A good patio is where a Wilmington summer happens. Shrimp on the grill, kids with sprinklers, a cold drink as the sun goes down over the yard. It also has to handle a lot. Salt in the air, hard afternoon storms and sandy ground that can wash out from under a thin slab.
Coastal Concrete Wilmington handles concrete patio installation in Wilmington NC for homes of every size. We are locally owned, we answer the phone every day from 5 AM to 10 PM and we give a free written estimate before any work starts.
Planning a concrete patio installation that fits your yard
We start by walking your yard. Where does the shade fall in the afternoon? Where does rain run? Where will the grill, the table and the chairs go? Then we sketch the shape, mark the edges with paint and talk through the size before we pour.
A patio should be a little bigger than you think you need. Chairs need room to slide back, and a grill needs space around it. A cramped patio is the one people stop using.
- Square, rectangle, curved or free form shapes
- Steps, borders and low seat walls
- Space for a fire pit, a shade sail or an outdoor kitchen
- A gentle slope that sends water away from the house
Finishes for Wilmington patios
The finish changes both the look and the feel. A broom finish is simple, grippy and the most affordable. Color can be mixed into the concrete or added later with stain. Exposed aggregate shows small stones and gives a coastal look. Stamped patterns copy stone or brick.
A lighter color stays cooler under bare feet in July. We bring samples and look at them in real daylight with you. See concrete staining and sealing and exposed aggregate concrete for more ideas.
Built for sand, water and salt
Our sandy ground drains quickly, but it can also wash away. We compact the base in layers, add steel and set joints in smart places. We slope the patio so rain runs off, and we keep the surface a few inches below door thresholds.
Near the water, salt can attack steel, so we keep the rebar well covered by concrete. A good sealer helps too. See concrete pads for patio add ons like a grill or fire pit pad.
Patio cost, timing and next steps
Price depends on size, thickness, finish, shape and access. Most patios take two or three days from the first stake to the last cleanup, plus about a week of cure time before you set heavy furniture on it. We give you the schedule and the price in writing.
Call us any day from 5 AM to 10 PM or fill out the estimate form. We will visit, measure and talk through your ideas.
Concrete Patio Installation questions answered
How much does concrete patio installation cost in Wilmington NC?
The price of a concrete patio depends on its size, its shape, the thickness, the base work and the finish. A plain broom finish patio costs the least. Color, stamping, exposed stone and curved edges cost more. Tearing out an old patio, adding fill to a low spot or working around trees also changes the total.
We do not give a price over the phone, because every yard is different. During the free estimate, we measure the space, check the drainage and ask how you plan to use the patio. Then we write the price on paper with the work included. If your budget is tight, tell us. We can suggest smart ways to save, like a simpler shape or a plain finish with a border.
Ask other bidders for a written price too, since a side by side makes the best choice for concrete patio installation in Wilmington easy to see.
How big should my patio be?
Think about what you will do on it. A table for four needs about ten by ten feet, with room for chairs to move. A table for six or eight needs more. A grill, a fire pit or a lounge area adds space. Most families are happy with a patio that is larger than their first guess, because a cramped patio gets little use.
We mark the edges with paint or stakes so you can walk the shape before we pour. We also check the setback from the property line, flood zone rules and any HOA rules. If you want to add on later, we can pour the patio with that in mind, so a new section ties into the old one.
We also check the finished height at each door, since a clean step down keeps rain from running under your threshold. Sketch two or three shapes on paper first, and we will price each one side by side.
Will a concrete patio get too hot in the coastal sun?
Concrete does absorb heat, and a dark, smooth patio in full sun can feel hot by late afternoon. You can make a big difference with a few choices. Pick a lighter color. Choose a broom or textured finish instead of a slick trowel finish. Add shade with a pergola style cover, an awning or a tree. Use a sealer that does not trap heat.
We can also place the patio where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade. During the estimate, we look at where the sun moves across your yard. Then we suggest the finish and the location that will stay comfortable on a July evening, so the patio gets used when you want it.
Add a little shade and your patio will get far more use, so we plan the slab with posts or an awning in mind. Ask for a quote on concrete patio installation with and without a border, since a border adds style for modest cost.
Can you pour a patio next to my house without causing water problems?
Yes, if it is done right. A patio next to a house must slope away from the wall so water does not run toward the foundation. The top of the patio should sit below the door threshold. We also leave an expansion joint between the patio and the house, so the two can move a little without pushing on each other.
On a low coastal lot, water near a foundation is a real problem. A patio that traps water against the house can soak the base and invite rot or mold. We check the grade, the gutters and the downspouts. If needed, we add a drain or extend the downspouts. See foundation repair if you already see cracks in a wall.
Flood zone and setback rules can change how big a patio can be, and we help you check them before we pour anything. We also check how the finished patio meets your door, so rain never runs under the threshold.
How long does a concrete patio last near the coast?
A well built concrete patio can last 25 to 30 years or more. The big factors are the base, the thickness, the steel, the mix and the curing. Good drainage matters too. Water that sits on a patio, or under it, shortens its life. Salt, harsh cleaners and heavy impacts can also wear down the surface.
You can help by sealing the patio every few years, filling small cracks early and keeping downspouts away from the edges. Rinse off salt spray when you can. If the surface becomes worn, concrete resurfacing can give it a new look without a full tear out. We leave simple care notes after every job and answer questions any time.
A little care goes a long way, and we are happy to share a short yearly routine for rinsing, sealing and fixing small cracks. Ask us how we protect a new patio from algae in shady corners, because a good slope and a clean sealer make a big difference in our humid climate.
Can I add color or a pattern to my patio?
Yes. There are several ways. Color can be mixed into the concrete, so it runs through the whole slab. Stain can be applied after the pour for a rich, marbled look. Patterns can be stamped into wet concrete or saw cut into a hard surface in grids and diamonds. Exposed aggregate washes the top layer to show small stones.
Each method has a different price and a different look. We bring samples and show you real examples. Color and stamping take more skill, so we plan the pour for good weather and a good crew size. Ask us about exposed aggregate or staining and sealing to find what fits your yard.
Samples help a lot, so we bring boards to your estimate and place them in the sun where your patio will sit. Tell us how many people use the space and how often, and we will size the concrete patio installation to match your real life, not just a drawing.
Ready for a free estimate? Call (910) 981-2124 any day from 5 AM to 10 PM, or use the estimate form. Coastal Concrete Wilmington is locally owned and gives clear written estimates for patios, driveways and slabs.