TKO Concrete Flooring

A New Patio For Your Nashville Home? Tips To Start

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Alright folks, Kerry Pharr here, TKO Concrete Nashville, and let’s talk about gettin’ you a proper concrete patio. Now, ain’t nothin’ beats a good slab of concrete for outdoor livin’, but you gotta do it right. Here’s my checklist, straight up:

TKO Concrete Nashville’s Patio Prep Checklist:

  • 1. Dream Big, Plan Smart:
    • First off, how big you want this thing? Measure it out! Don’t just eyeball it.
    • What shape? Square, rectangle, curved? Draw it out on the ground with spray paint or flags.
    • Consider the flow. How’s it connect to your house, walkways, or other outdoor spaces?
    • Think about furniture. Grills, tables, fire pits – where’s it all gonna go?
    • 2. Diggin’ Deep, Gettin’ Level:
      • Excavation is key! You gotta dig down, usually 4-6 inches, depending on your soil and climate.
      • Get that base compact! We’re talkin’ gravel, compacted in layers. This prevents settling and cracking.
      • Level is crucial. We ain’t buildin’ a ski slope. Use a laser level or string lines to ensure a consistent grade. Slight slope away from the house, for drainage!
      • 3. Form It Up Right:
        • Use quality lumber for your forms. We’re talkin’ straight and sturdy.
        • Secure those forms! They gotta hold the weight of the concrete.
        • Double-check your measurements! You want those corners square and the edges smooth.
        • 4. Reinforcement is Your Friend:
          • Wire mesh or rebar? Depends on the size and intended use of your patio.
          • Properly place your reinforcement. It needs to be in the middle of the concrete slab, not resting on the ground.
          • If you are going to put heavy items on the patio, like a hot tub, please let your contractor know.
          • 5. Mix It Up, Pour It Out:
            • Use a quality concrete mix. Don’t skimp on this!
            • Get your concrete delivered or mix it consistently.
            • Pour evenly and work quickly. Concrete sets fast in this Nashville heat!
            • 6. Finishin’ Touches:
              • Screed the concrete to level it.
              • Float it to smooth the surface.
              • Edging is important. Round those edges to prevent chipping.
              • Consider a finish. Broom finish for grip, stamped concrete for style, or smooth for a sleek look.
              • If you are going to stamp the concrete, have a good idea of what pattern you want before the concrete arrives.
              • 7. Curin’ Time:
                • Curing is crucial! Keep the concrete moist for at least a week.
                • Use a curing compound or wet burlap to prevent rapid drying and cracking.
                • Don’t walk on it too soon! Give it plenty of time to harden.
                • 8. Drainage, Drainage, Drainage:
                  • Make sure that water flows away from the home.
                  • Consider where rain water will flow when planning the patio.
                  • 9. Permits and Codes:
                    • Check your local Nashville codes and permit requirements. Don’t get caught out!
                    • 10. Call TKO Concrete Nashville!
                      • If you’re unsure about any of this, give us a call! We’ll get it done right, from start to finish.

                        • There you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a patio you can be proud of. Remember, concrete ain’t just pourin’ mud; it’s an art. And at TKO Concrete Nashville, we’re artists!

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                        TKO Concrete FlooringBy Kerry Pharr