Concrete Patio Contractor in Portland, Oregon
A well-built concrete patio creates a durable foundation for outdoor dining, entertaining, relaxing, and everyday use while helping connect your home to the surrounding landscape.
The Wall is a concrete contractor in Portland with decades of experience building concrete and hardscape features throughout the Portland metro area. We install new concrete patios, replace deteriorated surfaces, and help homeowners create outdoor spaces that work with their property rather than feeling like an afterthought.
Why Consider a Concrete Patio?
Concrete is one of the most versatile materials available for creating a permanent outdoor living surface.
A patio can be designed as a straightforward seating area, a larger entertaining space, or part of a more complete backyard design incorporating walkways, landscaping, retaining walls, stairs, masonry, and other outdoor features.
Create a Defined Outdoor Living Area
A concrete patio gives outdoor furniture, dining areas, grills, fire features, and gathering spaces a stable surface rather than placing them directly on lawn, gravel, or uneven ground.
Depending on the property, a patio can be used for:
- Outdoor dining areas
- Seating areas
- Grilling spaces
- Backyard entertaining
- Fire pit areas
- Hot tub surroundings
- Covered outdoor spaces
- Connections between doors and walkways
- Garden seating areas
- Larger outdoor living environments
The layout can be as simple or as detailed as the property requires.
More Design Options Than Plain Gray Concrete
A concrete patio does not have to look like a basic rectangular slab.
Depending on the project, concrete can incorporate different:
- Shapes
- Dimensions
- Finishes
- Textures
- Colors
- Borders
- Control joint layouts
- Curves
- Steps
- Transitions
Stamped or colored concrete can also provide additional visual character when a homeowner wants something different from conventional broom-finished concrete.
The design should complement the architecture of the home and surrounding landscape rather than compete with it.
A Durable Surface for Everyday Outdoor Use
Concrete provides a solid surface for furniture, foot traffic, outdoor cooking areas, and other common patio uses.
Its performance, however, depends heavily on how the project is constructed.
Excavation, soil conditions, base preparation, concrete thickness, reinforcement where appropriate, grading, drainage, joint placement, and finishing all influence how the finished patio performs over time.
A successful patio starts below the visible concrete.
Designed Around Portland's Rain and Drainage
Portland’s wet climate makes drainage an important consideration when building any exterior concrete surface.
A patio should not create a place for water to repeatedly collect against the home or pool in low areas.
Before installation, we evaluate existing elevations and surrounding drainage so the patio can be graded appropriately for the property.
The relationship between the patio, home foundation, lawn, landscaping, walkways, retaining walls, and other surrounding features all needs to be considered before concrete is poured.
Our Process for Installing Concrete Patios
A concrete patio should be planned as part of the property rather than simply poured into an open section of the yard.
Our process considers how the patio will be used, how water moves through the site, how people enter and exit the space, and how the finished concrete will connect with surrounding outdoor features.
1
Evaluate the Patio Area
We begin by evaluating the proposed patio location and discussing how you want to use the finished space.
Our team considers factors such as:
Patio size
Patio shape
Existing grades
Drainage
Door locations
Steps and elevation changes
Existing concrete
Landscaping
Trees and roots
Retaining walls
Property access
Outdoor furniture
Grilling or dining areas
Connections to walkways
Adjacent structures
Future outdoor improvements
Understanding these conditions before construction helps us determine an appropriate layout and installation approach.
2
Plan the Patio Layout and Finish
Next, we determine the shape, dimensions, elevations, and appearance of the patio.
Some homeowners want a straightforward concrete surface that blends quietly into the property. Others want the patio to become a more prominent design feature.
Depending on the project, the design may incorporate:
Straight edges
Curved edges
Multiple patio sections
Steps
Borders
Decorative finishes
Stamped concrete
Colored concrete
Connections to walkways
Transitions into landscaping
Transitions into landscaping
The layout should provide enough usable space without overwhelming the yard.
3
Excavate and Prepare the Base
The work beneath a concrete patio is critical to its long-term performance.
We remove soil and other material as necessary to establish the proper depth and prepare the area for the new concrete.
Base preparation may involve grading, compacting underlying materials, and correcting areas that could contribute to settlement or drainage problems.
We also establish the elevations needed to direct surface water appropriately.
Pouring concrete over poorly prepared or unstable ground can contribute to movement, settlement, uneven surfaces, and cracking later.
4
Form and Pour the Concrete
Once the underlying area is prepared, forms are installed to establish the patio’s shape, dimensions, and elevations.
The concrete is then placed according to the project design.
During this stage, our team pays close attention to:
Finished elevations
Surface slope
Patio edges
Connections to existing surfaces
Steps
Corners
Curves
Joint layout
Overall finish
The goal is to create a patio that functions as part of the surrounding property while maintaining the intended appearance.
5
Finish the Surface and Review the Patio
The final surface is finished according to the selected design.
Once the concrete work is complete, we review the patio’s overall appearance, grading, transitions, edges, and relationship to surrounding features.
We also look at how the finished surface connects with walkways, landscaping, stairs, walls, lawn areas, and other parts of the property.
Where We Install Concrete Patios in the Portland Metro Area
The Wall installs concrete patios throughout Portland and several surrounding communities where we currently have dedicated concrete contractor location pages.
Portland Metro & Surrounding Areas
If you are unsure whether your property is within our service area, contact our team to discuss your concrete patio project.
Concrete Patio Installation & Repair FAQs
How much does a concrete patio cost in Portland?
Concrete patio pricing depends on the size of the patio, site conditions, excavation, access, grading, base preparation, concrete thickness, finish, shape, demolition requirements, drainage considerations, steps, decorative details, and other project-specific factors.
A basic rectangular patio will generally have different costs than a large custom outdoor living area with curves, steps, decorative concrete, or complicated site access.
An on-site estimate is the best way to determine pricing for a particular property.
How long does it take to install a concrete patio?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the project.
Site preparation, excavation, forming, concrete placement, finishing, curing, weather, property access, demolition of existing surfaces, and other improvements can all affect the schedule.
A relatively straightforward patio can move much faster than a larger outdoor project involving extensive grading, walls, walkways, stairs, landscaping, or other improvements.
Can you replace an existing concrete patio?
Yes.
An older patio may be a candidate for replacement if it has extensive cracking, settlement, drainage problems, deterioration, an outdated layout, or simply no longer works well for the property.
Removing the existing patio also creates an opportunity to reconsider its:
- Size
- Shape
- Elevation
- Drainage
- Finish
- Connections to other outdoor areas
Rather than automatically recreating the old patio exactly as it was, we can evaluate whether a different layout would make better use of the space.
Can a cracked concrete patio be repaired?
Sometimes.
Whether repair or replacement makes more sense depends on the type and extent of the cracking as well as what caused it.
A small localized issue is different from widespread cracking caused by settlement or movement beneath the slab.
Before determining an approach, it is important to consider whether the problem is primarily cosmetic or whether something below the concrete is contributing to the damage.
Why is my concrete patio sinking?
Concrete can settle when the material beneath it no longer provides consistent support.
Potential causes include:
- Poor soil compaction
- Inadequate base preparation
- Soil settlement
- Erosion
- Water movement
- Drainage problems
- Changes to surrounding grades
- Loss of supporting material beneath the slab
The visible concrete may only be a symptom of an underlying problem.
Understanding why the patio moved is important before deciding how to address it.
Why does my concrete patio hold water?
Standing water generally means the surface is not allowing water to drain effectively.
Possible causes include:
- Improper original slope
- Settlement
- Low areas in the concrete
- Changes to surrounding grades
- Drainage alterations elsewhere on the property
Portland’s frequent rainfall can make drainage problems particularly noticeable.
Depending on the condition of the patio, correcting the issue may involve changes to surrounding drainage, localized repairs, or replacement of part or all of the surface.
How should a concrete patio drain?
Exterior concrete should generally be designed so water moves away from structures and does not repeatedly collect in low areas.
The appropriate slope depends on the property, patio configuration, surrounding grades, doors, walkways, landscaping, drainage systems, and other nearby features.
Drainage should be considered during the planning stage rather than after the patio has already been installed.
Can you build a concrete patio on a sloped yard?
Often, yes.
Mild slopes can frequently be addressed through excavation, grading, and careful planning of the finished patio elevation.
Properties with more significant elevation changes may require additional features such as:
- Steps
- Terraces
- Retaining walls
- Multiple patio elevations
- Grading changes
The best approach depends on how steep the property is and how the finished outdoor area will be used.
Can a concrete patio have curved edges?
Yes.
Concrete can be formed into curved, angled, or irregular layouts rather than being limited to square or rectangular patios.
Curved edges can work especially well when a patio transitions into landscaped areas or when the surrounding yard has a more organic design.
Can you build steps with a concrete patio?
Yes.
Steps can be incorporated when there is an elevation difference between the home, patio, yard, walkway, or another outdoor area.
Step dimensions and placement need to be considered early in the design because they affect the patio’s finished elevation and how people move through the space.
Can you connect a new patio to an existing concrete walkway?
Often, yes.
A new patio can potentially connect with an existing concrete walkway, driveway, stairs, or other hardscape.
We evaluate the elevations and condition of the existing surface so the transition can be planned appropriately.
If the existing concrete has significant settlement or deterioration, additional work may be needed to create a better connection.
Can a concrete patio be stamped?
Yes.
Stamped concrete can be used to introduce patterns and texture into a patio surface.
Depending on the selected design, stamped concrete can create an appearance inspired by stone, masonry, pavers, or other materials.
The pattern, texture, color, patio layout, and surrounding architecture should be considered together so the finished surface fits the property.
Can concrete patios be colored?
Yes.
Color can be incorporated into concrete patio projects to create a warmer, darker, lighter, or more distinctive appearance than conventional gray concrete.
The appropriate color depends on the home, surrounding hardscape, landscaping, and desired design.
Because exterior concrete is exposed to weather and use, homeowners should also understand how decorative surfaces may change in appearance over time.
Are concrete patios slippery when wet?
The finish and surface texture affect traction.
Exterior concrete is typically finished with outdoor use in mind rather than being left with an extremely smooth interior-style surface.
Because Portland experiences frequent rain, wet-weather use should be considered when selecting a patio finish.
Decorative finishes should balance the desired appearance with how the surface will actually be used.
Do concrete patios crack?
Concrete can crack.
Proper construction practices help manage cracking, but no exterior concrete installation can realistically be guaranteed never to develop a crack.
Factors that can influence cracking include:
- Soil movement
- Settlement
- Base preparation
- Drainage
- Temperature changes
- Concrete shrinkage
- Joint placement
- Tree roots
- Loads placed on the surface
Planning joints appropriately can help manage where normal concrete movement occurs.
What are control joints in a concrete patio?
Control joints are intentionally placed lines or grooves designed to help manage cracking as concrete shrinks and moves.
Their location is planned based on the dimensions and shape of the slab.
Joint placement also affects the finished appearance of the patio, so it should be considered as part of both the structural and visual layout.
Can you put a fire pit on a concrete patio?
Potentially, but the specific fire feature and manufacturer’s installation requirements need to be considered.
Heat can affect concrete and surrounding materials, so a fire pit should not simply be placed anywhere without considering the type of unit, clearances, heat exposure, nearby structures, and patio design.
If a fire feature is planned before the patio is built, its location can be incorporated into the overall outdoor layout.
Can you put a hot tub on a concrete patio?
Potentially.
Hot tubs create substantial concentrated loads once filled with water and occupied, so a patio intended to support one may require different construction considerations than a standard pedestrian patio.
It is best to identify the intended hot tub location before the concrete is installed so the project can be planned around the equipment and its requirements.
How large should a concrete patio be?
There is no single ideal patio size.
The appropriate dimensions depend on how the space will be used and how much room is available.
A patio designed for a small table and chairs requires much less space than one intended to accommodate:
- Outdoor dining
- Lounge furniture
- A grill
- Multiple seating areas
- A fire feature
- Large gatherings
Furniture placement and walking space should be considered before settling on the final dimensions.
Can you expand an existing concrete patio?
Sometimes.
Additional concrete can potentially be added next to an existing patio to create more usable outdoor space.
However, the existing slab’s elevation, slope, condition, drainage, and layout need to be evaluated first.
New and old concrete will remain separate placements, so the transition between them also needs to be considered when planning the finished appearance.
Can a concrete patio be part of a larger outdoor living project?
Absolutely.
A patio often serves as the foundation of a larger outdoor living space.
Depending on the property, it can be integrated with:
- Walkways
- Steps
- Retaining walls
- Landscaping
- Planting areas
- Masonry
- Seating areas
- Fire features
- Outdoor dining areas
- Other hardscape elements
Planning these elements together can create a more cohesive finished property than treating each improvement as an unrelated project.
Are concrete pavers or poured concrete better for a patio?
Neither material is automatically better.
Poured concrete creates a continuous surface and can work well for homeowners looking for a clean, durable patio with a relatively straightforward layout.
Concrete pavers offer more variation in individual shapes, patterns, colors, and textures and can sometimes allow localized sections to be removed and reset.
The better choice depends on the desired appearance, budget, property conditions, maintenance expectations, and patio design.
Can you combine concrete and pavers in the same patio?
Yes.
Pavers can sometimes be incorporated as borders, accents, transitions, or adjoining areas alongside poured concrete.
Using multiple materials can help define different areas of a larger outdoor space, but the design should be planned intentionally so the materials complement one another.
Can landscaping be added around a concrete patio?
Yes.
Landscaping can soften the edges of a patio and help it feel integrated into the yard.
Planting beds, lawn, decorative rock, pathways, retaining walls, and other landscape elements can all influence how the patio looks and functions.
The relationship between landscaping and concrete should also account for drainage, irrigation, mature plant size, roots, and long-term maintenance.
Can tree roots damage a concrete patio?
They can.
Large or growing roots may contribute to movement beneath concrete in some situations.
Existing trees should be considered before determining the patio’s layout and excavation depth.
Building too close to significant roots can also affect the tree, so sometimes adjusting the patio shape or giving established trees more room is the better approach.
What patio finish works best for Portland?
There is not one finish that is best for every Portland property.
The right option depends on the appearance the homeowner wants, expected foot traffic, surrounding architecture, exposure to rain and shade, maintenance expectations, and how the patio will be used.
A straightforward exterior finish may work well for one property, while another homeowner may prefer stamped, colored, or otherwise decorative concrete.
How long does a concrete patio last?
A properly constructed concrete patio can provide many years of use.
Its longevity depends on factors including:
- Site preparation
- Soil conditions
- Base preparation
- Drainage
- Concrete installation
- Joint placement
- Weather exposure
- Tree roots
- Surrounding grades
- Usage
- Maintenance
Addressing the conditions beneath and around the patio is just as important as the visible concrete surface.
Does a concrete patio require maintenance?
Concrete patios generally require relatively straightforward maintenance, but some care should still be expected.
Keeping the surface clean and preventing soil, organic debris, and standing water from accumulating can help maintain the patio’s appearance.
Decorative concrete may have different maintenance considerations depending on the finish and treatment used.
Existing cracks, drainage issues, or settlement should also be evaluated before they become more significant.
Why hire The Wall for a concrete patio in Portland?
A successful patio requires more than simply forming an area and pouring concrete.
The layout, excavation, base, grading, drainage, joints, finish, transitions, and relationship to the surrounding property all influence the finished project.
The Wall has decades of experience completing concrete and hardscape projects throughout the Portland area. Our team works with patios, walkways, stairs, retaining structures, masonry, landscaping, pavers, and other outdoor features, allowing us to consider how a concrete patio fits into the property as a whole.
Whether you want a straightforward backyard patio or a larger outdoor environment incorporating several hardscape and landscape elements, our goal is to create a space that looks intentional, functions well, and complements your home.