ServicesConcrete Backyards
Concrete Backyards in Brea
We pour full concrete backyards that drain properly, wear well and suit the way you use the space. Before any digging starts, you get a written scope covering the layout, base, reinforcement, joints and finish, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
The whole yard as a single plan
A concrete backyard goes well beyond a large patio. It takes up most or all of the open space behind the house, so the slab must move rain away from your home, meet walls and steps neatly, and make room for trees, planters or a play space if you want them.
We lay it out as one design instead of a series of separate pours. That means setting fall across the whole yard, placing control joints so they line up with doors and edges, and picking a finish that stays comfortable on bare feet on a hot afternoon.
It makes sense when a lawn takes more water and work than it is worth, when old slabs have sunk and no longer line up, or when you just want a clean, usable surface from the back door all the way to the fence.
What comes with a backyard pour
- Layout and slope
- We mark the outline, measure the fall to drains or the street, and settle the edges with you before digging. The slope usually stays gentle enough for walking and furniture while still draining water.
- Tear-out and hauling
- Grass, roots, old pavers or failing concrete are dug up and taken away. The quote names what is being removed, so debris never turns into a surprise charge.
- Packed base
- Gravel base is spread over prepared soil and compacted. On the clay-rich ground found around here, a firmly packed base is what stops the slab from shifting as the soil gets wet and dries out over the year.
- Steel and joints
- Rebar or wire mesh sits on supports so it ends up inside the slab instead of at the bottom. Control joints are spaced to steer cracking into straight, planned lines.
- Drainage work
- Area drains, channel drains or a simple swale go in wherever the grade needs them. Water should run out of the yard, not collect against the house.
- The finish you pick
- Broom, smooth trowel, exposed aggregate, color or a stamped pattern. For a decorative surface, our stamped concrete page shows more options.
Signs your backyard is ready for concrete
The lawn is losing
Bare patches, weeds and a water bill that keeps climbing. A concrete yard with a few planting beds can cut that upkeep to a sweep and a rinse.
Water stands after rain
Puddles near the back wall or soggy ground that stays wet for days point to poor grade. A new pour lets us reset the slope from scratch.
Old slabs no longer match
Sections poured at different times, heaved edges and trip points between them. Replacing it all at once gives one level, continuous surface.
You want to use the space
Room for a table, a grill, a play area or a spot for bins and tools. Concrete gives you a firm, clean surface for all of it.
Steps in a backyard job
- 1
Yard visit and measurements
We walk the space with you, take measurements, check how we get in through the side yard and note drainage, trees and anything the slab will touch. We also ask how you want to use the yard.
- 2
Quote on paper
You get the scope item by item: square footage, thickness, base, steel, drains, finish and tear-out. If a permit is needed, the quote notes it and we take care of it.
- 3
Digging and forming
Excavation, base work and forms generally take a day or two, depending on the yard's size. Walls, windows and plants near the work are protected.
- 4
Pouring and finishing
The concrete is placed, leveled and finished while it is still workable, and then the joints are cut. Bigger yards may be poured in planned sections.
- 5
Cure and cleanup
The slab is cured correctly, the forms come off and the site is cleaned. Walking on it is usually fine after a day or two, and furniture can go out after roughly a week.
What goes into a backyard price
A backyard is often the biggest flatwork job on a lot, so small decisions add up. Your written quote splits the price into its parts, and you pay for the scope you sign. These items move the total the most.
- Area and depth
- The square footage sets how much concrete and labor go in. Spots that will hold heavier weight, like a hot tub, may call for a thicker section.
- What gets removed
- Pulling out a lawn is easier than breaking up old concrete. Thick slabs, hidden footings or heavy roots add time and disposal.
- Getting into the yard
- A wide gate lets equipment through. A tight side yard can mean a concrete pump or more hand work, which affects the price.
- Slope and drainage
- A level yard with an easy outlet is straightforward. A yard that needs drains, added fill or a lot of soil moved costs more to prepare properly.
- Surface and color
- Broom texture costs the least. Exposed aggregate, integral color and stamping each take added material and finishing time.
Questions about backyard concrete
Something not covered here? (714) 462-9549
Is the slab going to crack?
Hairline cracks can show up as concrete cures and the soil shifts. We lay out control joints so cracks follow those straight lines instead of running across the slab. A packed base and proper steel keep movement small.
Will a concrete yard be too hot to walk on?
On summer afternoons it can be, mostly with dark colors or smooth finishes. Light colors and textured surfaces like broom or exposed aggregate stay more comfortable. We can show you samples before you decide.
Can you work around trees and planting beds?
Yes. We form around trees and leave space for the trunk and roots, and we can keep planting beds or grass strips wherever you want. They are drawn into the layout and written into the quote.
Can the yard connect to a patio or pool deck?
Yes. We often pour a backyard together with a patio, steps or a pool deck so the finish and grade line up. Our patios and concrete pool decks pages go over those details.
Do I have to be home during the work?
Not every day. We need access to the yard and to water, and it helps if you are around at the start and for the final walk-through. We let you know in advance which days count.
Let's plan your backyard
Share what the yard looks like now, how you want to use it and any finish you like. We will book a time to measure, then send the complete scope in writing.