Concrete Patio Installation Red Deer AB
If you’ve spent any time in Red Deer, you know what Alberta winters do to outdoor spaces. Our local concrete contractors in Red Deer see it every year — old wooden decks warping and splintering, cheap pavers shifting and sinking after just a few freeze–thaw cycles. Backyard patios in Central Alberta have to handle minus 30 in January and plus 30 in July, and not every material survives that kind of punishment.
Patios That Handle Alberta Weather
We have been pouring concrete patios for local families for over a decade. Your outdoor living space should be somewhere you actually want to spend time—summer barbecues, morning coffee, maybe a fire pit for cool autumn evenings. That starts with a patio built right for our climate.
At Gilbert Concrete, we have been serving Red Deer homeowners for over a decade—building patios designed specifically for Central Alberta’s extreme weather conditions.
Your Trusted Concrete Patio Contractors in Red Deer
Plenty of contractors pour concrete in Central Alberta. So why work with us?
Local Experience
We live and work here. Our crews understand Red Deer soil conditions, weather patterns, and what it takes to build patios that survive Alberta winters. That local knowledge shows in our finished work.
Proper Licensing and Insurance
Fully licensed and insured for all residential concrete work in Alberta. This protects you if anything goes wrong during your project. Never hire a contractor who cannot prove proper coverage.
Clear Communication
We return phone calls. Show up when scheduled. Keep you informed throughout your project. Sounds basic, but customers tell us other contractors often fall short on simple communication.
Workmanship Focus
Our reputation depends on quality results. We take extra time on base preparation and finishing details because those steps determine how your patio looks and performs long-term.
Honest Recommendations
We will tell you if your project needs more than you planned. Or if you are overthinking it and can save money with simpler options. Our goal is the right solution for your specific situation, not the most expensive sale.
Satisfaction Commitment
We stand behind our work. If something is not right, we make it right. Customers often tell us they appreciate that straightforward approach.Getting your patio installed should not feel stressful
OUR SERVICES
Patio Concrete Services We Offer in Red Deer, AB
Not every patio project is the same. Some folks want simple and functional. Others have Pinterest boards full of fancy outdoor living ideas. We handle both ends of that spectrum and everything in between.
Stamped Concrete Patio Installation
Want the look of natural flagstone or brick without the price tag? Stamped concrete gives you that high-end appearance at a much friendlier cost. We press patterns into freshly poured concrete to create textures that mimic stone, slate, wood planks, or cobblestone. Popular choice for Red Deer homeowners who want their backyard to stand out.
Decorative and Colored Concrete Patios
Plain grey is not your only option. We can add integral color to the concrete mix or apply stains after curing. Earth tones work great with Alberta landscapes. Browns, tans, terracotta shades that complement your home exterior and garden beds. The color goes throughout the material, so it will not peel or fade like paint.
Exposed Aggregate Patio Finishes
This finish exposes the small stones and pebbles in the concrete mix for a natural, textured look. Great for pool areas or spots where you want extra traction. The aggregate catches light differently throughout the day, giving your patio visual interest that plain concrete cannot match.
room Finish and Brushed Concrete
Sometimes simple works best. A broom finish creates those familiar parallel lines that provide excellent slip resistance. Looks clean, costs less than decorative options, and performs beautifully for decades. Nothing wrong with choosing practical over fancy. The brushed concrete finish offers similar durability with a slightly smoother appearance.
Concrete Patio Extensions
Already have a patio that is just too small? We can extend it. Matching existing concrete takes some skill, but we have done enough of these to get the color and texture close. Gives you more usable space without tearing out what you already have.
Patio Repair and Resurfacing Services
Not every job needs a complete tear-out. If your existing concrete is structurally sound but looks rough, resurfacing might save you money. We can apply decorative overlays that give old patios new life. For more serious damage, we handle crack repair, leveling, and partial replacement, too. Each project starts with understanding what you actually need. We will walk your property, talk through options, and give you honest recommendations. Sometimes that means steering you away from expensive features that will not add value to your specific situation.
OUR PROCESS
How We Pour Concrete Patios in Red Deer
Every concrete contractor has a process. Ours focuses on doing the prep work that others sometimes skip. Because in Alberta, shortcuts in the base always show up later as cracks in the surface.
Initial Consultation
We start by visiting your property. Looking at the site, discussing your vision, measuring the space. No pressure sales pitch, just honest conversation about what works for your yard and budget.
Design and Planning
Once we understand what you want, we put together a detailed plan. Size, shape, finish options, and any features like steps or borders. You see exactly what you are getting before we pour a single yard of concrete.
Site Preparation
This is where the real work begins. We excavate to proper depth, ensuring adequate room for base material and concrete thickness. In Red Deer, this step matters more than most places because of our frost penetration.
Base Installation
We lay and compact gravel base material in layers. Proper compaction prevents settling later. We also address drainage at this stage, making sure water flows away from your foundation.
Forming and Reinforcement
Wood or metal forms define your patio shape. Rebar or wire mesh reinforcement goes in next. This steel gives concrete tensile strength it lacks on its own.
Concrete Pouring
We use air-entrained concrete mixes designed for Alberta freeze-thaw cycles. The pour happens in sections, screeded level, and worked to remove air pockets.
Finishing
Whether stamped, broom finished, or exposed aggregate, this stage creates your final surface appearance. Timing matters here. Too early and the pattern will not hold. Too late and the concrete fights back.
Curing and Sealing
Concrete needs time to reach full strength. We protect fresh pours and apply sealer once curing complete. This final step locks in the finish and protects against moisture penetration. Professional concrete patio sealing extends your patio's lifespan significantly.
Quality Materials We Use for Red Deer Patios
Materials matter. Especially when your patio has to survive what Central Alberta dishes out between October and April.
Concrete Mix
We specify air-entrained concrete for all exterior flatwork. Those tiny air bubbles give freezing water room to expand without cracking the slab. Standard concrete lacks this protection and often fails within afew winters up here.
Learn more about air-entrained concrete benefits from a Canadian concrete industry authority.
Base Materials
Crushed gravel compacts better than round stone. We use road base material that locks together when compacted, creating a stable foundation that resists settling and frost heave.
Reinforcement
Rebar for larger patios, welded wire mesh for smaller ones. Steel reinforcement holds the slab together if minor cracking occurs. Without it, small cracks become big problems.
Sealers
Quality penetrating sealers protect against moisture, salt damage, and staining. We apply these once the concrete has properly cured. Reapplication every two to three years keeps protection active.
Forming Materials
Straight, sturdy forms create clean edges. We use dimensional lumber or flexible metal forms for curves. Proper forming determines your final shape and edge quality.
Finishing Tools
Our crews use professional-grade tools—magnesium floats, steel trowels, power screeds, and high-quality stamping mats. Skilled hands and the right equipment ensure top-tier results.We never cut corners with cheap materials; quality products last longer and prevent costly repairs later.
OUR Previous Projects
Concrete Patios Built for Red Deer Winters
Contractors from warmer climates would not believe what Alberta weather does to outdoor concrete. We see it every spring when calls come in about patios that did not make it through winter.
Freeze Thaw Reality
Red Deer experiences dozens of freeze-thaw cycles every year. Water gets into concrete pores, freezes, expands, and damages the surface. This happens over and over from late fall through early spring. Proper concrete mix and sealing reduce this damage significantly.
Frost Heave Protection
Ground freezes deep in Central Alberta. Sometimes over a meter down during cold snaps. If your patio base does not extend below frost line or lacks proper drainage, the ground underneath can heave and crack even thick slabs. Our base preparation accounts for this.
Drainage Planning
Water pooling on or around your patio causes problems. Standing water accelerates surface damage in winter and creates slip hazards. We grade every patio to shed water away from both the surface and your home foundation. Proper concrete patio drainage prevents costly repairs down the road.
Best Installation Timing
Concrete needs temperatures above 5 degrees Celsius to cure properly. In Red Deer, that typically means pouring between late April and early October. We can extend the season with heated enclosures and blankets, but ideal conditions happen in late spring through early fall.
Control Joints
Concrete will crack. That is just reality. Control joints give it predetermined weak spots where cracks happen invisibly rather than randomly across your surface. Proper joint spacing prevents ugly surprise cracks later.
Winter Sealing
Fresh sealer application before freeze-up gives your patio the best protection for the coming winter. We recommend scheduling this maintenance in September or early October while temperatures still cooperate.
Free Site Visits
We come to you for estimates anywhere in our service area. No charge for the visit and no obligation to proceed.
Areas We Serve in Central Alberta
Our crews work throughout Red Deer and surrounding communities. If you live within reasonable driving distance, we can probably help with your patio project.
Primary Service Area
Red Deer proper is our home base. Most of our projects happen within city limits, from established neighborhoods like Normandeau and Oriole Park to newer developments in Timberlands and Riverside Meadows.
Surrounding Communities
We regularly travel to nearby towns, including Lacombe, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Innisfail, Penhold, and Springbrook. Gasoline Alley commercial projects fall within our coverage, too.
Rural Properties
Acreages and rural homes between these communities are no problem. We have poured patios on properties throughout Red Deer County. Slightly longer travel times but same quality service.
Service Boundaries
Generally speaking, if you are within 45 minutes of Red Deer, we can work with you. Further locations might work for larger projects where the scale justifies additional travel. Give us a call, and we will figure out if your location fits.
Common Questions About Concrete Patios in Red Deer
How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost in Red Deer?
Well, it depends on size and finish type. Basic broom finish concrete typically runs 8 to 12 dollars per square foot. Stamped and decorative options range from $12 to $18 per square foot. Site conditions and accessibility affect final pricing, too. The best way to know is to get a free estimate for your specific project.
How long does a concrete patio last?
With proper installation and basic maintenance, expect 25 to 30 years minimum. Some well-built patios last even longer. The key factors are adequate base preparation, correct concrete mix, and regular sealing every few years.
When is the best time to pour concrete in Alberta?
Late spring through early fall works best. Concrete needs consistent temperatures above 5 degrees Celsius to cure properly. In Red Deer, that typically means May through September for ideal conditions. We can sometimes extend the season with protective measures, but summer months give the best results.
What is stamped concrete exactly?
Stamped concrete uses textured mats pressed into fresh concrete to create patterns resembling stone, brick, slate, or wood. Combined with color additives, it gives high-end appearance at lower cost than natural materials. Popular for patios, pool decks, and walkways.
How do I maintain my concrete patio?
Basic maintenance is pretty simple. Sweep debris regularly, wash with a hose or pressure washer occasionally, and apply fresh sealer every two to three years. Avoid using salt-based deicers in winter as they can damage the surface. That is really about it.
Concrete Patio vs Pavers: Which is Better?
Each has advantages. Concrete costs less initially and requires less ongoing maintenance. Pavers allow easier repair of individual sections and some find them more attractive. For the Red Deer climate, properly installed concrete usually performs better long-term because pavers can shift with frost heave.
Can You Add a Fire Pit to a Concrete Patio?
Absolutely. We can pour a thickened section to support fire pit weight or create a separate pad for freestanding units. Some customers prefer built-in fire features designed right into their patio layout. Just mention this during the planning stage.
Learn about outdoor fire pit safety guidelines
How long before I can use my new patio?
Light foot traffic is usually fine after 24 to 48 hours. Placing furniture and normal use can start after about a week. Full strength takes roughly 28 days to develop. We will give you specific guidance based on weather conditions during your pour.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. We visit your property, discuss your project, and provide detailed written estimates at no charge. No obligation to hire us afterward. Compare our quote with other contractors and make whatever decision works best for your situation.
What Patterns Are Available for Stamped Concrete Patios?
Dozens of options exist. Popular choices include ashlar slate, random stone, cobblestone, brick patterns, and wood plank textures. We have sample photos and physical stamps to show you. Most patterns can be combined with various color options for unique results.
Ready to Start Your Patio Project?
Your backyard deserves better than that cracked slab or rotting deck. Give us a call to schedule your free estimate. We will visit your property, talk through options, and provide honest pricing with no pressure.Red Deer homeowners have trusted us with their concrete patio installation projects for years. Let us show you whyCall today or fill out our contact form to get started.