In many cases, you can add on to an existing concrete patio, as long as the current patio is in good shape and the new section is planned to work with it. The new concrete is usually a separate section placed next to the old one, so it will often look a bit different and may move slightly differently over time.
Extending a patio can be a smart way to gain more outdoor space without starting over. But it works better on some patios than others.
Check the Patio You Already Have
Before adding on, it makes sense to look closely at the existing slab. Signs that it may not be a good base for an extension include:
- large or growing cracks,
- sections that have sunk or tilted,
- water that pools on the surface or flows toward the house, and
- a crumbling or flaking surface.
If the old patio has these problems, adding new concrete next to it may only highlight them. In some cases, repairing or replacing part of the original patio first is worth discussing.
How the Old and New Sections Connect
A contractor will plan how the new section meets the old one. Often, a joint is placed between them so each part can move a little on its own. The new section also needs to match the height of the existing patio and keep water flowing away from the house.
The ground under the new area needs proper preparation too. Because it is new work, the subgrade there may behave differently than the soil under the older patio, which has had years to settle.
Access is another detail to plan for. If the extension goes toward a fence, garden bed or slope, extra site work may be needed before any concrete is placed.
Will It Match?
New concrete rarely matches older concrete perfectly at first. Age, weather, sun and the original finish all affect color. Over time, the difference may become less noticeable, but it may not go away. Our article on whether repaired concrete will match explains the reasons.
Some homeowners lean into the difference by using a border, a different finish or a decorative look for the new section. Others choose to resurface or coat the whole patio for a more even look, if the existing slab is a good fit for that.
Planning the Extension
Think about why you want more space. A grilling area, a seating nook or a path to the yard can each shape the size and direction of the extension. In Burlington, it’s also wise to think about where storm runoff will go once the paved area gets bigger.
Our concrete patio installation service can help you decide whether an add-on makes sense. Contact us to talk about expanding your Burlington patio.
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