Concrete Patios

Why Choose Concrete for Your Patio

When you're ready to add outdoor living space to your home, you have plenty of options. Wood decks, pavers, natural stone, and concrete all have their place. But for most homeowners in Apex, NC, concrete delivers the best combination of durability, affordability, and design flexibility.

Let's talk about wood decks first. They look nice when new, but they need regular maintenance. You're staining or painting every couple of years, replacing boards that rot or warp, and dealing with splinters. In our humid climate, wood also attracts termites and other pests. After 10 to 15 years, most wood decks need major repairs or complete replacement. That's a lot of ongoing work and expense.

Pavers and natural stone cost significantly more than concrete, both for materials and installation. They also require maintenance to keep weeds from growing between joints and to replace individual pieces that crack or settle. Sure, they look great, but you're paying a premium for that aesthetic. Concrete patios from RPG Apex Concrete give you similar looks through stamping and coloring at a fraction of the price.

Concrete patios last 30 to 50 years with minimal upkeep. They don't rot, warp, or attract pests. They handle our North Carolina weather without breaking down. And they stay level and solid underfoot. You can place heavy furniture, install a hot tub, or set up an outdoor kitchen without worrying about the surface failing. For most families, that's exactly what they need, a worry-free outdoor space that just works.

Getting the Size and Shape Right

The right patio size depends on how you plan to use the space. A small bistro table for two needs about 10 by 10 feet. A full dining setup for six to eight people requires at least 12 by 14 feet. Add a grilling area and you're looking at 14 by 20 feet or larger. If you want space for lounging furniture plus dining, plan on 16 by 20 feet at minimum.

Shape matters too. Rectangular patios work well along the back of the house and are straightforward to build. Curved or irregular shapes add visual interest and can work around trees, gardens, or other landscape features. Multi-level patios help manage slope issues and create defined zones for different activities.

We also think about practical details during the design phase. Where does water drain when it rains? We slope your patio slightly away from your house, typically about a quarter inch per foot, so water runs off properly. What about sun exposure? An afternoon patio on the west side gets hot in summer, so you might want to plan for a pergola or shade structure. These considerations make the difference between a patio you love and one that sits unused.

What About Small Yards?

Even if you don't have a huge backyard, you can still benefit from a concrete patio. A well-designed small patio creates a defined outdoor room that feels intentional rather than cramped. We work with your existing space to maximize usability. Sometimes that means a narrow patio along one side of the house, a corner patio that takes advantage of privacy fencing, or a front patio if your backyard is too small or shaded. We'll help you figure out what works best for your property.