Adding a patio to your home is an easy and economical way to raise your property’s value and add lasting elegance to your outdoor space. If you’re thinking about improving your landscape with the addition of a patio, you can even do it yourself. That’s the beauty of ready-mix concrete—if you have worked with the material before and have a knack for handiwork, you can easily manage installing your own patio. Here are a few tips to bring your vision to life.

Top 5 Tips to Use Ready-Mix Concrete to Build a Patio

1. Collect Your Equipment

First, you’ll need to stock up on your concrete supplies. That includes ready-mix concrete, a tape measure, a line level, a spade, a straight edge, a circular saw, lumber, and mason’s string. You’ll also need a wheelbarrow to transport the concrete mix. If you’re uncertain about what to purchase, a professional at your local hardware store can provide you with a complete list of project essentials.

2. Be Prepared

This is a dirty job that requires some time to accomplish, so it’s best to dress in clothing that you don’t mind getting a little messy. A pair of overalls and a long-sleeve shirt is ideal since some concrete will inevitably splash up. It’s also important to wear a pair of safety glasses and a dust mask to minimize the risk of exposure.

3. Clean Your Tools

It’s important that the concrete mix doesn’t dry on your concrete supplies while you’re hard at work on the project—and that can happen quickly when you’re toiling in the sunlight. Take the time to wash off your equipment often, as dried concrete can be difficult to dislodge once it’s stuck. This will only cause delays in your project.

4. Prepare Concrete Properly

Ready-mix concrete should be a certain consistency, which is typically outlined in detail on the product packaging. It shouldn’t be too thin, but should instead resemble a thick, cottage cheese- or oatmeal-like texture.

5. Avoid Furniture

While it’s tempting to put that new patio to use right away, don’t be so quick to set out the tables and chairs. Ideally, your new patio should set for at least a week to reduce the chances of damage.

By taking your time and some extra precautions, your new patio will be the most distinctive feature of your home. Pay a visit to your local hardware store to find all of the concrete supplies and tools you need.

Ideal Supplies is a True Value hardware store in Covington, NY. They’re the area’s go-to source for all of your home improvement projects. You’ll find everything from paint supplies to hardware to ready-mix concrete. Visit the company’s website to learn more, or call (859) 491-6666.