Concrete Patios NZ
Concrete Services
- New Zealand
A patio built for living and entertaining
Create a durable, practical outdoor living space with a professionally installed concrete patio.
From new patios and entertaining areas to replacing old paving or damaged concrete, Concrete Services Direct can help you arrange concrete patio services throughout New Zealand.
Create a durable, practical outdoor living space with a professionally installed concrete patio. From new patios and entertaining areas to replacing old paving or damaged concrete, Concrete Services Direct can help you arrange concrete patio services throughout New Zealand.
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Concrete Patios for Outdoor Living & Entertaining
A well-designed concrete patio can turn an underused area of your property into a practical space for entertaining, outdoor dining and everyday living.
Concrete is well suited to patios because it creates a strong, durable and relatively low-maintenance surface that can be shaped around the home, garden and landscaping.
Whether you’re creating an outdoor living area for a new home, extending an existing patio or replacing old paving or deteriorated concrete, the layout and preparation are just as important as the finished surface.
With options ranging from practical broom-finished concrete to exposed aggregate and decorative concrete patios, you can choose a finish that works with both your property and your budget.
Tell us about your plans and arrange a free, no-obligation concrete patio quote.
New Concrete Patios
A new concrete patio can provide additional usable space directly outside your home.
Patios can be designed around how you actually want to use the area rather than simply filling an available space with concrete.
Common uses include:
- Outdoor dining areas
- BBQ spaces
- Entertaining areas
- Outdoor kitchens
- Courtyards
- Seating areas
- Spa pool surrounds
- Fire pit areas
- Connections between the house and garden
- Covered outdoor living spaces
- Pergola areas
Before deciding on size and shape, consider the furniture, BBQ, outdoor kitchen or other features you may eventually place on the patio.
A little additional space during the planning stage can make the completed area considerably easier to use.
Concrete Outdoor Living Areas
Outdoor living is an important part of many New Zealand homes, and concrete provides a flexible foundation for creating these spaces.
A concrete outdoor living area can be positioned directly outside living rooms, kitchens or dining spaces to create a more natural transition between indoors and outdoors.
The area might include:
- Outdoor furniture
- Dining tables
- BBQs
- Outdoor kitchens
- Pergolas
- Shade structures
- Fireplaces or fire pits
- Planter areas
- Spa pools
- Lighting
Thinking about these features before the concrete is installed can help determine the best patio dimensions, layout and access points.
It can also help identify where services, drainage or structural footings may be required for other elements of the outdoor area.
Concrete Patio Extensions
If your existing patio feels too small, extending it may provide the additional space you need without replacing the entire area.
A concrete patio extension can create room for:
- Larger outdoor furniture
- A dining table
- BBQ equipment
- An outdoor kitchen
- Additional seating
- A spa pool
- Better access between outdoor areas
When extending existing concrete, the connection between the new and old surfaces needs to be considered.
New concrete may not exactly match older concrete because existing surfaces naturally change colour and appearance through age, weathering and use.
Depending on the property, a deliberate transition or complementary finish may create a better result than trying to achieve an exact match.
Concrete Patio Replacement
Older patios can deteriorate or simply stop meeting the needs of the property.
Concrete, pavers and other outdoor surfaces may become:
- Cracked
- Uneven
- Sunken
- Poorly drained
- Difficult to maintain
- Too small
- Outdated
- Unsuitable for a renovated home
Replacing an existing patio provides an opportunity to reconsider the entire outdoor area.
You may choose to increase the patio size, improve drainage, alter levels or change the surface finish at the same time.
Existing concrete or paving will generally need to be removed before the underlying area can be prepared for the new patio.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Patios
One of the main advantages of concrete patios is the range of finishes available.
Because patios are highly visible outdoor areas, appearance often plays a larger role than it might for utility concrete around less visible parts of a property.
Plain Concrete Patios
Plain concrete provides a straightforward, practical and cost-conscious option.
It can work particularly well for covered patios, utility outdoor areas or projects where another feature such as furniture, landscaping or a pergola will provide most of the visual interest.
Broom Finish Concrete Patios
Broom-finished concrete has a lightly textured surface created while the concrete is still workable.
It provides a clean and practical outdoor finish while adding texture compared with completely smooth concrete.
Exposed Aggregate Patios
Exposed aggregate concrete patios are a popular decorative option for outdoor entertaining areas.
The surface treatment reveals some of the aggregate within the concrete, creating natural variations in texture and colour.
It can work particularly well where the same finish is used on nearby pathways, driveways or pool areas.
Coloured Concrete Patios
Colour can be incorporated into concrete to help the patio complement the home’s exterior, garden or landscaping.
Neutral and natural shades can provide a subtle difference from traditional grey concrete without overwhelming the surrounding property.
Decorative Concrete Patios
Other decorative finishes and treatments can create additional texture, colour or visual detail.
The most appropriate option depends on the look you want, how the area will be used and your overall budget.
Concrete Courtyards
A concrete courtyard can transform a smaller or enclosed area into practical outdoor space.
Courtyards are particularly useful where there isn’t room for a large lawn or traditional backyard entertaining area.
Concrete can provide a stable surface for:
- Outdoor tables and chairs
- Small BBQ areas
- Potted plants
- Outdoor lounges
- Decorative planters
- Lighting
- Compact outdoor kitchens
Because courtyard areas are sometimes enclosed by buildings or fences, drainage requires careful consideration.
Water needs somewhere appropriate to go rather than becoming trapped between buildings or collecting against walls.
If the patio depends on new collection or disposal work, it may be useful to arrange advice on surface-water drainage and soak pits before the concrete layout is finalised.
Concrete Patios for Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens have become a popular addition to covered patios and entertaining areas.
Concrete provides a solid surface beneath BBQ units, cabinetry, outdoor refrigerators, tables and other equipment.
If you’re planning an outdoor kitchen, it is useful to decide where major components will be positioned before the patio is poured.
This allows the project to consider requirements such as:
- Electrical services
- Water supply
- Drainage
- Gas connections
- Structural supports
- Pergola posts
- Finished floor levels
Planning these details in advance can reduce the need to alter completed concrete later.
Concrete Patios Under Pergolas
Concrete patios and pergolas are commonly combined to create covered outdoor living areas.
If a pergola is being constructed at the same time, it may require specific footings or post locations.
These should be considered before the patio is installed rather than drilling or cutting into new concrete unnecessarily afterwards.
Other factors may include:
- Roof drainage
- Downpipe locations
- Patio slope
- Connection to house doors
- Outdoor lighting
- Future blinds or screens
Considering the patio and structure together generally creates a more integrated finished space.
Concrete Patios & Landscaping
A patio rarely exists completely independently from the rest of a property.
It usually connects with some combination of:
- Lawn
- Gardens
- Paths
- Decking
- Driveways
- Retaining walls
- Pool areas
- Fences
- Steps
- House entrances
For this reason, patio design should consider the surrounding landscaping as well as the concrete itself.
The shape can be rectangular and formal or designed around garden beds and existing features.
Borders, changes in surface or planting areas can also help define different parts of a larger outdoor space.
Concrete Patio Shapes & Layouts
Concrete provides considerable flexibility when creating the shape of a patio.
Common layouts include:
- Rectangular patios
- Square courtyards
- L-shaped areas
- Curved edges
- Patios wrapping around the house
- Separate entertaining zones
- Paths integrated into the patio
The best shape usually follows how people will move between the house, garden and outdoor furniture.
For example, doors should open onto useful circulation space rather than directly into a tightly packed seating area.
A practical layout can be just as important as the appearance of the finished concrete.
How Big Should a Concrete Patio Be?
There is no single ideal size.
The right dimensions depend on the available property space and what you plan to place on the patio.
Before deciding, think about:
- Outdoor table dimensions
- Chairs pulled out from the table
- BBQ position
- Outdoor lounges
- Walkways around furniture
- Access from doors
- Garden connections
- Future outdoor kitchen
- Spa pool
- Pergola or roof structure
Marking out the proposed area on the ground before construction can help you visualise the finished space.
A patio that looks large on a drawing can feel much smaller once furniture and people are added.
What Is Involved in Installing a Concrete Patio?
Most concrete patio projects involve several stages.
1. Planning the Area
The size, shape, levels and intended use of the patio are established.
Connections to the home, paths and landscaping should also be considered.
2. Excavation
Grass, soil, paving or existing concrete is removed as necessary to create the required depth.
3. Base Preparation
Suitable base material is installed and compacted.
A well-prepared base helps provide stable support beneath the concrete.
4. Boxing
Formwork is installed to create the desired patio shape and finished levels.
Straight or curved edges can be created depending on the design.
5. Reinforcement
Reinforcing mesh or steel may be incorporated depending on the size and requirements of the patio.
6. Concrete Placement
Concrete is poured into the prepared area and worked to the required levels.
7. Surface Finishing
The chosen finish is applied while the concrete is workable.
This may include plain, broom-finished, coloured or exposed aggregate concrete.
8. Curing
The finished patio requires time to cure before it is subjected to normal use and heavier loads.
Concrete Patio Preparation
As with driveways and other concrete work, much of what determines the performance of a patio is hidden once the project is finished.
Proper ground and base preparation helps provide a stable foundation beneath the concrete.
Depending on the site, preparation may include:
- Removing topsoil or vegetation
- Excavation
- Removing old paving or concrete
- Correcting ground levels
- Installing compacted base material
- Preparing drainage
- Installing formwork
- Adding reinforcing
The amount of preparation required varies considerably from one property to another.
This should be taken into account when comparing quotes rather than considering only the visible concrete finish.
Concrete Patio Drainage
Good drainage is particularly important for patios positioned beside a home.
The finished concrete needs to direct water appropriately rather than allowing rainfall to collect against buildings or around doorways.
Factors can include:
- Patio fall
- Door thresholds
- Building floor levels
- Existing stormwater systems
- Downpipes
- Garden levels
- Retaining walls
- Roof runoff
- Nearby paths
Depending on the site, channels or other drainage solutions may also be required.
If water currently collects in the area where you’re planning the patio, mention this during the quoting process.
Concrete Patio Levels
Getting the finished height right is important, particularly where the patio meets doors, decks, paths or other existing surfaces.
Installing concrete too high can create issues around building claddings and entrances, while poorly considered levels can create unwanted steps or drainage problems.
The patio should be planned around the existing building and site levels, not simply poured at the easiest height.
This becomes especially important on renovation projects where several different outdoor surfaces already exist.
Does a Concrete Patio Need Reinforcing?
Reinforcing mesh or steel may be used within a concrete patio depending on its size, design and intended use.
Concrete can naturally experience shrinkage and movement, and reinforcement can help hold the slab together and manage cracking.
The appropriate approach depends on factors such as:
- Patio dimensions
- Ground conditions
- Concrete thickness
- Loads
- Attached structures
- Site requirements
Rather than assuming every patio should be constructed exactly the same way, the requirements should be considered for the individual project.
Concrete Patio Control Joints
Control joints are commonly incorporated into larger concrete areas to help manage shrinkage cracking.
These joints create intentional weak points where movement is encouraged to occur.
Their positioning should take the patio dimensions and shape into account.
Well-planned joints can also be incorporated into the visual layout so they appear deliberate rather than interrupting the design unexpectedly.
Residential Concrete Patios
Concrete patios can work with a wide range of residential properties, from compact urban sections to larger lifestyle properties.
Common projects include:
- New-build homes
- Home renovations
- Rental properties
- Outdoor entertaining areas
- Courtyards
- BBQ areas
- Covered patios
- Pergola areas
- Poolside spaces
- Garden seating areas
A patio can also be installed alongside other concrete improvements such as paths, driveway extensions or pool surrounds.
Planning several connected outdoor areas together can help achieve more consistent levels, finishes and overall design.
Concrete Patios for Rental Properties
A concrete patio can provide a practical outdoor area for rental properties where low-maintenance surfaces may be desirable.
Compared with some other outdoor surfaces, concrete can create a defined area for outdoor furniture and everyday use without requiring extensive ongoing upkeep.
Simple finishes may provide a cost-effective option where durability and functionality are more important than decorative detailing.
The project should still consider drainage, access and how tenants will realistically use the space.
Concrete Patio vs Timber Deck
Concrete patios and timber decks can both create excellent outdoor living areas, but they offer different characteristics.
A concrete patio may appeal where you want:
- A ground-level outdoor area
- Low ongoing maintenance
- A solid surface for furniture
- Decorative concrete finishes
- Easy integration with paths
- Good durability
A timber deck may be particularly useful where the outdoor area needs to be raised above ground level or match a higher house floor.
The best option can depend on site levels, appearance, maintenance preferences and budget.
In some properties, combining decking and concrete can provide the benefits of both.
Concrete Patio vs Pavers
Both concrete and paving are widely used for patios.
Pavers can create attractive patterns and allow individual units to be replaced, while concrete provides a more continuous surface.
Concrete may be preferred where you want:
- Fewer individual joints
- A continuous outdoor surface
- Exposed aggregate finishes
- Coloured concrete
- Curved or custom shapes
- Easy connection to concrete paths
- A stable surface beneath furniture
The choice ultimately depends on the style of property, site conditions, maintenance expectations and budget.
Concrete Patio vs Gravel
Gravel can provide an inexpensive surface for informal seating and garden areas.
However, loose gravel can move beneath furniture and may require ongoing maintenance.
Concrete creates a permanent, level surface that can be easier for:
- Outdoor dining tables
- Chairs
- BBQs
- Wheelchairs
- Prams
- Outdoor kitchens
- Regular pedestrian use
If an outdoor space will be used frequently, a concrete patio can provide a more defined and stable area.
How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost in New Zealand?
The cost of a concrete patio varies according to the size of the area and the work required to prepare and finish it.
Factors affecting concrete patio pricing can include:
- Patio size
- Concrete thickness
- Excavation
- Site access
- Ground conditions
- Base preparation
- Reinforcing
- Drainage
- Patio shape
- Curves
- Steps
- Surface finish
- Exposed aggregate
- Coloured concrete
- Removal of existing paving or concrete
- Labour requirements
- Project location
A simple rectangular patio on accessible, level ground can have very different costs from a decorative patio on a sloping site requiring demolition and drainage work.
For this reason, a quote based on your actual property will provide the most useful indication of cost.
How Long Does a Concrete Patio Take?
Project timeframes depend on the size, access and amount of preparation required.
Work can include:
- Excavation
- Existing surface removal
- Base preparation
- Boxing
- Reinforcement
- Drainage
- Concrete pouring
- Finishing
- Curing
Weather can also influence the schedule.
The concrete pour itself may represent only one part of the complete project.
If your patio needs to coordinate with landscaping, building work or installation of a pergola, discuss the overall sequence when planning the project.
How Long Before You Can Use a New Concrete Patio?
Concrete starts hardening soon after placement but continues developing strength over time.
When the patio can be walked on or loaded with furniture depends on the concrete, weather conditions and project.
Avoid assuming the patio is ready for full use simply because the surface appears hard.
Follow the curing and use instructions provided for your particular installation, especially before placing very heavy objects on the concrete.
Can You Put a Spa Pool on a Concrete Patio?
Concrete is commonly used beneath spa pools, but a filled spa can be very heavy.
If a spa pool will be installed, this should be identified before the patio is designed and poured.
The concrete thickness, reinforcing and base may need to account for the expected load.
Other considerations can include:
- Electrical connections
- Drainage
- Access
- Cover clearance
- Privacy screens
- Pergolas
- Steps
Planning for the spa from the outset is preferable to placing a substantial load onto a patio that was not designed for it.
Can You Build a Pergola on a Concrete Patio?
Yes, but ideally the pergola should be considered before or during the patio project.
Pergola posts may require dedicated footings or structural connections rather than relying solely on a standard patio slab.
The requirements depend on the pergola design, dimensions and engineering.
If you know you want a pergola now or in the future, mention it during the planning stage.
Can You Put Tiles Over a Concrete Patio?
Concrete can provide a substrate for certain outdoor tile systems, but the patio needs to be appropriate for the intended covering.
Levels, falls, drainage, movement joints and surface preparation can all matter.
If the final plan is to tile the patio rather than leave the concrete exposed, this should ideally be established before the slab is poured so the appropriate finished levels and specifications can be considered.
Can a Concrete Patio Be Added to an Existing House?
Yes.
Concrete patios are frequently installed beside existing homes.
The project needs to work around existing:
- Doors
- Cladding
- Foundations
- Paths
- Downpipes
- Drainage
- Gardens
- Decks
- Utilities
This makes site levels and drainage particularly important.
Can Concrete Patios Be Curved?
Yes.
Concrete can be formed into curved edges and irregular shapes, making it suitable for patios designed around gardens, pools or other landscaping.
Curved concrete can soften the appearance of an outdoor space and create a less formal layout.
The design still needs to allow practical boxing, reinforcement and concrete placement.
Are Concrete Patios Slippery?
Surface texture plays an important role in how outdoor concrete behaves when wet.
Very smooth finishes may provide less texture than broom-finished or exposed aggregate concrete.
Where the patio is uncovered, shaded or frequently exposed to water, the proposed finish should take those conditions into account.
This is especially important near pools or other wet areas.
Can Cracked Concrete Patios Be Repaired?
Some concrete patio damage can be repaired.
Whether this is worthwhile depends on:
- Size of the cracks
- Amount of movement
- Underlying ground conditions
- Drainage problems
- Surface deterioration
- Desired appearance
Small isolated cracks are different from a patio where multiple sections have sunk or shifted.
Where the underlying problem is substantial, replacement may provide a better long-term solution.
Concrete Patio Services Throughout New Zealand
Concrete Services Direct can help arrange concrete patio services across many parts of New Zealand.
Service areas include:
- Northland
- Auckland
- Waikato
- Gisborne
- Bay of Plenty
- Hawke’s Bay
- Taranaki
- Manawatu
- Wairarapa
- Wellington
- Tasman
- Marlborough
- West Coast
- North Canterbury
- South Canterbury
- Otago
- Southland
Whether you’re creating a new outdoor entertaining area, replacing old paving or looking for an exposed aggregate concrete patio, tell us what you’d like to achieve and where your property is located.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Patios
Is concrete a good option for a patio?
Yes. Concrete provides a durable, versatile and relatively low-maintenance surface suitable for outdoor entertaining, dining and general living areas.
It can also be finished in several different ways to suit the appearance of the property.
What is the best finish for a concrete patio?
The best finish depends on how the patio will be used and the appearance you want.
Plain and broom-finished concrete are practical choices, while exposed aggregate and coloured concrete provide more decorative alternatives.
How much does a concrete patio cost?
Concrete patio costs depend on the size of the area, preparation, site access, concrete thickness, reinforcing, drainage, finish and whether existing surfaces need removing.
A site-specific quote will provide a more useful price than a generic square-metre estimate.
Can you replace an existing patio?
Yes.
Existing concrete, paving or other surfaces can often be removed before the area is prepared for new concrete.
Replacement also allows you to change the patio’s size, shape, levels and finish.
Can I extend my existing concrete patio?
Yes.
A patio can often be extended to provide more room for furniture, entertaining or other outdoor features.
Keep in mind that new concrete may not perfectly match older concrete due to differences in age and weathering.
Is exposed aggregate good for patios?
Yes. Exposed aggregate is commonly used for patios because it provides a decorative, textured concrete surface.
It can also complement exposed aggregate paths, driveways and pool surrounds.
Do concrete patios need drainage?
Yes. Appropriate drainage and surface falls are important, particularly when a patio is located directly beside a house.
Water should be directed towards suitable drainage rather than towards buildings or doorways.
Does a concrete patio need reinforcing?
Reinforcing may be used depending on the size, design, ground conditions and loads involved.
The appropriate specification should be determined for the individual project.
Can a concrete patio support an outdoor kitchen?
Concrete can provide a suitable surface for outdoor kitchens.
If substantial cabinetry, masonry, appliances or other heavy features are planned, their position and loads should be considered before the patio is installed.
Can I put a pergola over a concrete patio?
Yes.
Ideally, the pergola should be planned at the same time because posts may require dedicated footings or other structural provisions.
Can I put a spa pool on a concrete patio?
Potentially, but a filled spa pool can place a significant load on the concrete.
The patio should be designed appropriately if a spa will be installed.
Are concrete patios easy to maintain?
Concrete is generally relatively low maintenance.
Requirements vary depending on the surface finish, but keeping the area clean, maintaining drainage and addressing damage when it occurs can help keep the patio in good condition.
Can concrete patios be installed on sloping sections?
Yes, although site levels may require additional planning.
Depending on the slope, excavation, retaining, steps or changes in patio levels may need to be considered.
How do I get a concrete patio quote?
Tell us where your property is located and provide some information about the patio you’re planning.
Approximate dimensions, photographs, the existing surface and your preferred finish are particularly useful when making an initial enquiry.
Designed to suit your space and needs
We work closely with you to create a patio that fits seamlessly with your home, garden, and existing landscaping. Considerations such as drainage, sunlight, and long-term durability are carefully addressed to ensure a practical and comfortable outdoor area.
Our team maintains clear communication throughout the process and completes each project with attention to detail, leaving you with a functional and visually appealing patio you can enjoy for years to come.