Building a Concrete Structure of Any Kind in Your Backyard

We are (slowly) moving into the time of year where most people begin to want to spend more time outdoors. Whether it is sitting around the pool with their families, preparing and enjoying a meal in their outdoor kitchen, or simply relaxing in a covered patio; the first step is installing a concrete structure.

What Type of Structure Interests You?

Before even installing the foundation for your structure, you first have to decide what it is that you want. Are you looking for fun, function, or both? Do you want to entertain family, friends, and/or neighbors? If so, a larger area with more room would probably be necessary. Patios, outdoor kitchens, and decks come to mind for this sort of thing.

However, you may be looking for something smaller, more private, and cozy. Perhaps you want a place to slip away at night and read a book or enjoy a glass of wine under the stars. Gazebos serve those interests quite well, as do porches.

What Type of Structure is Best Suited for Your Backyard?

In addition to what type of structure you would prefer to build in your backyard, you also have to take into consideration what may work best. Large trees or shrubbery located throughout the yard, root systems, water buildup, and other things may play a role in where you can lay the concrete foundations for the new building.

Differences Between Attached and Independent Structures

This is something important to consider. Independent structures such as patios, garages, and others have their own concrete slabs to sit on and do not affect the foundational integrity of the home in any way. However, many people use the terms porch and patio interchangeably when they are in fact, very different.

Porches are structures attached to the home. This is important because their concrete foundation is part of the homes’ foundation. Unlike patios and other independent buildings, if they begin to deteriorate it doesn’t affect just that one structure. When porches or even connected pergolas begin to have issues, it also affects the home itself.

The Basics of Any Project

The specific steps to laying concrete structures to house new backyard buildings vary with the size, shape, and materials of the new area. Obviously, for smaller structures less concrete and preparation will be required.

The depth of digging, amount of concrete, as well as wood used for structural integrity during the curing process is different for most tasks. However, as a basic rule, it takes concrete 24-48 hours to set, 7 days to cure to the point of being able to support equipment and heavy-duty materials, and 28 days until completely cured.

The best way to make sure that your concrete structure stays in the best shape possible over time is to use preventative measures such as sealing and coating.

These types of projects are rarely easy and oftentimes take more than one person. If you would like to learn more about how our experienced concrete professionals can help, simply get in touch with us today.