Concrete
Hardscape

Concrete

Overview

Clean, seamless surfaces with a modern edge.

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If you love clean, modern lines, concrete gives you something no other surface can: one continuous plane with no joints breaking up the look.

We'll also be straight with you about what goes wrong with concrete on East Bay clay. That's why our standard includes proper base preparation, reinforcement and control joints placed where cracks are most likely, so your slab cracks where we plan it to, not where it wants to.

Explore Options

Compare and choose.

Where concrete shines, and where it does not

  • Shines: modern homes, large open patios, clean steps and walkways, areas away from big tree roots.
  • Think twice: next to mature trees or on ground with significant movement. There, we usually recommend pavers.

Want natural texture instead? See natural stone and flagstone.

Design and Style

Shaped to suit your home.

Smooth troweled

Minimal and architectural, often with large saw-cut panels.

Exposed aggregate

A textured surface that shows the stone in the mix and adds grip.

Sand and broom finishes

Subtle texture for slip resistance around pools and steps.

Materials and Options

Selected for how you live, and how long it lasts.

  • Smooth, sand and broom finishes
  • Exposed aggregate
  • Integral color
  • Saw-cut patterns and banding
  • Steps, landings and walkways
Planning Your Project

What to know before you build.

Cracks: what to know

All concrete can crack. Good planning controls where. We place control joints, reinforce the slab and prepare the base so movement is managed rather than random.

JAC RecommendsIf you love the concrete look but have mature trees nearby, ask us about large-format pavers. You get a similar clean aesthetic with far more forgiveness.
Questions

What homeowners ask us.

Will my concrete patio crack?

Concrete can crack as soil moves. We use control joints, reinforcement and proper base prep to keep cracks controlled and minimal.

Can concrete be colored?

Yes. Integral color runs through the whole slab, so it does not wear off like a surface stain.

Is concrete or pavers better?

It depends on your soil, trees and style. We walk you through both on site.

Modern backyard with a lawn and stone terraceOutdoor lounge with a fireplace at duskTerrace with lounge chairs at sunsetPatio dining area under string lights in the evening

The Dreamscape Quiz

What's your Dreamscape?

Family yard, host, retreat or easy care? Answer five quick questions and see the features and real East Bay projects built for the way you live.

Take the 1-minute quiz
Begin Your Project

Let’s design the outdoor space you’ve been imagining.

Schedule a Discovery Consultation
or call (510) 255-2013