So, you’re finally ready for that backyard upgrade—the kind of patio where you can kick back, grill something that isn’t hot dogs, and soak up those elusive Spokane rays before the next raincloud rolls in. Seems easy, right? Just slap down some pavers, add a chair or two, and you’re done.
Except, if you want a patio that lasts, looks great, and doesn’t turn into a DIY disaster, there’s a lot more to it. Let’s cut through the Pinterest dreams and talk about what actually goes into a smart patio installation—especially with Spokane’s “spin-the-wheel” weather.
Why Even Bother With a Patio?
- Real Outdoor Living: It’s an instant “extra room” you’ll actually use—BBQs, family gatherings, or just pretending you’re on vacation.
- Home Value: Buyers love patios. So does your property value. (Your lawn, however, might get jealous.)
- Less Mud, More Fun: Tired of dragging dirt into the house? A patio keeps it outside where it belongs.
The Good, The Bad, and the Bumpy
Patio installation can go two ways:
- The right way: level, beautiful, and ready for anything.
- The wrong way: uneven, cracked, and the perfect spot for a surprise puddle (or three).
Spokane-Specific Challenges
- Soil That Can’t Decide: Spokane’s ground goes from soft to rocky and back again in one yard. If you skip proper prep, your patio will settle faster than your last online purchase—usually not where you wanted.
- Freeze/Thaw Drama: One day it’s 80 and sunny, next day it’s snowing. Cheap or poorly installed patios crack, shift, and look tired after one winter.
- Rain and Drainage: Water has opinions about where it wants to go. Ignore drainage and you’ll get “Lake Patio” before the season’s over.
Most Popular Patio Materials (and What to Watch For)
- Concrete
- Pros: Durable, affordable, easy to shape and color. Holds up against Spokane’s mood swings (with the right install).
- Cons: Prone to cracking if not prepped right. Boring if you don’t get creative.
- Pavers (Brick or Concrete)
- Pros: Classy, customizable patterns, easier to repair if a few settle wrong.
- Cons: Takes skill to install evenly. Cheap jobs = trip hazards.
- Flagstone
- Pros: Natural look, lots of character, great drainage.
- Cons: Expensive, heavy, needs pro-level prep for a flat surface.
- Gravel
- Pros: Cheap, quick, good for drainage.
- Cons: Not great for dining chairs, high heels, or anyone who hates raking.
- Wood/Composite Decking
- Pros: Warm look, feels great barefoot, flexible shapes.
- Cons: Needs maintenance. Spokane winters can be tough on wood.
DIY or Pro? (Spoiler: You Already Know)
Sure, DIY is tempting. But unless you enjoy digging, leveling, hauling, and guessing at local codes, it’s usually best left to people who’ve done it a hundred times. Mess up the slope, forget the base, or pick the wrong materials, and you’ll be fixing your patio every spring.
Why Lellex Construction is the Patio Powerhouse
Now for the “oh by the way”—Lellex Construction knows Spokane patios inside and out. They handle the site prep, the drainage, the materials, and all the little details that make a patio not just “done,” but done right. And let’s be honest: you want to enjoy your patio, not worry about it turning into a slip-n-slide or a weed farm.
Ready to upgrade your outdoor space (and your sanity)?
Check out Lellex Construction—they’ll help you design, build, and enjoy a patio that actually stands up to Spokane’s wild weather and looks sharp doing it.