With all of the home improvement shows on TV these days, it’s no wonder that many homeowners are considering tackling their own concrete patio installation. After all, how hard could it be? Just mix up some concrete, pour it into place, and voila! You’ve got a new patio.
But if you’ve ever actually attempted a DIY concrete patio installation, you know that it’s not quite that simple. In fact, it can be downright difficult – and dangerous. That’s why more and more homeowners are opting for professional concrete patio installers to do the job.
This article will dive into the world of DIY vs. professional concrete patio installations, so you can make an informed decision about which option is right for you.
What Does a DIY Concrete Patio Installation Entail?
If you’re considering a DIY concrete patio installation, there are a few things you should know. First, mixing concrete is not as easy as it looks. You have to be very precise with the ratio of water to the concrete mix, or else you risk ending up with a patio that’s too dry or too wet.
Second, pouring concrete is hard work. It’s not unusual for homeowners to underestimate just how heavy a bag of concrete mix is – and then they end up with arms that feel like they’re going to fall off by the time they’re finished pouring.
And finally, even if you do manage to mix and pour the concrete successfully, you still have to finish it off. This involves using a trowel to smooth out the surface and then waiting for it to cure. If you don’t do this part correctly, your patio will be full of cracks and divots.
What Does a Professional Concrete Patio Installation Entail?
If you hire a professional concrete patio installer, the process will be much different – and much easier. For starters, the professionals have all of the right equipment to mix and pour the concrete. This means that they can get the water-to-concrete ratio just right, so you don’t have to worry about a dry or wet patio.
And since they have the right equipment, they can also pour the concrete much faster than you could. This means less time spent working on your patio and more time enjoying it.
Finally, the professionals also have the experience and expertise to finish off your patio perfectly. They will use a trowel to smooth out the surface and then cure it correctly, so you don’t have to worry about cracks or divots.
Is a DIY Concrete Patio Installation Right for You?
Now that you know what a DIY concrete patio installation entails, as well as what a professional installation entails, you can make an informed decision about which option is right for you. If you’re up for a challenge and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, then a DIY installation might be right for you. But if you want a guaranteed perfect patio, then you should leave it to the professionals.
Remember the Risks of a DIY Installation
Before you decide to tackle a DIY concrete patio installation, there are a few risks you should be aware of. First, if you don’t mix the concrete correctly, you could end up with a dry or wet patio. Second, if you don’t pour the concrete correctly, you could end up with cracks and divots in your patio. And finally, if you don’t finish off the patio correctly, it might not cure properly and could crack over time.
Weigh the Pros and Cons of Each Option
Now that you know the risks and benefits of each option, you can weigh the pros and cons of each one to make your decision. If you want an easy and stress-free installation process, then you should hire a professional. But if you’re up for a challenge and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, then a DIY installation might be right for you.
Concrete is Difficult to Change Once it’s Set.
One of the benefits of a professional installation is that concrete is difficult to change once it’s set. This means that if you make a mistake, it can be very costly and time-consuming to fix it. However, if you hire a professional, they will be able to fix any mistakes that they make.
Hiring a Professional is More Expensive Upfront
While it’s true that hiring a professional is more expensive up front, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. A professional installation will save you time and money in the long run because it will be done right the first time.
So, Which Option Should You Choose?
Now that you know the pros and cons of each option, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. If you want an easy and stress-free installation process, then you should hire a professional. But if you’re up for a challenge and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, then a DIY installation might be right for you.
Reach out to our team of dedicated Virginia-based concrete patio installers for more information about professional concrete patio installations. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we can provide you with a free estimate. Contact us today!
