Creating More Outdoor Living Space That Lasts
Concrete patios already serve as the workhorse of many backyards across Montgomery County. Extending an existing slab transforms the space even further. Additional square footage accommodates larger seating areas, outdoor kitchens, or simply a smooth connection between the house and the garden. CCM Concrete approaches each extension with a focus on stable foundations, precise grading, and finishes that match or elevate the original work.
Why Concrete Beats Other Surface Options
Wood decking accepts stains quickly and pavers introduce pattern variety, yet neither material matches concrete’s compressive strength, longevity, or modest cost per square foot. A plain slab in Texas averages $4 – $12 per square foot installed, while decorative treatments such as staining or stamping commonly fall between $8 – $30 per square foot. These ranges stay lower than most natural-stone or composite-deck alternatives over the same footprint.
Planning a Patio Extension the Right Way
Site Assessment
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Soil classification dictates slab thickness and reinforcement type.
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Drainage paths must keep surface water from pooling against the foundation.
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Existing utilities should be identified before excavation.
Dimension & Layout
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Most homeowners add between 120 and 400 square feet.
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A patio that aligns with window and door thresholds avoids trip hazards.
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Shadow studies help position grills or fireplaces outside prevailing wind lines.
Local Permits & Codes
Montgomery County requires a separate building permit for every residential structure or addition, including a concrete patio extension. Submittals must include scaled drawings on 8.5 × 11 inch paper; incomplete packets are not accepted.Montgomery County Texas City jurisdictions such as Magnolia and Conroe maintain their own inspection schedules, so timelines can vary across neighborhoods.
Finish Options and Cost Comparison
Below is a visual snapshot of typical finish prices observed in 2025 bids around the county:
| Finish | Typical Cost / sq ft | Slip Resistance | Color Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard broom | $8 – $9 | High | Natural grey ages evenly |
| Colored broom | $11 – $13 | High | UV-stable integral pigment |
| Stamped pattern | $13 – $15 | Medium–High (with sealer additive) | 3 – 5 year reseal cycle |
| Exposed aggregate | $12 – $14 | Very high | Pebbles stay vibrant |
| Integrally colored & sealed | $12 – $14 | High | 4 – 6 year reseal cycle |
Reinforcement That Handles Gulf-Coast Weather
Montgomery County clay soils expand and contract with seasonal rainfall. Each extension therefore includes:
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#3 or #4 rebar on 18-inch centers
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Fiber admixtures for crack control
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Isolation joints every 10 feet or at intersections with the existing slab
Reinforcement raises material cost by about $1 per square foot but prevents most settlement fractures mentioned in statewide maintenance surveys.
Construction Sequence
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Layout & Excavation – String lines establish square corners; excavation proceeds to 4 ½-inch depth plus gravel base.
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Base Preparation – Two inches of graded aggregate compacted to 95 % density.
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Formwork & Reinforcement – Forms are staked level; dowels epoxied into the existing slab tie the new pour into the old.
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Concrete Placement – 3,500 psi mix with mid-range water-reducing admixture ensures workable slump in summer heat.
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Finishing – Depending on the chosen texture, tools include brushes, release-agent stamps, or surface retarders.
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Curing – Hydration blankets or curing compound maintain moisture for seven days; light foot traffic after 48 hours.
Routine Care After the Pour
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Rinse with a garden hose monthly to remove de-icing salts and pollen.
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Reseal decorative finishes every 3 – 5 years.
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Avoid metal-edged snow shovels that can gouge stamped pattern valleys.
Budget Breakdown – Sample 200 sq ft Project
| Item | Unit Cost | Extended Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition of adjacent sod & export | $0.80 / sq ft | $160 |
| Excavation & gravel base | $1.20 / sq ft | $240 |
| 3,500 psi concrete @ 4 in | $4.75 / sq ft | $950 |
| Reinforcement & dowels | $1.10 / sq ft | $220 |
| Stamped texture upgrade | $3.50 / sq ft | $700 |
| Estimated total | – | $2,270 |
Expect material and fuel surcharges to fluctuate with cement and aggregate indices published each quarter.
Patio Extension Ideas That Elevate Outdoor Living
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Sunken conversation pit with gas fire ring
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Integrated seat walls that double as planters
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Color-changing LED step lights embedded at joints
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Basketball key overlay for multipurpose family use
Stamped patterns that mimic Ashlar slate remain popular along Lake Windcrest, while colored broom finishes dominate smaller Stagecoach lots where muted tones blend with pine surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should the extension be?
Four inches suits light residential loads; pergolas or masonry fireplaces require pier footings beneath posts.
Will new concrete match the old color?
Gradual weathering darkens existing slabs. A test patch or light acid wash blends tone differences before the full pour.
How soon can heavy furniture be placed?
Seven days is typical; full compressive strength reaches 28 days.
Service Areas Across Montgomery County
CCM Concrete crews operate daily in:
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Custom homes of Spring Creek Ranch
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Acreage properties in Stagecoach
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Rural lots near Rose Hill and Decker Prairie
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Suburban streets of Tomball and Montgomery
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Master-planned communities such as Magnolia Reserve, The Woodlands, and Woodtrace
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Estate communities including Indigo Lake Estates, Ascot Farms, High Meadow Estates, Cimarron Country, Glenmont Estates, and Lake Windcrest
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Outlying zones around Egypt and Russet Peak
Ready for an On-Site Assessment?
Homeowners interested in a concrete patio extension in Montgomery County TX can schedule a free consultation through the CCM Concrete contact page. A project manager reviews dimensions, finish preferences, and desired features before delivering a clear, itemized proposal—usually within two business days.
