Concrete Patios in Southeast Michigan

A residential concrete patio is normally placed four inches thick on a compacted gravel base, graded so water drains away from the house, and finished in broom, exposed aggregate or stamped texture. Cieslak Concrete Construction builds and replaces patios throughout Macomb and Oakland County, sizing the layout around how the space is actually used and including curing compound, sealer, restoration and cleanup on residential work.

A patio should fit how you actually use the space — table and chairs, a grill, a path to the door, room to walk around furniture. We start by talking through the layout before pricing anything.

From there it's the same fundamentals as any good slab: remove what's there, correct the subgrade, compact the base, form to grade so water runs away from the house, then place and finish the concrete in the texture you want.

Patio details that matter

Common questions

How much does a concrete patio cost in Michigan?

Most residential patios are under 1,000 square feet, so we price them individually rather than by a square-foot rate, with a $2,500 minimum for concrete installation projects. For budgeting on larger patios, new broom-finish concrete generally runs $8–$11 per square foot, removal and replacement $9–$12, exposed aggregate $15–$20 and stamped concrete $20–$30. Back yard access, excavation depth and whether a pump or buggy is needed to reach the space are the biggest swing factors on patio pricing.

How thick should a concrete patio be?

Four inches is the normal thickness, since a patio carries foot traffic and furniture rather than vehicles. Uniform support from a compacted base, a sensible joint layout and pitch that moves water away from the house matter more to the patio's life than extra thickness.

Does a concrete patio need a gravel base?

Yes. A compacted aggregate base gives the slab even support and lets water drain away from underneath instead of sitting there and heaving in a freeze. Concrete poured directly on soft or organic soil settles unevenly, which is the most common reason patios crack early.

What patio finish holds up best in Michigan?

A properly placed broom finish is the most durable and slip-resistant everyday option. Exposed aggregate is also very durable and adds texture and appearance.

Can you pour a patio over my existing one?

In most cases we recommend against it. If the existing slab has failed, the base under it is usually the problem, and pouring over it repeats the same failure.

How long does a patio project take?

Most residential patios are a short project spread over several days between demo, prep, pour and cleanup. We give you a schedule with your estimate.