Replacing a cracked old patio
Tearing out an old slab usually shows us why it failed, and it often traces back to a base that was raked level instead of packed, which tells us what to fix first.
Concrete patio construction in Carlsbad CA - a patio that grips when wet
Cracked, sinking or slick patio out back? We pour a new concrete patio on a packed base, with a finish that keeps its grip.
- Licensed and insured.
- Free on-site estimates.
- Expect a reply within 1 business day.
What goes into a new concrete patio
Concrete patio construction in Carlsbad gets you a new slab poured in place behind your house, with or without rebar, the steel laid inside to help hold it together, and finished so it stays sure underfoot.
Most people call because the old patio is cracked, sinking or pooling water, or because there's bare dirt where they want a table and chairs. The price mostly moves with the size, the finish you pick, how much digging and hauling the yard needs and how close we can get a truck. The schedule turns on the permit, the weather and curing, the slow hardening the concrete needs before it takes furniture and foot traffic. I'll give you your own number in writing once I've seen the yard.
In California, any contractor who takes on work that needs a building permit, uses workers, or runs $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials has to hold a current license from the state licensing board, so it's fair to ask anyone you're considering about theirs. We're licensed and insured.
The owner writes your estimate
I come out myself, look over the yard and put the estimate in writing, so you know what you're paying for and why before anyone picks up a shovel.
Our own crew, run on site
Our own crew does the work and I run the job on site, so the person who priced your patio is the same one standing there when it's poured.
Permits filed and inspections booked
When a patio needs a permit, we file it, book the city inspections and keep you posted on each step, so you aren't chasing paperwork on top of everything else.
How we build and finish your patio
The finish matters more than people expect, because smooth concrete can get slick once it's wet. Before you choose, I show you a few finishes side by side and we talk through grip underfoot for where the patio sits and who'll be walking on it. If you want pattern and color, our stamped concrete services are the step up, and they come with more upkeep, which I'll walk you through.
Under the finish, the part you'll never see matters most. We dig out and pack the base, what the slab sits on, instead of raking dirt level, because a slab on loose fill settles right along with it. We set the slab so water runs away from the house, pour in the cooler part of the day so the top doesn't come out weak and dusty, and cut control joints, shallow grooves that give the concrete a straight line to crack along instead of wherever it likes. If the budget gets tight, I'd rather trim the finish than the base, since a nice top on a poor base still cracks.
Once the pour is done, we keep everyone off it while it cures and clean up before we leave. If the patio meets a path to the driveway or side gate, we can pour a concrete sidewalk at the same time so the two pieces are planned together.
Carlsbad patio jobs that need extra planning
Building on a sloped lot
The city says you may need a grading permit once cut or fill passes 200 cubic yards or four feet deep, and its land development engineering staff answers those questions.
Trucks and materials at the curb
If any work happens or any materials sit on a public street or sidewalk, the city requires a right-of-way permit, so we plan deliveries and staging before the truck shows up.
Small jobs still follow code
Most construction work in Carlsbad needs a permit, and even work that's exempt still has to meet building codes and city ordinances, so a small patio gets the same care as a big one.
Get a written price for your patio
Send the form and we'll reply within one business day to set up a visit. I'll come out, measure and look over the yard, then write up a free estimate with no obligation.
Give us the rough size
A rough length and width is plenty, because size drives most of the price and it helps me plan the visit before I show up with a tape measure.
Tell us the finish you want
Broom, smooth or stamped each changes the cost and the upkeep, so knowing what you're leaning toward lets me bring the right samples to compare side by side.
Mention any old patio
If there's an existing slab to break out and haul away, say so, since removal adds work and changes how we plan the day and the equipment we bring.
Concrete finish and layout examples
Broom, smooth and stamped surfaces, plus patios that meet walkways and steps, give us something to point at when we talk through your finish.
Questions about patio cost, permits and finishes
Here are the things homeowners in Carlsbad ask most before a patio pour, from price per square foot to which finish grips best.
How much does a concrete patio cost per square foot in Carlsbad?
A concrete patio in the San Diego area usually costs about $6 to $13 per square foot, according to a 2022 cost guide. Reinforced concrete runs a little higher than un-reinforced, and replacing a patio costs more per square foot when the old one has to be torn out first. Your Carlsbad price comes from the written estimate I put together after seeing the yard.
Do I need a permit to build a concrete patio in Carlsbad?
Usually, since the City of Carlsbad lists patios among the work that generally triggers a building permit. When your job needs one, we file it, book the city inspections and keep you posted. Inspections run 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, you can ask for a morning or afternoon visit, and an adult has to be there to let the inspector in.
How long does a patio permit take in Carlsbad before work can start?
If your patio permit goes through plan check, the city says the first review takes about 10 to 15 working days, so allow for that before the pour goes on the calendar. Minor work permits issued over the counter skip that wait. Which path yours takes depends on the job, and we'll tell you as soon as we file.
What is the best concrete finish for a patio that gets wet?
A broom finish is a common practical choice where grip matters, because brushing the fresh concrete leaves fine ridges your shoes can catch on. Smooth concrete can get slick when it's wet, dusty, sealed or growing algae, which matters near sprinklers or a pool. That's why I have you compare finishes in person before deciding.
How often does a stamped concrete patio need to be resealed?
Stamped concrete needs resealing every 2 to 3 years to keep its color and surface protection, so plan on that upkeep if you choose it. A sealer won't fix bad drainage, active cracks or weak concrete, and a glossy or heavy coat can change traction. One supplier's guide gives 28 days as the minimum cure before sealing new concrete.
Other concrete work that goes with a patio
Tell us about the patio you want
Concrete is hard to undo, so call (442) 216-7701 or send the form and let's plan your patio before anyone mixes a load.