Concrete patios and flatwork are part of Hardscape, Concrete & Pavers. For modular surfaces, compare paver patios and walkways; for grade-retaining structures, see retaining walls.
What Concrete Patios & Flatwork Covers
Concrete flatwork can cover defined patio, walkway or similar surface areas where grade, drainage, base preparation and edge conditions are understood. New work and repair should be scoped separately because existing cracking or settlement may point to underlying conditions.
The visible slab is only part of the project. Access for removal and placement, transitions to doors or other paving, drainage direction and reinforcement needs can affect planning.
Before the Work
Photograph the full area and nearby grade, doors, steps and drainage paths. Measure the approximate length, width and any height transitions.
For repair, show cracks, settlement, spalling or drainage problems in both close-up and wide views.
What Can Change the Scope
Demolition, base condition, slope, drainage, thickness, reinforcement, access and connections to existing concrete can change the work.
A cosmetic patch may not be durable when the slab continues to move or settle, so the cause matters before choosing a repair.
From Prepared Base to Finished Patio
A new patio plan should settle the footprint, surface finish, drainage direction and connections to existing paving before concrete placement. Site preparation and any specified reinforcement precede placement, finishing and the planned joints; curing and protection then remain part of the project even when the surface looks finished. At handover, review the edges, transitions, joint layout and intended drainage with the agreed design. Confirm the care instructions and when the patio may receive foot traffic or furniture instead of assuming that placement day is also the first day of use.
What to Send With Your Request
- Wide photos of the complete area.
- Approximate dimensions and height transitions.
- Close-ups of cracks or settlement.
- The intended use and finish preference for new work.
Note where water flows after rain and whether vehicles, heavy equipment or only foot traffic will use the surface.
Common Questions
Can a cracked patio always be patched?
Not always. The crack pattern and underlying movement determine whether a local repair or larger replacement is more practical.
Can new concrete meet an existing slab?
Yes, but the elevation, drainage and joint between old and new surfaces need to be planned.
Related Services
Browse Hardscape, Concrete & Pavers for related work. Paver patios and walkways offer a different surface system, while retaining walls address grade-retaining needs.