
Concrete Patios
Outdoor Spaces Ready for Year-Round Use
Concrete Patios in Seattle for homeowners adding backyard gathering areas or replacing worn wood decks
HOFFMAN CUSTOM CONCRETE pours concrete patios for homeowners in Seattle who want a flat, stable surface for furniture, grills, and outdoor entertaining without the maintenance demands of wood or composite decking. You may be replacing a rotted deck that no longer meets code, or adding a patio to a yard that currently has no dedicated outdoor living space. The installation begins with site grading to ensure the patio drains away from the house, followed by a pour that creates a level surface anchored to the existing landscape.
A concrete patio is poured over a compacted base that prevents settling and cracking, with reinforcement placed to handle the freeze-thaw cycles and soil movement common in the Pacific Northwest. The slab is finished with a texture that provides traction when wet, and the edges are formed to create clean lines where the patio meets grass, gravel, or planting beds. The work includes removal of existing structures if needed, along with grading to establish proper slope for water runoff.
If you are planning to add or replace a patio, contact HOFFMAN CUSTOM CONCRETE to schedule a site visit and discuss layout, size, and finish options.
What You Gain from a Properly Poured Patio
Your patio is excavated to depth, then filled with compacted crushed rock that allows water to drain through rather than pool beneath the slab. The forms are set to define the perimeter and establish the slope, typically one-quarter inch per foot away from the house. Rebar is positioned in a grid pattern and tied at intersections to prevent shifting during the pour, and the concrete is placed in a single session to avoid cold joints that can later crack.
Once the concrete has cured, you will have a flat, solid surface that supports table and chair legs without sinking, and that sheds water quickly after rain. HOFFMAN CUSTOM CONCRETE finishes the patio with a broom texture for slip resistance or a smoother trowel finish if you prefer a refined look. The surface does not require annual staining or sealing to remain functional, though a sealer can be applied to reduce staining from leaves and organic debris.
The finished patio can be left as standard gray concrete or customized with integral color, stamped patterns, or exposed aggregate. Control joints are saw-cut to manage shrinkage cracks, and expansion joints are installed where the patio meets the house foundation or an existing walkway. The work does not include landscaping, fencing, or electrical for lighting, though the patio is designed to accommodate those additions later.
Common Questions About Patio Installation
Homeowners often ask about size, timing, and how the patio will hold up in Seattle's wet climate.
- What size patio works for a typical backyard? Most patios range from 200 to 400 square feet, sized to fit a dining table, seating area, and grill with enough clearance to move chairs without stepping off the edge into the yard.
- How is the patio sloped for drainage? The surface is pitched at one-quarter inch per linear foot away from the house, enough to move water off the slab without creating a noticeable incline when you walk across it.
- When is the best time to pour a patio in Seattle? Spring and summer offer the most predictable weather, though pours can be scheduled in fall or winter if rain can be avoided for the pour day and the following 48 hours of initial curing.
- Why use rebar instead of wire mesh? Rebar provides greater tensile strength and is positioned more precisely within the slab, which reduces the risk of cracking in areas with freeze-thaw cycles or expansive soils.
- What finish is safest for wet conditions? A broom finish creates shallow grooves that improve traction when the surface is wet, making it safer than a smooth trowel finish in a climate where patios stay damp for days at a time.
HOFFMAN CUSTOM CONCRETE provides free estimates for patio installations in Seattle, including site preparation, material costs, and finish options. Call to discuss your project and set a timeline that works with your schedule.
