DIY Concrete Patio: What does it take to do it yourself?

DIY Concrete Patio: What does it take?

So you’re thinking about installing a concrete patio in your backyard. With a small investment and a can-do attitude, you can create a space that allows you to relax and entertain all by yourself. DIY concrete patios can be personalized with unique shapes, textures, and designs. The possibilities are endless! But they can be difficult to do yourself and there are a few things to know before taking on a project of this size. Below, we will be giving you some tips and tricks on how to install a concrete patio, what you’ll need, and how to know if it’s time to hire out the work instead.

How to save money and do it yourself

Everyone loves the feeling of accomplishment and pride that comes with a beautifully executed DIY project, but it’s important to be aware of the amount of work that goes into the process before you decide if it is something you want to do. DIY concrete patios are not your average home improvement project, but by doing it on your own, you can save yourself a lot of money. Choosing to mix your own concrete can help you save even more. The process can be broken down into a few easy-to-understand steps. First, you’ll need to have your design figured out and your space marked. Depending on your property, you may need to level the ground. After that, you’ll need to assemble your forms out of lumber. Square, straighten, and level the forms to guarantee the pour will fill and set properly. Next, you’ll need to lay gravel and reinforcement to minimize cracking. Finally, pour and finish the concrete by leveling the surface.

Tools and materials you will need

At the very basics, here’s what you’ll need:

Shovel
Hand saw
Level
Hammer
Trowel
Lumber
Deck screws
Concrete
Gravel
String
Stakes

When you should hire a contractor

When you decide to install your own patio, you need to know what you are getting into. You should not try to build a patio before researching and gaining the proper knowledge. It’s important to look into every aspect of your project. Understanding things like water run-off, types of concrete, design flaws, and building codes can end up being more than most people bargained for. If you’re feeling unsure of your concrete capabilities, it never hurts to price out a contractor. The money involved in repairing or replacing a poorly done DIY concrete patio is sure to be more than the costs of hiring a professional to do the work for you. While many home improvement projects are fun to do yourself, concrete is a permanent fixture that isn’t easy to remove.

If you’ve made it this far and are still thinking DIY is the way to go, then it’s time to start researching a little deeper. Look into your design ideas and have a set plan in place for what you want to accomplish with your new patio. A DIY concrete patio is a great project if you have the time and are willing to do the prep-work to get it done right, but if you are asking yourself if it’s better to hire a contractor, don’t be afraid to reach out for price quotes.

DIY Concrete Patio: What does it take to do it yourself?