A concrete patio is a poured slab beside your home for seating, dining or a grill. It is a good fit when you want a flat, durable surface that handles sun, foot traffic and furniture without much upkeep.
Outhundred Concrete is a referral service. Providers pour, we connect. We do not build, finish or schedule patios. We route your request to an independent provider in the Orange area, who discusses size, finish and drainage with you. You review the written estimate, compare it with your budget and your plans for the space, and then decide. There is no obligation to hire anyone, so you can ask questions and take your time.
A patio is easiest to get right before anything is poured. Concrete is hard to change once it sets. Settle the size, finish and water flow first. Plan first, pour once.
This page covers new patios only. It is not for concrete driveway repair or fixing an existing slab.
Outhundred Concrete is a referral desk. We take your request and route it to an independent local provider in our network. The provider visits, quotes and does the work. Pricing, scheduling and workmanship are between you and the provider.
Request a callback to check provider availability for your project.
The work is called concrete flatwork. That means any flat, poured surface: patios, walks and slabs. Most patio jobs follow four stages.
The provider marks the outline and removes sod and soil. Then they lay and compact a gravel base. A firm base keeps the slab from sinking or cracking unevenly.
Forms are the temporary boards that shape the edges. Steel bar or wire mesh goes inside to hold hairline cracks tight. The provider also sets the slope here.
A truck delivers wet concrete. The crew spreads it, levels it and smooths the surface. Timing matters, because the finish must happen while the mix is workable.
Curing is the slow hardening period. The slab needs moisture and time. Many providers add a sealer afterward to protect the surface.
Some tasks are fine for a homeowner. Others need trained hands and heavy equipment. Knowing the line saves money and avoids a ruined slab.
A delivery truck carries a load that sets on a clock. Mixing bags by hand rarely works for a full patio. Uneven mixing and rushed finishing show up as cracks and soft spots later.
Start with how you will use it. A bistro table needs far less room than a dining set and grill. Measure the furniture, then add space to pull chairs out and walk around.
A common range for a dining patio is 12 by 12 feet to 16 by 20 feet. Go larger if you entertain often. Extra width is cheap during the pour and costly to add later.
The surface you pick affects grip, looks and upkeep.
A broom finish has light ridges for traction. A smooth trowel finish looks clean but can be slick when wet. Exposed aggregate shows small stones for texture. Integral color is mixed into the concrete, so it runs through the slab.
Stamped concrete patios use mats pressed into fresh concrete to mimic stone, brick or wood. Color is added in the mix and on the surface. This is skilled work that cannot be redone, so ask providers to show similar finished jobs.
Water should move away from the house. Most patios are sloped about a quarter inch per foot. That is a gentle tilt you will barely notice.
A patio that slopes toward the walls can push water against the foundation. If you already see cracks or settling near the house, foundation repair experts are a separate trade. Deal with that before a new slab goes in.
Long dry spells help concrete cure, but hot, dry air can dry the surface too fast. Providers may mist or cover the slab. Winter rain events can delay a pour and wash a fresh surface. Smoke seasons mean fine ash, so plan the cleaning schedule accordingly.
Mild coastal temperatures are easy on concrete. Many tract homes and bungalows sit on slabs, so check how the new patio meets the existing floor level.
Ask each provider these questions:
Get more than one estimate. Compare the scope, not only the total.
Keep vehicles and heavy loads off until the provider says it is ready. Sweep regularly and rinse spills. Reseal on the schedule the provider suggests, since sealer wears with sun and cleaning. Avoid harsh de-icers and strong chemicals, which can mark the surface.
Request a callback to be routed to a provider when you are ready to compare options.
The provider reviews your yard, slope, soil and access, then discusses where the patio should sit.
Excavation, compacted gravel and edge forms are set so the slab sits level and drains properly.
Concrete is placed, leveled and finished in the texture or pattern you choose.
The slab is protected while it hardens, then sealed if you want added protection.
Costs vary with size, finish, access, soil and local labor. These are typical U.S. ranges, not quotes. Ask each provider for a written estimate that lists what is included.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic broom-finish patio | $6 – $12 per sq ft | Plain gray, standard base |
| Colored concrete | $8 – $15 per sq ft | Color adds material and labor |
| Stamped concrete patio | $12 – $22 per sq ft | Pattern and skill raise the price |
| Exposed aggregate | $10 – $18 per sq ft | Textured stone surface |
| Excavation and grading | $1 – $4 per sq ft | Depends on soil and access |
| Sealer | $1 – $3 per sq ft | May need periodic reapplication |
Tell us the rough size, finish and timing you have in mind using the estimate form, or Request a callback to talk it through.
We pass your request to an independent provider in our network.
Review the written scope, price and timeline from the provider, and ask questions.
Hire the provider, ask for another, or pause. The choice stays with you.
We say plainly who does what. Independent providers do the work, not the referral service.
Share your project details once and get pointed toward providers in your area.
Compare estimates, ask questions and walk away if the fit is wrong. Nothing is required.
Providers in our network work across your region and know its soil, weather and home styles.
Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a request for an estimate. Tell us the size, the surface you want and your timing.
No obligationMost residential patios are poured about four inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Heavier loads, like a hot tub or vehicles, may need more. Ask the provider to confirm thickness and reinforcement in the written estimate.
Foot traffic is often possible after a day or two, but concrete keeps gaining strength for weeks. Furniture and heavy items usually wait longer. Follow the specific timeline your provider gives you.
Small, simple slabs are possible for experienced DIYers. Larger patios involve heavy loads, fast timing and precise slope. Many homeowners prep the area and leave the pour to a provider.
Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a request for an estimate. Tell us the size, the surface you want and your timing.
No obligation