02 What's Included
Plain, colored, or stamped — built the same way underneath.
Whatever finish you choose on top, the base underneath is what determines whether your patio lasts. We prep and compact the sub-base the same way we would for a driveway, because a patio that cracks from soil movement looks just as bad whether it's plain gray concrete or a $15-per-square-foot stamped pattern.
For decorative work, we offer integral color (mixed into the concrete batch for color that goes all the way through), color hardener broadcast on the surface (more vibrant, more common for stamped work), and stamped textures like ashlar slate, cobblestone, and wood plank — pressed into the surface while the concrete is still plastic.
03 How We Do It
Our patio & stamped concrete process.
STEP 01
Design & layout
Pick your pattern, color, and layout before we ever pour.
STEP 02
Base prep & forming
Compact the base and set forms to the right slope for drainage.
STEP 03
Pour, color & stamp
Place color, stamp the pattern while the concrete is workable, and detail the edges.
STEP 04
Cure & seal
Cure properly, then seal to lock in color and protect the surface.
04 San Diego Considerations
Sun exposure changes how a patio should be finished.
San Diego's sun exposure is hard on unsealed decorative concrete — UV rays fade color hardener and integral color over time if a slab isn't sealed and re-sealed on schedule. We factor that into which coloring method we recommend based on how much direct sun your patio gets.
We also time pours around temperature. Stamping requires the concrete to stay workable long enough to press a clean pattern, and San Diego's hot, dry stretches can set concrete faster than expected if you don't plan the pour for the right time of day.
05 Permits & Timeline
What to expect before and after the pour.
Permits, when required
Standalone patios usually don't need a permit, but covered patios or those attached to a structure often do — we'll tell you which applies.
1–2 days on site
Most residential patios pour in a day, with an extra day for stamping and detail work on larger layouts.
Sealed within a week of cure
We seal once the slab has cured enough to accept sealer without trapping moisture.
06 Keeping It Looking Right
Maintenance for stamped and colored concrete.
Reseal every 2–3 years to protect color and texture from UV fading and foot traffic wear. Sweep regularly and avoid pressure washing at close range or high pressure, which can strip sealer and wear down stamped texture faster than normal use would.
Furniture pads under patio furniture prevent scuffing on sealed surfaces, and prompt attention to any hairline cracking keeps water from working its way underneath the finish.
"The process was smooth with a clear quote, and the results were beautiful — no cracks, no surprises."
— Marisol R.
"This company is the best! Great prices and friendly service. This company is clean and professional."
— Francisco L.
07 FAQ
Patio and stamped concrete questions we get most.
Stamped concrete or pavers — which is better?
Stamped concrete costs less up front and has no joints for weeds or ants to get into. Pavers are easier to spot-repair individually. We're happy to walk through the trade-offs for your specific yard.
How long before I can put furniture on my new patio?
Light foot traffic is fine after about a week; give it the full 28-day cure before heavy furniture or planters sit on it long-term.
Will the color fade over time?
Some fading is normal with sun exposure, which is exactly why resealing every 2–3 years matters — it's the sealer protecting the color, not the concrete itself.
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