Install a Concrete Patio

How Long Does It Take to Install a Concrete Patio?

Adding a concrete patio to your home is a smart investment. It not only enhances your outdoor living space but also adds lasting value and aesthetic appeal to your property. But one of the most common questions homeowners in Oklahoma City ask is: “How long does it take to install a concrete patio?”

The answer depends on several factors, including patio size, design complexity, weather, and curing time. At Bill’s Custom Concrete & Yard Drainage, we specialize in designing and installing high-quality concrete patios in OKC, and we’re here to break down the process step by step so you know what to expect.

Step 1: Planning and Permits

Before we even break ground, there’s some planning to do. This includes:

  • Finalizing the design and dimensions
  • Selecting finishes and textures
  • Confirming the location
  • Checking for utility lines
  • Acquiring necessary permits (if required)

For a basic patio, this phase can take just a day or two. If your project is more complex, such as a multi-level structure or includes special finishes, it may take a bit longer to finalize the plans.

Step 2: Site Preparation

Site prep is essential for a long-lasting concrete patio. This phase includes:

  • Excavating and leveling the area
  • Removing grass, soil, or old concrete
  • Installing forms to shape the patio
  • Laying a compacted gravel base for drainage and stability

This process usually takes 1 to 2 days, depending on the size of the patio and how much excavation is needed.

Step 3: Reinforcement and Framing

For added strength, most patios require reinforcement such as:

  • Steel rebar
  • Wire mesh
  • Expansion joints

Once the framework and reinforcements are set, we’re ready for the concrete pour. This step is usually completed within a single day.

Step 4: Pouring and Finishing Concrete

This is where the transformation begins. Our team pours the concrete into the prepared forms and works quickly to:

  • Spread and level the concrete
  • Apply your selected finish (broom, stamped, exposed aggregate, etc.)
  • Smooth the surface for visual appeal and safety
  • Add any decorative borders or textures

Depending on the weather and patio size, this step usually takes a full day from start to finish.

Step 5: Initial Curing

Once the concrete is poured and finished, it needs time to set and cure. During the first 24 to 48 hours:

  • Avoid foot traffic
  • Keep pets, debris, and water away
  • We may apply a curing compound to help prevent cracks

Even though the patio will look ready, it’s important to let it cure properly to build strength.

Step 6: Full Curing Time

Concrete continues to strengthen as it cures. While light foot traffic is often safe after 48 hours, full curing can take up to 28 days. During this time:

  • Avoid placing heavy furniture or grills
  • Don’t drive over the patio if it connects to a driveway
  • Keep it clean and dry

At Bill’s Custom Concrete, we provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure your patio cures perfectly for long-term performance.

Factors That Affect Installation Time

While a basic concrete patio installation can take as little as 3 to 5 days, here are a few factors that may add to the timeline:

1. Size and Shape

Larger patios take longer to prep, pour, and finish. Complex shapes with curves or multiple levels also require more time and precision.

2. Custom Finishes

Stamped or stained concrete requires additional steps, including coloring, patterning, and sealing. These add both beauty and time to your installation.

3. Weather Conditions

Heavy rain or extreme heat can delay the pour or affect curing time. We monitor forecasts closely to choose the ideal window for your project.

4. Site Accessibility

Difficult terrain or tight spaces can increase the time it takes to deliver and pour concrete.

Why Choose Bill’s Custom Concrete & Yard Drainage?

When you choose us, you’re not just getting a patio—you’re getting peace of mind. With decades of experience installing concrete structures across OKC, we offer:

  • Custom design to fit your outdoor lifestyle
  • Skilled craftsmanship with precision pouring and finishing
  • Top-quality materials to ensure long-lasting durability
  • Transparent timelines with no hidden surprises

From patios and driveways to drainage systems and concrete slab repair, we do it all with professionalism and pride.

Ready to Transform Your Backyard?

Turn your backyard into a beautiful, functional retreat with a custom concrete patio from Bill’s Custom Concrete & Yard Drainage. Whether you’re hosting gatherings or relaxing with family, our expert team will design and install a durable patio that complements your home and lifestyle.

Call us today at (405) 755-3975 to schedule your consultation. We’ll assess your space, recommend the right design, and give you a clear timeline, so you can enjoy your new outdoor space sooner than you think.

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Newly replaced concrete driveway in urban setting highlighting durability and curb appeal

Top 5 Benefits of Replacing Your Concrete Driveway

Your driveway is more than just a place to park your car — it’s one of the first things people notice about your home. A cracked, stained, or uneven concrete driveway can drag down your property’s curb appeal and even affect its value. If you’ve been dealing with ongoing issues like crumbling edges or drainage problems, it may be time to consider a full replacement rather than continued patch repairs.

At Bill’s Custom Concrete & Yard Drainage, we’ve helped countless homeowners across the metro with concrete driveways in OKC, and we know firsthand the benefits a new driveway can offer. Here are the top five reasons why replacing your concrete driveway is one of the best investments you can make for your home.

1. Improved Curb Appeal and Home Value

One of the most obvious benefits of replacing your driveway is the immediate boost to your home’s curb appeal. A fresh, smooth concrete surface gives your property a clean and modern look that complements the rest of your home’s exterior. Whether you’re planning to stay for years or thinking about selling soon, a well-installed driveway creates a strong first impression.

In real estate, first impressions matter. Potential buyers often associate a neat driveway with a well-maintained home. By replacing your old, worn-out slabs, you can increase your property value and attract more interest from buyers if you ever choose to sell.

2. Better Structural Integrity and Long-Term Savings

Old or damaged driveways often suffer from issues below the surface, including poor soil compaction, water drainage issues, or shifting caused by Oklahoma’s freeze-thaw cycles. These underlying problems can lead to recurring cracks and sunken areas, requiring constant patching.

Replacing the driveway allows for a full inspection and repair of the base materials beneath the concrete. This creates a more stable foundation and eliminates the need for frequent, costly concrete slab repairs in Oklahoma City. While the upfront cost of replacement may be higher than patching, the long-term savings are significant when you eliminate recurring repairs.

3. Enhanced Drainage and Water Management

One of the leading causes of driveway damage is improper drainage. Water that pools or flows toward your home can cause erosion, cracking, and foundation issues. With a new driveway installation, you have the opportunity to regrade the surface and integrate better water management solutions.

At Bill’s Custom Concrete & Yard Drainage, we specialize in creating driveways that are not only structurally sound but also designed to move water away from your home’s foundation. Our experienced team ensures your new driveway includes proper slope, expansion joints, and even custom drainage systems if needed.

4. Modern Materials and Customization Options

A driveway replacement opens the door to many new design and material choices. Today’s concrete driveways go far beyond the plain, gray slabs of the past. You can choose from options like stamped concrete, colored finishes, exposed aggregate, or brushed textures to match your home’s style and enhance aesthetics.

Whether you want a classic look or a more decorative approach, we’ll work with you to design a driveway that fits your needs and personal taste. A well-designed custom driveway adds beauty and character to your property—something repair work simply can’t accomplish.

5. Improved Safety and Accessibility

Cracks, holes, and uneven slabs don’t just look bad—they can also pose a serious tripping hazard for you, your family, and visitors. If you have kids, elderly parents, or guests regularly walking across your driveway, safety becomes a top priority.

A new driveway provides a clean, even surface that minimizes the risk of falls or injuries. Additionally, if accessibility is a concern, we can customize your driveway with smooth transitions and wheelchair-friendly access points. It’s a smart investment in both safety and convenience.

Bonus: Peace of Mind

There’s something comforting about knowing you won’t have to worry about your driveway for decades after a proper replacement. With a new installation from Bill’s Custom Concrete & Yard Drainage, you can enjoy a durable, long-lasting concrete surface that holds up through Oklahoma’s toughest weather and heaviest vehicles.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Concrete Driveway

Not sure if you need a full replacement? Here are a few common signs it’s time to upgrade:

  • Large, deep cracks that keep reappearing
  • Sunken or uneven areas that collect water
  • Severe discoloration or pitting
  • Crumbling edges or exposed rebar
  • Drainage issues near your home or garage

If your driveway shows one or more of these symptoms, it’s likely more cost-effective to replace it entirely rather than continue with temporary fixes.

Trust the Experts in Concrete Driveways OKC

When you’re ready to upgrade your driveway, trust the team at Bill’s Custom Concrete & Yard Drainage. We’ve been proudly serving Oklahoma City homeowners since 1976 with expert concrete services, from concrete slab repair in Oklahoma City to full custom driveway installations.

We believe in getting it right the first time—with careful planning, expert craftsmanship, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Your driveway isn’t just a slab of concrete—it’s an important part of your home’s value, safety, and appearance.

Ready to Replace Your Driveway?

Don’t wait until minor cracks turn into major problems. Whether your current driveway is crumbling, uneven, or simply outdated, now is the perfect time to invest in a solution that boosts your home’s value, safety, and curb appeal. At Bill’s Custom Concrete & Yard Drainage, we take pride in delivering top-quality craftsmanship and customized service to every homeowner we work with.

From the initial consultation to the final pour, our team will walk you through the process, answer all your questions, and ensure your new concrete driveway is built to last through Oklahoma’s harsh weather and heavy vehicle traffic. We’re not just repairing concrete — we’re improving your entire property with expert care and attention to detail.

Call us today at (405) 755-3975 to schedule a consultation. Discover why homeowners across OKC trust Bill’s Custom Concrete for their driveway replacements. Your home deserves the best—let us help you build it from the ground up.

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Top 10 Custom Concrete Ideas For Your Home

Custom Concrete Ideas That You Must Know

When it comes to making a house your home, creative opportunities are boundless when it comes to customization. From fresh paint to new counters and all new windows and doors, one of the most striking changes you can make to your home is through the use of custom concrete.

Custom concrete isn’t limited to just your outdoor space. Although new custom concrete can transform your backyard, pool space, or front curb appeal — taking custom concrete work inside can also help change the look and feel of where you spend the most time in your home.

If you’re struggling to find the right inspiration for your next home project, consider implementing concrete into your plan — and be sure to consult with an expert, like Bill’s Custom Concrete in Oklahoma City to achieve your vision.

Here are the top 10 ideas for using custom concrete in your remodel or home project, curated by Bill’s Custom Concrete in Oklahoma City:

1. Interior Concrete Flooring

An inexpensive way to transform your living space is to rip up any old existing flooring and utilize the concrete that’s underneath. Going through a professional, like the experts at Bill’s Custom Concrete in Oklahoma City, any cracks, holes, or other deformities will be repaired and sealed to give your floors a nice smooth look.

A variety of colors, textures and even patterns can be executed when it comes to indoor concrete flooring — consider a tiled pattern for kitchens or bathrooms, something calm and soft for bedrooms. Concrete flooring can benefit homeowners throughout the year, highly reducing energy costs as they help to keep rooms cool in summer and warm in winter.

2. Concrete Countertops

Another way to make your interior space unique is to take a look at your kitchen counters. Old and dated? Concrete countertops can serve as both a modern, industrial update or a classic, smooth and refined culinary ambiance when using special stains and colors.

3. Sinks and Vessels

Keeping it in the kitchen — but throwing it in the bathroom this time — concrete can also be used to create unique and beautiful sink fixtures or drop-in bathtubs. Sky’s the limit when it comes to the style these fixtures can honor, but your concrete contractor will be able to steer you in the right direction — whether you dream of an earthy stand-alone concrete soak tub or a modern, rectangular sink basin.

4. Concrete Fireplace and Mantels

Moving toward the space you use the most — whether it be to relax and unwind, or host a fabulous party — concrete can also be utilized in the living room. Using precast concrete allows for unlimited customization, and your contractor can create a beautiful fireplace or mantel made out of freshly poured concrete, creating a beautiful and one-of-a-kind piece.

5. Faux Wall Coverings

Been dreaming of redoing your entryway with marble, stone, or brick? Maybe you want to cover up a stone wall that’s original to your older home. Concrete can be used to achieve this!

Ask your Concrete Contractor OKC about using concrete overlays to create smooth surfaces or mimic stone, brick, or other natural material. Using concrete is a cost-effective tactic to achieve luxurious-looking results!

6. Pool Decks

Moving outside, a more obvious way to utilize concrete in your home project is to resurface the area that surrounds your pool. Ask your concrete contractor about mimicking stone or brick — this can create texture and color and oftentimes looks like the real thing for half the cost!

7. Concrete Walkways

Think beyond sidewalks. Concrete can be used to create beautiful, winding walkways throughout your property. Your contractor can pour concrete to resemble cobblestone or brick, and stains can be used to increase realism.

8. Polished Concrete

Polished concrete can be used indoors or outdoor to achieve a marble-like finish. Consider using this for kitchens, bathrooms, or even stairs!

9. Stamped Concrete

As mentioned before, concrete can be a cost effective alternative when it comes to mimicking stone or other costly materials. Your concrete contractor can utilize special stamping techniques to achieve this. Ask Bill’s Custom Concrete in Oklahoma City about stamping concrete.

10. Concrete Scoring

Ask your concrete contractor about scoring concrete. This can be utilized in and outside, on flooring, counters, and much more. Achieve a textured look or create depth in your concrete design.

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