Bud LaVigne Project

rescheduled in Kalama, WA

James Hurula Construction has completed a new exposed aggregate concrete patio for a homeowner looking to make the most of their rear yard space. The project called for a generously sized, irregularly shaped patio tucked downhill from the house — a feature designed to blend naturally into the landscape while providing a durable, attractive outdoor living area. The craftsmanship and care that define this team's approach were evident every step of the way.

Scope of Work

James Hurula Construction will construct an exposed aggregate concrete patio in the rear yard, downhill from the house. The patio is irregular in shape and covers approximately 564 square feet. Work will begin with access to the rear yard using a skid steer down the existing grade. Sod and topsoil will be stripped from the full patio footprint, and spoils will be pushed over the bank edge on site as described. The subgrade will be shaped and graded so the finished patio drains away from the house.

After the subgrade is prepared, crushed gravel will be hauled in and placed across the full footprint at approximately three to four inches of compacted base. The base will be spread, graded, and compacted to provide a stable working platform for the new concrete. Forms will then be set, staked, and adjusted to the finished layout and elevations.

The concrete work will include excavation and forming for approximately thirty-three linear feet of twelve-inch thickened edge. Reinforcement will be installed throughout the patio area using rebar placed on an approximately twenty-four-inch grid, tied at intersections and chaired to proper height prior to placement. Concrete will be placed by line pump and poured monolithically with the thickened edge.

Once placed, the concrete will be screeded, floated, and finished for an exposed aggregate surface. Surface retarder will be applied, and the concrete will then be washed to expose the aggregate to a consistent depth across the patio. Control joints will be hand cut in appropriate locations to help manage normal shrinkage cracking while maintaining a clean finished appearance.

After the concrete has cured sufficiently, forms will be stripped and the exposed aggregate surfaces will be cleaned and sealed with a clear sealer. The work area will be left in a broom-clean condition, with construction debris from the concrete work removed from the immediate patio area. Final close-out will include a walkthrough of the completed patio surface and confirmation that the work has been completed according to the described scope.

Project Gallery

From a solid compacted base and carefully placed reinforcement to a beautifully washed and sealed exposed aggregate finish, James Hurula Construction brought the same attention to detail their customers have come to expect. This patio was built to last and to be enjoyed for years to come.

About the contractor

James Hurula Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor (JAMESHC764LM) based in Kalama, serving Longview, Kelso, Castle Rock, Kalama, Woodland, Cathlamet, Vancouver, Battle Ground and Ridgefield. Thirty years of field experience, owner on site. Electrical and plumbing go to licensed trades. The carpentry is mine.

Phone: (360) 431-9382. Address: 200 Confer Rd, Kalama, WA 98625. Free project sketch.