A concrete patio gives you a flat, solid spot for chairs, a grill and a table. It also takes some planning. Size, slope, finish and drainage all matter, and they matter even more where rain is steady and the ground stays damp.
Lifecia Concrete is a referral service. We do not pour concrete. We connect homeowners in Everett, WA with independent local providers in our network who do the flatwork. Measure your space, take a few photos, jot down your wishes, and you will be ready for estimates. Then compare written quotes from a few providers, ask about base depth and drainage, and pick the plan that fits your yard and your budget.
Planning a Patio Before the Rain Settles In?
If you want a new patio, a smart time to plan is before you need it. Concrete work depends on dry windows. In a long wet season, good providers book up as soon as the weather turns.
Start with a tape measure and a notepad. A rough plan makes every conversation faster.
Do the Homework First
Here is what you can safely do yourself before anyone arrives:
- Measure the length and width of the space.
- Mark the corners with stakes or spray paint.
- Take photos from the back door and from the yard.
- Note where water sits after a heavy rain.
- Sketch where the grill, table and chairs will go.
This takes one afternoon. It saves back-and-forth later.
Why Concrete Works for a Wet Climate
Concrete is firm, flat and easy to sweep. It does not rot like wood decking. With a proper base and a slight slope, it handles steady rain well.
Moss and damp can still build up on shaded spots. A textured finish and good airflow help. Care tips are further down this page.
What a New Patio Project Includes
Most jobs follow the same path. A provider marks the area, removes sod and soil, and sets a compacted gravel base. Then comes the form work, which is the wooden or metal edge that holds the shape.
Some providers add rebar or wire mesh for strength. Then the concrete is poured, leveled and finished. Joints are cut so the slab can crack in a clean line instead of a random one.
Digging and Base
The base matters more than most people think. A well-packed gravel layer helps water drain away and keeps the slab from shifting. Ask each provider how deep they plan to dig and what base they use.
Forms and Reinforcement
Forms set the edges and the slope. Ask whether the quote includes rebar or mesh, and how far apart the control joints will be.
Sizing Your Patio
Pick a size by what you will do on it. A bistro set needs about 10 by 10 feet. A table for six with a grill often wants 12 by 16 or more. Leave room to pull chairs back and walk around them.
Use a garden hose or chalk to outline the shape on the lawn. Set your furniture inside it. Walk around it for a day or two. Adjust before you commit.
Finish Options
The surface changes how the patio looks and feels underfoot. Wet weather makes grip important.
Broom Finish
A light broom texture is the classic choice. It gives grip when wet and costs less than decorative options.
Exposed Aggregate
The top layer is washed away to show small stones. It looks natural and grips well, which suits damp yards.
Stamped and Colored Options
Stamping presses patterns into the surface, such as stone or brick looks. Color can be mixed in or added on top. Ask about sealers that keep the surface from getting slick.
Drainage and Your Foundation
This is the part not to skip. A patio next to the house should slope away from the walls, usually about a quarter inch per foot. Water that runs toward a crawl space can cause trouble.
Watch your yard during a storm. Note where puddles form. Tell every provider what you saw. If you already see cracks or wet crawl space walls, mention that too. Foundation repair experts are a separate trade, and a patio provider can tell you when to bring one in.
Where to Stop and Call a Pro
Homeowners can mark, measure and plan. Pouring, grading and finishing are jobs for a provider. Concrete sets on its own schedule, and mistakes are hard to undo.
Small extras, like a gravel border or planters, can wait until the slab has cured.
Choosing a Concrete Provider
Compare at least two or three written quotes. Look at the details, not just the total.
- Slab thickness and base depth
- Reinforcement type
- Finish and sealer
- Drainage and slope plan
- Permit handling, if your area needs one
- Cleanup and haul-away
- Start window and weather delays
Ask to see photos of past patios. Ask how they handle rain delays. Check that the provider holds the licenses or insurance your area requires, and ask for proof.
Getting Paperwork Ready
Keep a folder. Store your photos, measurements, sketch and every quote. Write down dates and what was promised.
If a project touches something your policy might cover, such as storm damage to an old slab, records help. Some policies may cover sudden damage, so check yours. Providers can often help document damage for a claim.
Check Local Rules
Some towns want a permit for larger patios. Homeowner associations may have rules too. Older craftsman homes and newer townhomes can have different setback or drainage rules. Ask the provider what applies.
Caring for Your New Patio
Give new concrete time. Most providers say to keep foot traffic off for a day or two and heavy items off for about a week. Follow the provider's advice.
- Sweep often to cut down on moss and debris.
- Rinse shaded spots with a mild cleaner.
- Trim plants that hold moisture against the slab.
- Reseal as the provider suggests.
- Keep gutters clear so water does not pool.
Ready for Estimates?
Measure, mark, ask. Then reach a provider in our network and get your plan on the calendar before the busy season fills up.
What's Included
Site Layout
The provider marks the patio shape, checks the slope and talks through where water should go.
Excavation and Base
Sod and soil come out, then a compacted gravel base goes in to support the slab.
Forms and Pour
Edge forms and reinforcement are set, then the concrete is poured and leveled.
Finish and Cleanup
The surface is textured, joints are cut and the site is tidied once work wraps.
Typical Patio Costs in the U.S.
Prices vary a lot by size, finish, access and local labor. These are typical U.S. ranges only. Get a written quote from each provider so you can compare the same scope.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic broom-finish slab | $6 – $12 per sq ft | Plain gray, standard base |
| Stamped or patterned finish | $12 – $20 per sq ft | Pattern and color add labor |
| Exposed aggregate | $8 – $18 per sq ft | Good grip in wet weather |
| Excavation and gravel base | $1 – $4 per sq ft | Depends on soil and access |
| Rebar or wire mesh | $0.50 – $2 per sq ft | Adds strength to the slab |
| Sealer | $1 – $3 per sq ft | Often reapplied every few years |
How It Works
Measure and Mark
Outline the patio with stakes or a hose, take photos and sketch where furniture will go.
Reach a Provider
Request a callback or use the request form to be connected with a local provider.
Compare Written Quotes
Line up base, thickness, finish and drainage details side by side before choosing.
Schedule the Work
Pick a start window with your provider and plan for possible rain delays.
Why Call Lifecia Concrete
Less Searching, Faster Start
Skip the endless browsing and reach an independent local provider with one step.
Organized Homeowners
We nudge you to bring photos, measures and notes so quotes are easy to compare.
Local Providers
Providers in our network work in your area and know wet-season ground and drainage needs.
Plain Talk
No pressure and no jargon. You decide whether to move ahead with any provider.
Other Services
Need home concrete patios in Everett?
Planning a new driveway or patio? Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a request with your photos and rough measurements for an estimate.
No obligationHome Concrete Patios FAQ
- How much does a concrete patio cost?
- Typical U.S. prices run from about $6 to $20 per square foot, depending on finish, size, base work and local labor. Costs vary by job, so ask for a written quote before you decide.
- How long does a new concrete patio take to cure?
- Most patios can take light foot traffic after a day or two. Heavy furniture usually waits about a week. Cool, damp weather can slow curing, so follow your provider's advice.
- Can I pour a concrete patio myself?
- Small slabs are possible for a skilled DIYer, but grading, mixing and finishing are hard to get right. For larger or house-adjacent patios, a local provider is the safer choice.
Get in touch
Planning a new driveway or patio? Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a request with your photos and rough measurements for an estimate.
No obligation