Last Updated: March 2026
A concrete patio is a durable outdoor surface made from poured concrete that serves as the foundation for backyard living, dining, and entertaining. Whether it's a simple broom-finish slab or an elaborate stamped design, concrete patios are the most popular outdoor surface choice for Des Moines homeowners—and for good reason.
Concrete patios are popular because they offer unmatched versatility at an affordable price. They can be shaped to fit any yard, colored to complement any home, and finished with textures that range from smooth and modern to rustic stone. For outdoor living spaces—from fire pit areas to full outdoor kitchens—concrete provides a stable, level surface that handles Iowa's heavy furniture, grills, and foot traffic without settling or shifting.
Beyond function, a well-designed concrete patio adds measurable value to your property. Real estate professionals consistently rank outdoor living spaces among the top features that increase home resale value. At DSM Concrete Companies, we've built thousands of patios across Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and surrounding communities—each one engineered to perform through Iowa's demanding climate.
Quick Answer: What Is a Concrete Patio?
A concrete patio is a durable outdoor surface made from poured concrete, commonly used for seating areas, entertainment spaces, and backyard living. It can be finished with broom textures, stamped patterns, decorative colors, or exposed aggregate. Concrete patios are popular in Des Moines due to their durability in Iowa's freeze-thaw climate, low maintenance requirements, and wide range of design options—all at a lower cost than natural stone or pavers.
Concrete Patio Services in Des Moines
From standard installations to stamped and decorative designs, we build custom concrete patios across the Des Moines metro.
Concrete Patio Installation in Des Moines
A concrete patio is one of the smartest investments you can make in your Des Moines home. Whether you need a compact entertaining area off the back door or a large multi-level outdoor living space, poured concrete delivers unmatched structural integrity and design flexibility. Our Des Moines crews prepare a compacted aggregate base, set precise forms, and pour air-entrained concrete rated for Iowa's freeze-thaw conditions. Every patio includes control joints engineered to prevent random cracking, a smooth or textured finish of your choice, and proper drainage grading to keep water flowing away from your foundation. Most patio installations are completed in 3 to 5 days. Ready to build your outdoor space? Call (515) 371-3443 for a free estimate.
Stamped Concrete Patios
Stamped concrete patios give Des Moines homeowners the look of natural stone, brick, or slate without the premium price tag. Our crews press specialized texture mats into freshly poured concrete to create realistic patterns—then apply integral color and antiquing release agents for depth and character. Popular patterns include ashlar slate, cobblestone, and herringbone brick. Because the patio is poured as a single slab, there's no shifting, settling, or weed growth between joints like you'd get with pavers. Every stamped patio we install is finished with a UV-stable sealer to protect colors from fading in Iowa's summer sun. Explore our full range of stamped concrete options for your backyard project.
Decorative and Colored Concrete Patios
Decorative concrete opens up a world of design possibilities for Des Moines patios. Beyond stamping, we offer exposed aggregate finishes that reveal the natural beauty of stone and gravel within the concrete, acid-stained surfaces that produce rich marbled color effects, and integral pigments mixed throughout the slab for consistent, fade-resistant color. Borders and banding in contrasting colors or patterns add definition and visual interest to any patio layout. Our design team works with you to match your home's exterior palette and landscape theme. Decorative concrete patios combine artistry with the proven durability of standard concrete. Contact us to see color samples and design examples.
Backyard Patio Extensions
Many Des Moines homes have undersized patios that don't accommodate today's outdoor furniture sets, grills, and entertaining needs. A patio extension adds usable square footage to your backyard without the cost and complexity of a full replacement. Our crews match the new concrete to your existing surface in thickness, finish, and color—creating a seamless transition that looks intentional. We handle the excavation, base preparation, and grading to ensure proper drainage across the entire surface. Extensions are also an opportunity to upgrade with a stamped border or decorative band that ties the old and new sections together. Get a free patio extension estimate today.
Concrete Patio Design Options
Your patio should reflect your style. Choose from a full range of shapes, colors, patterns, and finishes to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor space.
Shapes & Layouts
Rectangular, curved, L-shaped, and multi-level designs. Free-form shapes integrate naturally with landscaping and pool areas.
Color Options
Integral pigments, color hardeners, and acid stains in earth tones, grays, terra cotta, and custom blends to match your home.
Stamped Patterns
Ashlar slate, cobblestone, wood plank, herringbone brick, flagstone, and seamless textures that replicate premium materials.
Borders & Finishes
Contrasting stamp borders, exposed aggregate bands, broom-finish textures, and smooth-troweled surfaces for a polished look.
Expert tip: Combining a standard broom-finish field with a stamped or colored border is a cost-effective way to add visual interest without the full expense of a stamped patio. Many Des Moines homeowners choose this approach to get a high-end look within a moderate budget.
Concrete Patio Cost in Des Moines
$6 – $12
per sq ft (standard finish)
$12 – $20
per sq ft (stamped/decorative)
A standard 300-square-foot concrete patio in Des Moines costs roughly $1,800 to $3,600 for a broom or smooth finish. Stamped and decorative patios run $3,600 to $6,000 for the same size, depending on pattern complexity and coloring.
Factors That Affect Cost
- Patio size: Larger patios benefit from lower per-square-foot pricing due to material and labor efficiencies.
- Finish type: Stamped, colored, and exposed aggregate finishes cost more than standard broom finishes.
- Site conditions: Demolition, grading, drainage work, and difficult access add to the total project cost.
- Add-ons: Built-in steps, seat walls, fire pit pads, and borders increase the overall investment.
For a detailed breakdown of concrete pricing in the Des Moines area, see our full concrete cost guide for Des Moines or use our driveway cost calculator to estimate your project.
Benefits of Concrete Patios
Durable and long-lasting — 25 to 30+ years with proper maintenance
Affordable compared to natural stone or pavers — save 30–50%
Fully customizable with colors, stamps, and decorative finishes
Low maintenance — occasional cleaning and resealing is all that's needed
Weather resistant — engineered for Iowa's freeze-thaw cycles
Increases property value and expands usable outdoor living space
Concrete Patio vs Pavers vs Wood Decks
| Factor | Concrete Patio | Pavers | Wood Deck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $6 – $20 | $15 – $30 | $15 – $35 |
| Maintenance | Low — reseal every 2–3 yrs | Moderate — re-level, re-sand | High — stain, seal, replace boards |
| Lifespan | 25–30+ years | 20–25 years | 10–20 years |
| Durability | Excellent — no rot, no insects | Good — can shift or settle | Fair — rot, warping, insects |
| Installation | 3–5 days | 5–10 days | 5–14 days |
Concrete patios offer the best combination of cost, durability, and low maintenance for Des Moines homeowners. For a more detailed comparison of decorative options, read our guide on stamped concrete vs pavers.
Concrete Patio Installation Process
Every patio project follows a clear six-step process designed for central Iowa conditions.
Planning & Layout
We meet on-site to discuss your vision, measure the area, and finalize the patio shape, size, finish, and color. You receive a detailed written estimate.
Excavation
The area is excavated to the proper depth, removing topsoil, roots, and debris. We establish final grade elevations for drainage.
Base Preparation
A compacted aggregate base is installed and leveled to provide a stable, frost-resistant foundation that prevents settling and cracking.
Pouring
Air-entrained concrete rated at 4,000+ PSI is poured and spread evenly across the formed area. Reinforcement mesh or rebar is placed as needed.
Finishing
The surface is floated, troweled, or stamped to your chosen finish. Control joints are cut at calculated intervals to control cracking.
Curing & Sealing
The concrete cures for 24 to 48 hours before foot traffic. A protective sealer is applied to guard against moisture, UV exposure, and Iowa weather.
Why Des Moines Homeowners Choose Us for Patios
Contractors with 20+ years of industry experience
Stamped, decorative, and custom color options
Deep knowledge of Des Moines soil and climate conditions
Air-entrained concrete built for Midwest freeze-thaw cycles
Free on-site design consultations and estimates
Most patios completed in 3–5 days
Licensed, insured & bonded contractors
Precision grading and drainage engineering
Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Patios
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Build the Perfect Outdoor Space with a Concrete Patio
Iowa's prime pouring season fills up fast. Lock in your patio project now with a free, no-obligation consultation and estimate. Our crew is ready to transform your backyard.