Denver folks- putting in a stamped concrete patio... any rec's?

[smmokan]

I'm looking to update our concrete patio in the backyard by building an adjacent 10x20' patio (doubling the total size to 10x40) and then putting a stamped concrete pattern on top of the whole thing. Does anyone in the area have any recommendations on who to use (or not to use)?

[smmokan]

Bump for a possible recommendation...

[timvwcom]

Nothing on contractor recs, but can ask... why the stamped version? That is mucho expensive these days. I know it can look pretty, but maybe consider having just the edges stamped (or real stone/brick edging), and spend the extra dough elsewhere IMHO. Also, for a patio, the design is the most important part. If it is just a big rectangle, it might as well be a basketball court...

[smmokan]

^^^ I am actually deciding between building a deck (myself) with several features, or doing the stamped concrete patio, since that's the only thing comparable IMO. One of the reasons I was looking at the concrete patio is because we already have a 10x20' patio back there, but its plain concrete- so I thought we could spruce it up and expand on it. I'm definitely leaning towards a deck, but just checking out my options, ya know?

[timvwcom]

^^^ I am actually deciding between building a deck (myself) with several features, or doing the stamped concrete patio, since that's the only thing comparable IMO. One of the reasons I was looking at the concrete patio is because we already have a 10x20' patio back there, but its plain concrete- so I thought we could spruce it up and expand on it. I'm definitely leaning towards a deck, but just checking out my options, ya know?

Ahhh... great additional info. I had almost added in my first post that in my experience, having entertaining spaces that are about 50% deck and 50% patio is the ideal.

Especially in areas with the winter season, there are times in the spring where the sun is out and temps are tolerable, but the ground/patio is so darn cold it's uncomfortable to sit on a concrete patio. Also, times when patio lounging is best - think kids zooming around on plastic wheeled toys while moms and dads visit for example. In my previous home I had the patio table & chairs on the deck (for meals), and added chairs on the patio as needed for a chiminea (or firepit) or days when the patio was the space to be. A mix of these spaces is like having different "outdoor rooms" and adds to the experience during a large party as well.

Is the current layout such that you could keep the existing patio, perhaps adding a decorative border of stone or brick... But add an adjacent deck with access from the house and stairs down to the patio? Pics of what is there now might help "us" (Hello... Hello... Hello...) offer ideas on design. That is actually one of my favorite parts of being in the real estate business.

I'm headed to Chicago for the weekend, but maybe I'll scan in some photos of my previous homes deck/patio layout early next week???

[smmokan]

Here's a picture of what we have- this picture is about 2 yrs old though. To give you an idea of size, the patio is about 21' wide by 10' deep. The empty space to the right of it is another 14' to the right edge of the house. I think ideally I'd like a very low-profile deck, with a step-down to the right side of it.

We're not big fans of the existing patio (it was there when we bought the house), so we'd like to build the deck on top. On the left side, we'll probably extend the deck out a few more feet so its closer to 13-14' deep, and then keep the right side only 10' deep (hopefully that makes sense). No railings involved- no kids in our household- and we're probably making it so its one or two steps down to the ground.