The challenge
A Frankenmuth family wanted to replace a tired wood deck with a low-maintenance stamped concrete patio that wouldn't look out of place against the home's stone accents. The patio also had to wrap around an existing tree well and tie cleanly into the existing back door step-out.
What we built
We pulled the deck, hauled the debris, and excavated for an 8-inch base of compacted 21AA. The tree well was preserved with a circular form and a generous expansion gap so root growth has room to move without lifting the slab.
Forms were set to give the patio a slight 1/8" per foot fall away from the house. We placed a 4-inch slab with welded wire mesh and integrally colored 4,500 PSI mix in a warm tan base.
After bull-floating, we broadcast a contrasting release color, set the ashlar-slate stamp pattern with hand tampers along the edges and lock-in tools through the field, and detailed the borders with a hand stone tool.
The slab was cured under blankets for 72 hours before pressure-washing, sealed with a high-solids acrylic in two coats, and the homeowner received written care instructions covering Michigan winter snow removal.
Outcome
The patio has handled its first Frankenmuth winter with no efflorescence and no joint cracking — exactly what proper base prep, integral color, and a high-solids sealer are supposed to do.
