Dallas, TX · Concrete Patios
Concrete Patios in Dallas
New concrete patios, patio extensions, slabs for covered patios and outdoor kitchens in Dallas, planned for shade, drainage and the clay under the yard.
01 — What this covers
The work itself
- New back patios
- Extending a small builder slab
- Slabs for pergolas, covered patios and outdoor kitchens
- Fire pit areas and seat walls
- Broom, exposed aggregate, stamped or stained finishes
- Steps and landings from the back door
- Drainage built into the patio layout
- Patio replacement and leveling
02 — Detail
Planning the space
A patio works when it fits how you use the yard. In Dallas that often means shade in the afternoon, room for a table and grill, and a path to the garage or alley gate. Measuring your furniture and walking the space before deciding the size avoids a patio that feels cramped once the chairs are out.
Many Dallas homes have a small slab at the back door that came with the house. Extending it is one of the most common jobs, and it usually makes sense to plan the full patio now even if part of it is built later.
Think about where the sun is in July. A patio on the west side gets brutal afternoon sun, and you may want room for a pergola or covered roof. Planning the slab for those posts now saves breaking concrete later.
03 — Detail
Drainage on a flat Dallas lot
A lot of yards in Dallas are nearly flat, and clay soil drains slowly. A patio is a large, hard surface, and the rain that falls on it has to go somewhere. It should slope away from the house, at least a little, and water should leave the edge toward a place where it can soak in or run off.
Water pooling against the foundation is one of the things that makes Dallas clay swell unevenly under a house. A patio that sends water toward the slab can contribute to problems you do not see for years.
Where the yard has no natural fall, the contractor may suggest a channel drain at the edge, gravel along the perimeter or regrading part of the yard as part of the job.
04 — Detail
Joining new concrete to old
When a patio is extended, the new concrete should not be rigidly tied to the old slab or the house foundation. They move differently. An expansion joint between them lets each move without cracking the other.
Height matters too. The new patio has to meet the old one or the door threshold at the right level, without creating a step that catches feet or a dip that holds water.
If the existing slab has already cracked or tilted, it may be better to replace it with the new patio so the whole surface is level and built on the same base.
05 — Detail
Slabs for covered patios and outdoor kitchens
Covered patios, pergolas and outdoor kitchens are popular across Dallas. The posts and heavy counters need support, so the slab may need thickened edges or footings where the posts land. Gas, water and electrical lines are easier to run before the pour.
A roof attached to the house or a large structure may require a building permit, and HOAs often want to review plans. The contractor pouring the slab can coordinate with whoever builds the structure so the slab is ready for it.
For outdoor kitchens, a finish that is easy to clean and resists grease stains, like a sealed broom or exposed aggregate, is often more practical than a smooth trowel finish.
06 — Detail
Finishes and comfort
A broom finish is the most economical and has good grip. Exposed aggregate shows the stones in the mix and hides dirt and leaves well. Stamped concrete adds pattern and color. Stained concrete adds color to a plain finish at a lower cost than stamping.
Color affects heat. Lighter finishes stay cooler under bare feet, which matters around pools and on west-facing patios. Darker colors look rich but absorb heat.
Whatever the finish, a sealer helps protect it from stains, sun and water, and it needs renewing every few years.
07 — Detail
Trees, roots and existing landscaping
Mature trees are part of why many Dallas neighborhoods are so pleasant, and patios often go right next to them. Cutting large roots to pour a slab can harm the tree and, later, the patio when the tree's water use changes the soil.
Keeping some distance from the trunk, using reinforced slabs that can bridge small root zones, or choosing a different patio shape are all options worth discussing.
Irrigation lines, sprinkler heads and landscape lighting also run through many yards. Marking them before the work prevents surprises during excavation.
How we work
Step by step
- 01
Call to talk about the size, use, shade and any structure planned.
- 02
Site visit: drainage, existing slab, trees, utilities and access.
- 03
Written estimate with layout, finish and any permits needed.
- 04
Excavation, base, forms and steel, then pour and finish.
- 05
Joint cutting, curing, sealing and care advice.
What it costs
Patio pricing depends on size, finish, removal of old concrete, drainage work, thickened edges or footings for structures, steps and access to the back yard.
Questions
Concrete Patios — asked and answered
How big should my patio be?
Enough for your table, chairs and a walkway around them. A table for six usually needs at least 12 by 12 feet, more with a grill area.
Can you extend my existing patio?
Yes. The new section is separated from the old with an expansion joint and set at the right height.
Do I need a permit for a patio in Dallas?
A plain patio on your lot often does not, but covered structures and work near the right-of-way may. HOAs can add their own rules.
Which finish is best for a patio?
Broom is economical, exposed aggregate hides dirt, stamped adds pattern. Lighter colors stay cooler.
How long before I can use the patio?
Light foot traffic after a day or two, furniture after about a week, depending on the weather.
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