Most patio jobs in Gonzales add to the small slab the builder left. We pour the new part as its own slab, sloped to the yard swale, and we never pin it into a post-tensioned house slab. Tell us if a cover or kitchen is planned so footings go in first.
Most Gonzales patios start from the small builder slab outside the back door. Owners want it bigger, covered or both. We pour the extension as its own slab with a soft joint against the house and against the old patio, because the clay will move the new piece differently from the house. Many newer homes here have post-tensioned slabs, so we never drill or cut into the house slab to tie a patio on.
Rain decides the layout. With around 60 inches a year on flat ground, a patio has to fall away from the house toward the yard swale, and the swale has to stay open. We check where roof water lands. A patio under a roof valley with no gutter takes a beating and stays green, so we often suggest a gutter or a drain strip as part of the job.
If a cover, an outdoor kitchen or a fireplace is coming later, say so before the pour. Posts and masonry need footings under them, and it is simple to form those in on day one. For the surface we recommend a light broom texture. Smooth concrete in this humidity grows a slick film in the shade. Pick a lighter color too, since dark slabs get hot under bare feet.
Patios in Gonzales: common questions
Can you extend the patio my builder left?
Yes. We pour the new section beside it with a joint between the two, and we match the height and slope. The color will not match at first, because new concrete is lighter. A stain or a resurfacing coat over both can even it out.
Will a bigger patio make my yard hold water?
It can if it blocks the swale. Subdivision lots in Ascension Parish are graded to carry rain along the side or rear line. We keep the patio short of that path or add a drain so water still gets out.
Do I need a permit for a patio in Gonzales?
The city's permit page does not list open flat patios, but covers, pools and buildings do need permits. We confirm with the Gonzales Building Department, or with Ascension Parish if you are outside the city limits, before we start.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit and measure.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with finish options.
- Prep & forms: We excavate, grade, compact the base and set forms and reinforcement.
- Pour, finish & cure: We pour, finish, cut control joints and tell you when you can use it.