Concrete patios offer unmatched versatility for Cambridge properties. Unlike wood decks that rot in our humid summers or pavers that shift during freeze-thaw cycles, concrete provides a stable, low-maintenance surface that lasts decades. We can finish concrete in countless ways—smooth and modern, textured for traction, stamped to replicate stone, or colored to match your design vision.
The solid surface prevents weed growth, resists insect damage, and handles furniture weight without settling. For homeowners who want outdoor space that’s ready to use with minimal upkeep, concrete delivers.
We work with you to create concrete patio ideas that suit your lifestyle and property:
Modern Minimalist: Smooth-troweled finishes with clean lines and geometric shapes. Often incorporates saw-cut patterns or borders in contrasting colors.
Natural Stone Look: Stamped patterns that replicate slate, flagstone, or fieldstone. Perfect for blending with Cambridge’s traditional architecture and natural landscapes.
Rustic Texture: Broom finishes or exposed aggregate that provide slip resistance and casual charm. Works well with garden settings and informal entertaining spaces.
Multi-Level Designs: Stepped patios that create distinct zones for dining, lounging, and cooking. We integrate concrete patio steps that flow naturally between elevations.
Bordered Accents: Frame your patio with decorative borders in different colors, textures, or patterns to define edges and add visual interest.
The finish you select impacts both appearance and performance:
Broom Finish: We drag a stiff broom across wet concrete, creating subtle texture lines that provide traction. This concrete patio broom finish offers excellent slip resistance for pool areas and high-traffic zones while maintaining a clean appearance.
Smooth Trowel: Steel troweling creates sleek, contemporary surfaces perfect for modern homes. Best for covered patios where rain exposure is limited.
Exposed Aggregate: We wash away surface cement to reveal decorative stones embedded in the mix. This aggregate concrete patio finish delivers texture, visual depth, and natural beauty.
Salt Finish: Spreading rock salt on wet concrete and washing it away after curing creates subtle pockmarks for light texture—popular around pools.
Stamped Patterns: Texture stamps replicate natural materials like stone, brick, or tile. Discussed in detail in our stamped concrete service.
Our New England climate demands specific design considerations:
Drainage Design: We slope patios away from home foundations (minimum 1/4 inch per foot) to prevent water accumulation and ice formation near structures.
Freeze-Thaw Protection: Air-entrained concrete mixes resist damage from seasonal expansion and contraction.
Control Joints: Strategic placement directs natural cracking along planned lines, maintaining appearance and preventing random cracks.
Proper Base: Compacted crushed stone base (minimum 4 inches) prevents settling and provides drainage beneath the patio.
Adequate Thickness: Most residential patios need 4 inches of concrete; areas with heavy furniture or features require 5-6 inches.
Design Expertise: Our concrete patio installers bring years of experience creating outdoor spaces that blend function with aesthetics.
Quality Materials: We use concrete mixes engineered for New England conditions with proper air entrainment and strength specifications.
Skilled Installation: Level patios require precise grading, careful forming, and expert finishing—we deliver on all three.
Local Knowledge: We understand Cambridge’s soil conditions, drainage requirements, and design preferences developed from hundreds of local installations.
Complete Solutions: From initial design consultation through final sealing, we manage every aspect of your patio project.
Problem Solving: We address site challenges like slopes, poor drainage, or limited access with creative engineering solutions.
Contact Cambridge Urban Concrete today for a free consultation about your concrete patio project. We’ll visit your property, discuss design possibilities, and provide a detailed estimate for transforming your backyard into an outdoor living space you’ll enjoy for decades. Let’s build something beautiful together.