.
To level the form, raise the top of the form to that height and drive a deck screw into it through the stake to secure it in place. This is your reference point. Raise the entire perimeter of the form to a flat height using a 48-inch level or a laser level, then drive a single deck screw into the stake and the wood structure. Check to be sure all form board edges are at equal levels.
When you are finishing the concrete, use a long, straight piece of wood to draw it across the top edges of the form. This is called “screeding.” Make sure that you saw the stakes flush with the top edges of the form. Do this now using a handsaw.
You will need to add crushed stone to the bottom of the excavation. This will help make the base more even and create a space for water drainage. Use a rake to ensure that the crushed stone is at a consistent depth from the top edge of the form boards. This depth will determine how thick your concrete patio will be.
To prevent patio cracking, add reinforcement. Reinforcing steel mesh is one option, but 1/2-in. Rebar on a 12-in. x 16-in. grid does a better job. During the pour, place the reinforcement two inches below the bottom of the form to avoid becoming embedded in concrete when lifting it during placement.
You need a certain amount of concrete for a patio. It’s how much you want to pour in cubic yards. The more concrete you have, the higher the patio will be. You can find out how much by multiplying how thick it is and how long and wide it is. Then divide that number by 27 because there are 27 cubic inches in a cubic yard.
If your patio is tiny, you can buy pre-mixed bags of just-add-water concrete mix. To create a uniform paste that’s the consistency of stiff cake batter, combine this with a portable drum-type concrete mixer using a specific quantity of water.
You may save money on huge patios by purchasing Portland cement, sand, and crushed stone separately before combining all of these ingredients in the mixer at a 1:2:2 ratio.
The most expensive alternative is to have ready-mixed concrete delivered by truck, but it makes sense for patios that need more than one cubic yard of concrete. Concrete reinforcement fibers will make your patio stronger and crack resistant. You may purchase reinforcing fibers to be mixed in with site-mixed concrete or request them to be added to ready-mixed concrete, in addition to the reinforcing rod.
Fill the forms with concrete, then use a straight piece of wood drawn across the top edges of the form to smooth and level the concrete. Leave the concrete alone until the surface water dries, but the concrete itself is still soft, then immediately continue smoothing the surface with a trowel. A special trowel for edges lets you make the concrete look like the edges of a sidewalk.
If you want a rough, high-friction surface, texture the concrete as it dries with a broom. Maintain the consistency with periodic applications of a garden hose or wet towels and blankets.
Allow three days for the concrete to set, then remove the deck screws and stakes. Chop down the lumber after it has been cured for three days. If you want to reuse the wood, scrape any concrete residue and clean it. Fill in the void left by the removal of the forms with topsoil.
Even with strengthening rods or mesh installed, concrete slabs tend to crack over time. Crack control cuts direct the cracking along a single line, resulting in a better appearance. Allow two weeks for the concrete to cure before renting a masonry cut-off saw and cutting 1-1/2-in to 2-in. slices diagonally across a grid of 10 feet x 10 feet.
Concrete patio services have the experience and equipment to get the job done quickly and correctly. They can help you choose the right type of concrete, reinforcement, and finish for your specific construction. Additionally, they can handle all of the mixings and pour so that you don’t have to worry about anything. This leaves you free to enjoy your new patio!
Also, consider these common mistakes homeowners make when choosing concrete services. This can help you in getting the right company for your outdoor living space.
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about doing a successful concrete patio installment. We hope this information was helpful and that you feel confident enough to tackle the project independently. If not, don’t worry – we’re here to help!
Knox Concrete Contractors is a team of experienced professionals who are more than happy to take on your next concrete patio project. Contact us today for free estimates and let us show you what we can do!
At Knox Concrete Contractors you can expect friendly service, expert advice, free estimates, and top-tier quality for any size job. We love working with homeowners and commercial contractors alike to keep our great city running.
Copyright © Knox Concrete Contractors 2020. All Right Reserved.
