Empire Home Solutions provides patios services in Batavia, from paver patio installation to poured concrete patios built for Clermont County’s clay and freeze-thaw winters. Our family-owned crew has built outdoor spaces across Southwest Ohio since 2009. And every patio we build carries our lifetime craftsmanship warranty.
By Chris Kestel, Founder & Owner · Last Updated October 19, 2026
Paver patio is mostly about the base, since only the pavers last as long as the patio. A lot of the work goes into the preparation before any pavers are installed. Here is the general order of work:
People often ask what is polymeric sand. It is a mixture of sand and binding agents that hardens when tilled with water. This makes it much more resistant to washout, weeds, and ants than regular sand. It does require dry conditions to install, however, so we have to schedule the work around the weather.
A long-lasting concrete patio needs a compacted base, the right concrete mix, proper joints and careful curing. Skipping any one of these is what leads to early cracks. Here’s what goes into a good one:
Step | What we do | Why it matters |
Base | Compact a gravel layer over firm soil | Prevents settling and soft spots |
Reinforcement | Add wire mesh or rebar as the design calls for | Holds cracks tight if they form |
Concrete mix | Use air-entrained concrete | Tiny air pockets help it survive freeze-thaw |
Control joints | Cut joints at planned spacing | Tells cracks where to form |
Finish | Broom finish or stamped pattern | Adds grip or a decorative look |
Curing | Keep it moist and protected early on | Builds strength and surface durability |
One more thing to consider for your first winter is that harsh de-icing salts can be damaging to new concrete, so you may want to consider using sand as a traction aid on new concrete.
Concrete patios are usually less expensive to install than pavers. Pavers are much easier to replace in sections if repairs are needed. So when you’re wondering are pavers or concrete better you have to know it’s a matter of style and budget. We compare the two in more depth in our paver vs. concrete patio guide.
Most patios take a few days to about a week of work, plus waiting time for concrete to cure. So, how long does a patio installation take? Here’s a typical breakdown:
Project | Typical work time | Before normal use |
Simple paver patio | 2 to 4 days | Usable right after compaction |
Larger paver patio with steps | 4 to 7 days | Usable right after compaction |
Standard concrete patio | 1 to 3 days | Light foot traffic in a few days, full use after curing |
Stamped concrete patio | 2 to 4 days | Light foot traffic in a few days, full use after curing |
Patio with seat walls or a fire pit | Add 1 to 3 days | Depends on the features |
Weather moves these dates more than anything else. Rain stalls excavation in clay, and concrete can’t be poured on frozen ground. That’s why spring and fall bookings fill up fast.
A simple patio at ground level often needs only a zoning check, but covered patios and attached structures usually need more. People ask all the time do you need a permit for a patio in Batavia Township. It really depends on what you’re going to put on the patio as well as where you put it on your lot.
Here’s how it generally works:
Because rules change, we confirm the requirements for your address before work starts. This way, nothing holds up your project later.
Good patio contractors will take care of the slope and water first, then build the patio on top. Clermont County’s clay holds water. So a patio that ignores drainage often settles or ponds against the house.
Here’s how we handle tricky yards:
On steep lots, a deck can sometimes make more sense than a patio. You can read about our deck building near Batavia and Milford if you’re weighing both.
We pair a lifetime craftsmanship warranty with a family-owned crew that builds outdoor living spaces every week. So if you’re searching for patio installation in Batavia OH, you’ll get one team from design to cleanup.
People often ask us who installs paver patios near Batavia and Amelia Ohio. We do, along with concrete patios, decks and full outdoor living projects. And if you’re comparing patio contractors Batavia OH homeowners trust, here’s what sets us apart:
See our concrete pouring services and decks and patios page for more details. Still wondering how much does a patio cost? Our patio installation cost guide breaks down prices by material. You can also browse finished work in our portfolio.
Call us or request a free estimate online, and we’ll visit your yard to measure and talk through options. Then you’ll get a written quote before any work begins.
Most paver patios in the 200 to 400 square foot range cost about $5,000 to $14,000 installed. Size, paver style, site grading and extras like steps or walls make the difference. We’ll give you an exact written quote after seeing your yard.
Pavers are generally more likely to survive the freeze-thaw cycle, since the expansion of individual pavers in the joints allows for slight movement. Concrete can also last many years, but requires air entrainment in the mix, proper jointing and a well-compacted base to resist cracking. Individual pavers that shift can be reset, while cracks in concrete can be challenging to repair.
Most paver patios on clay soil need about 6 to 8 inches of compacted gravel, plus a thin bedding layer. Wet or soft spots may need more depth and a fabric layer to keep clay out of the gravel. We check the soil on site before setting the final depth.
A properly constructed patio shouldn’t heave, due to a compacted, well-draining base that prevents moisture buildup underneath. Heaving is usually caused by water backing up beneath the pavers and freezing in the subgrade, particularly if the base was too thin or made of clay. Proper drainage, base depth and joint preparation prevent this type of freeze damage.
A deck is often a better choice on a sloped yard, since it can be mounted on piers with minimal excavation. A patio can also be built on a slope, using a seat wall or steps, but we’ll need to see the grade to recommend one.
Yes, we can include a fire pit, seat wall, steps or lighting in your patio plan. It’s usually less work and money to incorporate them while the patio is being built, so just tell us what you’d like when you request an estimate.
Sweep your patio periodically, rinse it a few times per year and replenish sand in the joints if it becomes depleted. Some people choose to seal their pavers to help protect against stains and fading. Remove weeds as soon as you see them, before they root in the paver joints.
Yes, every patio we build is covered by our lifetime craftsmanship warranty. Manufacturer warranties on pavers and materials also stay valid because we install to their specs. We’ll explain exactly what’s covered before you sign.
Empire Home Solutions
Address: 16493 Bodman Rd, Mt. Orab, OH 45154
Office: (513) 773-1567
Deck & Patio Division: 513-513-DECK (3325)
Email: info@empirehome.solutions
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM · Sunday closed
Family-owned since 2009 · Fully insured and bonded · A+ BBB rating · Lifetime craftsmanship warranty
Serving Batavia, Amelia, Cincinnati, Anderson Township, Indian Hill, Loveland, Mason, West Chester, Lebanon, Fairfield, Clermont County and western Brown County.