Drainage first, appearance second
The patio surface has to fall away from the house at a consistent slope so water and meltwater run off rather than pooling against the foundation.
Where a patio sits next to a basement wall we also look at what is underneath. A patio that traps water against a foundation in March is a basement leak in April.
Base preparation matters the same as for a driveway: excavation to depth, soft material removed, granular compacted in lifts, so the slab has uniform support and does not crack unevenly.
Surface finishes and Ottawa weather
A broom finish gives reliable grip and is the practical default. Exposed aggregate is attractive and durable. Stamped and coloured finishes look excellent but rely on a sealer, which needs reapplying periodically and can be slippery when wet.
We talk through that trade-off honestly, because a stamped patio that looks superb in July and becomes an ice rink in November is not the right answer for a family with kids or older parents visiting.
Whatever the finish, air entrained mix and proper control joints apply, since a patio takes the same freeze and thaw punishment as a driveway.
Patios, decks and where each makes sense
At grade, a concrete patio is usually cheaper to maintain than a wood deck and lasts longer. Above grade, or where the ground drops away, a deck is the sensible answer.
Where the two meet we detail the transition so water does not collect at the joint, and we keep concrete clear of wood framing so nothing sits wet against it.
What a concrete patio quote includes
- Excavation and base: depth and compaction stated.
- Slope plan: direction and fall, away from the building.
- Slab and reinforcement: thickness and mesh or rebar.
- Mix and joints: air entrained mix, control joint layout.
- Finish: broom, exposed aggregate or stamped, with sealer notes.
- Site protection: landscaping, access route and cleanup.
Where concrete patio construction sits in the bigger job
This work is part of our general contractor service, so it can run on its own or as one stage inside a larger project. When it is part of a bigger renovation we sequence it with the other trades rather than treating it as a standalone visit.
Clients booking this often pair it with roof repair, roof replacement, new roof installation or brick repair. One contract covers whichever combination you need, with a single schedule and one point of contact.
Concrete Patio Construction across the Ottawa area
We take this work on throughout the greater Ottawa area. Recent jobs have run through Nepean, Merivale, South Keys, Kanata and the surrounding neighbourhoods. The consultation is free wherever you are in the city.