Patios, RV pads and shop slabs

A patio is about looks and comfort. A pad is about weight. Say which one you want, because the slab, the base and the price are built around it.

Patios

Plain broom finish costs least and gives good grip. Stamped or colored concrete costs more and needs sealing every few years to keep its color. Some Treasure Valley homes come with a small builder patio, and extending it is one option. Ask how the new slab will tie into the old one, since the seam is where cracks like to start.

Think about sun, too. A west-facing patio in a Boise July gets hot. Lighter colors stay cooler underfoot, and a spot for a shade post is easier to plan before the pour.

RV and shop pads

These need a thicker slab, a deeper base and usually steel. Tell the contractor what will park there and how heavy it is. A shop slab may also need a thicker edge under the walls, anchor bolts and a set slope toward the door. If you plan a building permit for a shop, ask the city first what the slab must meet.

Walks and steps

Front walks are often replaced along with a driveway to match the color. Steps need a set rise and run to be safe; ask for even step heights.

What moves the price

• Square footage and thickness
• Tearing out old concrete, pavers or grass
• Grading a sloped yard
• Access for the mixer truck, or a pump for backyard pours
• Finish, color, borders and steps
• Cold-weather steps like blankets or heated water

Questions for any quote

• How thick, and over how much gravel?
• Rebar, mesh or fiber?
• Where do the joints go?
• How long before I can walk, drive or park on it?
• What is the warranty, and what does it exclude?

Timing

Spring through fall is the easy season. Pours in cold months can work, but need extra care, so ask.

Before you hire, check that the contractor is registered with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Idaho requires contractor registration for most jobs over $2,000. source

Drainage

A slab should slope slightly away from the house so rain and snowmelt run off. Ask how much fall is planned, and where the water will end up in the yard.