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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!