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!