Outdoor Spaces You Can Actually Use

Custom concrete patio installation for Cincinnati, Ohio backyards and outdoor living areas.

A concrete patio gives you a flat, stable surface for furniture, grills, and foot traffic without the maintenance that wood or pavers require. In Cincinnati, where rain and temperature swings are part of every season, a properly poured patio includes a slight slope for drainage, control joints to manage cracking, and a finish that handles weather without sealing every year. The result is a low-maintenance outdoor area that stays level and functional.

Dave King Construction builds concrete patios sized to fit your yard and how you plan to use the space. The work includes site grading, a compacted gravel base, formwork to define the edges, and a concrete pour with reinforcement. You can choose a smooth trowel finish, a broom texture for traction, or a decorative option that adds color or pattern. The patio can connect to existing walkways, steps, or other hardscape features so everything ties together visually and structurally.

To talk through layout options and schedule a site evaluation for your Cincinnati property, contact Dave King Construction.

How a Concrete Patio Is Built

The crew begins by removing grass or soil to a depth that allows for base material and four inches of concrete. In Cincinnati, the area is graded so water runs away from your house, and a compacted gravel base is placed to prevent settling. Forms are set along the perimeter to hold the concrete in place during the pour.

Once the patio is finished, you will see a smooth or textured surface with no dips or uneven spots. Furniture sits level, water drains off the edges, and the concrete resists staining from leaves or spills.

Reinforcement such as wire mesh or fiber is added to the concrete mix to reduce cracking from ground movement. Control joints are cut or formed in a grid pattern to direct any cracks that do occur. The surface is finished with a trowel or broom depending on the texture you want, then cured slowly to prevent surface cracking. Patios can be poured in custom shapes or tied into steps, retaining walls, or walkways to create a unified outdoor space.

Questions That Come Up During Planning

Homeowners usually want to know how long the work takes, whether the patio will crack, and what finish options are available. These answers help clarify what to expect before the project starts.

How long does a concrete patio installation take?
Most patios take two to four days including site prep, forming, pouring, and finishing. The concrete needs about a week to cure before furniture or heavy use.
What causes concrete patios to crack?
Ground movement, freeze-thaw cycles, and improper curing are the main causes. Control joints and reinforcement reduce the risk, but hairline cracks can still appear over time.
Why does the patio need to slope?
A slight slope moves water away from your foundation and prevents pooling on the surface. The slope is usually one-quarter inch per foot, enough to drain but not enough to notice underfoot.
What finish options work best for outdoor use?
A broom finish adds texture for traction and is common for patios. Smooth trowel finishes look cleaner but can be slippery when wet, especially in shaded areas.
How does a concrete patio connect to existing features?
The patio can be poured against steps, walkways, or retaining walls with control joints or dowels to allow movement without gaps. Proper grading ensures water flows away from all connected surfaces.

Dave King Construction handles layout, grading, and finishing to give you a patio that fits your Cincinnati yard and stands up to use. Learn more by reaching out to discuss your project today.