Patio Finishes & Design Options

Exposed aggregate patio (Victoria favourite):

Reveals the natural beauty of local stone for a premium, non‑slip surface that hides dirt and foot traffic. Works beautifully with coastal landscaping.

Stamped concrete patio:

Replicate slate, ashlar, flagstone, wood‑plank, or cobblestone with integral colour or surface hardeners. Add contrasting borders or accent bands to frame the space.

Coloured concrete:

Earth tones, charcoals, or custom hues bring warmth and definition. Pair with a broom or light sandblast for texture.

Broom or trowel finish:

Clean, modern look that’s budget‑friendly and easy to maintain. Ideal for contemporary homes and minimalist landscapes.

Borders, inlays & saw cuts:

Add 150–300 mm borders, diamonds, compass roses, or panel grids to create architectural interest without the cost of full stamping.

Performance upgrades:

• Fibre‑reinforced mixes and rebar/mesh for added crack control.
• Sealers (matte to gloss) to enrich colour and protect against spills and UV.
• Drainage features like channel drains or permeable edge bands, where required.
• Heated conduit and lighting sleeves for future add‑ons.

Our Patio Installation Process

1. Consultation & quote
   We discuss your layout, furniture plan, sun/wind exposure, privacy, and budget. You’ll get a fixed‑price quote with finish options and timeline.
2. Design & layout
   We confirm patio size, shape (rectangular, curved, free‑form), steps, borders, and control joint layout for both looks and performance.
3. Excavation & base prep
   We excavate to depth, address soft spots, and place/compact a granular base for stability and drainage.
4. Forms, reinforcement & utilities
   Forms are set to grade with proper slope away from structures. Reinforcement is placed as specified. Sleeves for lighting, gas BBQ lines, or electrical are installed now.
5. Pour & finishing
   Concrete is poured, struck off, and finished according to your selection—exposed aggregate, stamped, coloured, broom, or trowel. Edges and joints are crisp and consistent.
6. Curing & sealing
   Controlled curing builds strength and reduces surface dusting. Decorative surfaces are sealed at the right time for colour depth and protection.
7. Clean‑up & walkthrough
   We leave the site tidy, review maintenance, and provide your written warranty details.

Typical spec: Most patios are 100 mm (4 in) thick; 125–150 mm (5–6 in) is recommended for hot‑tub pads, outdoor kitchens, or high‑load areas. We’ll advise based on use and subgrade.

Built for Victoria’s climate

• Drainage first: Patios are sloped to move water away from foundations and toward gardens or approved drains.
• Freeze‑thaw aware: Expansion and control joints help manage natural movement and reduce random cracking.
• Slip‑resistant textures: Exposed aggregate and broom finishes offer reliable traction in wet conditions.
• Sealer strategy: We recommend breathable sealers suited to the Island’s damp winters and UV exposure.

Patio ideas that work

• Dining + lounge zones: Use a saw‑cut grid or a contrasting border to separate a dining area from lounge seating.
• Fire‑pit circle: Add a circular inlay or banding for a focal point that’s code‑friendly and furniture‑ready.
• Step‑downs & landings: Integrate concrete steps with safety nosings and lighting sleeves.
• Planter edges & seat walls: Form low raised borders during the pour for tidy planting beds or casual seating.
• Outdoor kitchen pad: Thicken slabs and add conduits for gas, power, and lighting.
• Pathway connections: Match your patio finish on walkways for a cohesive landscape.

Care & maintenance

• Initial cure: Light foot traffic after ~24–48 hours; place furniture carefully after 7 days. Avoid high‑heat fire pits directly on sealed surfaces—use a stand.
• Cleaning: Rinse as needed; use mild detergent and a soft brush for spills. Avoid harsh de‑icers; use sand for winter traction.
• Reseal schedule: Decorative surfaces typically reseal every 2–3 years depending on sun and use.
• Stain protection: Sealers help resist BBQ grease, leaf tannins, and rust. Prompt cleanup keeps finishes looking fresh.

Replacement, extensions & resurfacing

Have a tired or undersized patio? We handle demolition and replacement, extensions to increase usable space, and compatible resurfacing options (where subgrade allows). We’ll confirm which path is the best value long‑term.

Areas we serve

We pour patios across Greater Victoria: Victoria (James Bay, Fairfield, Fernwood, Oaklands, Rockland, Gordon Head); Saanich (Royal Oak, Broadmead, Quadra, Tillicum); Oak Bay; Esquimalt; Westshore (Langford, Colwood, View Royal); and nearby communities on Vancouver Island.