Last updated: September 2026
Quick answer
A good patio is level, drains away from the house, and sits on a compacted base so it does not settle. Happy Valley Concrete builds broom-finish, colored and stamped concrete patios plus paver patios for homeowners in Happy Valley, Clackamas County and the Portland metro area. Free on-site estimates. Call (503) 782-6069.
Turning unused yard into living space
A patio changes how you use a yard. A dining area, a fire pit, a hot tub pad or just a flat place for chairs turns a muddy corner into space you can use for most of the year, even in a wet climate. The size, shape and finish are all up to you, and the right choice depends on how you plan to use it, how much upkeep you want, and what fits your home's style.
Every patio starts with the same fundamentals: the right footprint, excavation to the right depth, a compacted base, and a surface slightly sloped so rain runs off. Get those right and the finish is a matter of taste. Get them wrong and even a beautiful finish will pool water or settle.
Standard and colored concrete patios
A clean broom-finished or lightly colored patio is a durable, budget-friendly way to add outdoor space. Broom texture keeps the surface from getting slick in the rain. Integral color mixed through the concrete or a stain applied after the pour can warm up the look without changing the price dramatically. Control joints are laid out so cracks, if any, follow straight lines, and the layout often works with the shape of the patio so the joints look intentional.
Stamped and decorative patios
Stamped concrete gives you the look of stone, slate, brick or wood plank with a poured slab underneath. Patterns are pressed into the surface while it is still workable, then color and a sealer are applied. It works especially well on patios because you see it up close and often. It does need sealing over time to keep the color and protect against our wet winters. Compare the trade-offs in stamped concrete vs pavers and see the stamped and decorative page for pattern and color options.
Paver patios and paver installation
Prefer individual pavers over a poured slab? As part of FD Hardscape, Happy Valley Concrete also installs paver patios in brick, travertine or concrete pavers. Pavers are set on a compacted gravel base with edge restraints and polymeric sand in the joints, which makes a stable, weed-resistant surface that is easier to spot-repair: if one paver cracks or settles, that section can be lifted and reset rather than redoing the whole patio. Pavers can be a good fit for hillside or tree-lined lots in places like Lake Oswego, West Linn and Portland, and for adding a seating wall or fire-pit area next to an existing concrete driveway or walkway. We are happy to walk through concrete and paver options at your free estimate.
Drainage, slope and the Pacific Northwest
Water is the enemy of any patio here. The surface should slope away from the house, typically by a small amount that you cannot see but water can. Downspouts and yard drains that dump onto a patio cause staining, ice and settling. We look at where water goes before the forms go up. Shady patios also grow moss and algae, and sealing and cleaning choices are covered in our wet-climate concrete guide.
Where we build patios
We build patios across Happy Valley, Clackamas County, Portland, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Gresham and the surrounding metro area. See the full list on our service areas page. For typical national price ranges, read the concrete cost guide, and for what to expect from start to finish, see how a concrete project works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should my concrete patio be?
Plan for the furniture and activity you want plus room to move around it. A dining table with chairs needs noticeably more room than most people expect. Bring your rough dimensions to the estimate and we can talk through layout and joints.
Should I choose concrete or pavers for a patio?
Concrete is usually a one-piece surface with fewer joints to maintain, while pavers are easier to spot-repair and can look more custom. Both work in the Portland area when the base and drainage are right. See our stamped concrete vs pavers guide for a full comparison.
Do stamped concrete patios need sealing?
Yes. Stamped and colored concrete is normally sealed to protect the color and surface, and the sealer needs periodic maintenance, especially on a shaded or wet patio.
Can you build a fire pit or seating wall with a patio?
Fire-pit areas and seating walls are commonly built with pavers alongside a patio. Ask about your idea at the free estimate so we can scope the base and materials.
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Helpful guides
Ready to talk about your project? Call or text (503) 782-6069, Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, or use the free quote form.
Call (503) 782-6069