A concrete patio is one of the most hard-working spaces on your property. It doubles as an outdoor living room, a grilling station, a play zone for the kids, and a spot to unwind after a long day. In neighborhoods across Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Upland, Fontana, Claremont, Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, Eastvale, Corona, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Redlands, more homeowners are choosing concrete patios because they’re durable, customizable, and friendly to Southern California’s climate. The big question isn’t whether to pour concrete—it’s which finish is right for you. Below, we walk through the top five finishes we install most often—broom, trowel, exposed aggregate, stamped, and Top Cast—along with a side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
Why the Finish Matters
The finish is more than just looks. It affects how hot the surface feels in the sun, how slippery it is when wet, how much maintenance it needs, and how well it pairs with your landscaping. A well-chosen finish can make a compact backyard in Ontario feel larger, or tie together a pool, BBQ, and firepit in Corona so the whole yard feels like one continuous space.
1. Broom Finish – Practical, Affordable, and Family-Friendly
What it is: After the concrete is floated smooth, we drag a special broom across the surface to create fine, even lines. It’s the classic “sidewalk” look—simple, clean, and trusted.
Best for: Pool decks, play areas, rental properties, and homeowners who want something low-maintenance and budget-friendly. In sloped yards in Upland or San Bernardino, the extra traction is a big plus.
Pros:
– Great slip resistance, especially when kids are running around in wet swimsuits.
– Easy to hose off and keep clean.
– Works well with borders (for example, broom finish center with a stamped or smooth edge).
– Typically the most economical finish.
Things to know: It’s more about function than “wow factor.” If you’re aiming for a designer resort feel, you may want to add decorative bands, saw-cut patterns, or color to dress it up.
2. Smooth Trowel Finish – Modern, Minimal, and Clean Lines
What it is: The surface is troweled until it’s smooth and sleek. Think of a modern restaurant patio or a contemporary outdoor lounge.
Best for: Covered patios, outdoor dining rooms, and entertainment spaces in areas like Claremont, Chino Hills, or newer developments in Eastvale where the architecture leans modern.
Pros:
– Very clean, minimalist look that pairs well with steel, glass, and modern landscaping.
– Easier to keep furniture legs level and steady.
– Takes integral color or staining beautifully for a custom tone.
Things to know: A smooth finish can be more slippery when wet and may show minor imperfections more than textured finishes. Sealing and good drainage help. For homeowners who want to dig into the technical side of finishing, the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and programs like Cal Poly Pomona provide useful guidance on proper placement and finishing techniques.
3. Exposed Aggregate – Natural, Textured, and Packed with Character
What it is: We place the concrete, then wash away the thin top layer of cement paste to reveal the stone (aggregate) just beneath the surface. The result looks a bit like a natural stone carpet.
Best for: Patios in front and back yards that blend into drought-tolerant landscaping, especially in cities like Fontana, Riverside, and Redlands where homeowners want a natural, earthy look that still feels upscale.
Pros:
– Highly slip-resistant and forgiving—hides dirt and minor stains well.
– Every patio is unique depending on the aggregate color and size we choose.
– Works beautifully around pools, garden paths, and outdoor kitchens.
Things to know: Because of the texture, exposed aggregate can feel a bit rough on bare feet if heavily exposed. We can adjust the depth of exposure and choose smooth aggregates to dial in the comfort level. If you’re pairing this with water-wise planting design, the UC Agriculture & Natural Resources (UCANR) site has excellent resources on drought-friendly landscapes that work well with this finish.
4. Stamped Concrete – The “Wow” Factor Without the Stone Price Tag
What it is: While the concrete is still workable, we press textured mats into the surface to mimic the look of stone, brick, slate, wood planks, and more. Color hardeners and release powders add depth and variation so it doesn’t look flat or “painted.”
Best for: Resort-style backyards, pool decks, patio extensions, and outdoor kitchens across Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, and Corona where homeowners want a fully designed, magazine-style outdoor space.
Pros:
– Huge range of patterns and color schemes—from Italian cobblestone to flagstone to wood boardwalk looks.
– Offers the appearance of individual stone or pavers at a lower price point and with fewer joints to maintain.
– Can be combined with smooth or broom-finished borders for a custom design.
Things to know: Stamped concrete needs routine sealing to protect the color and maintain its appearance, especially under heavy sun in the Inland Empire. Sealing also improves stain resistance against spills from grills, firepits, and outdoor kitchens. For environmental and runoff considerations when using sealers and coloring products, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Department of Water Resources provide helpful guidance.
5. Top Cast Finish – Refined, Controlled, and Architecturally Stylish
What it is: Top Cast (or similar surface retarders) are applied to fresh concrete to delay the set of the thin top layer. Later, we wash that thin layer away to reveal aggregate in a very precise, controlled way—cleaner and more uniform than traditional exposed aggregate.
Best for: Custom homes and new builds in places like Eastvale, Chino Hills, or newer parts of Rancho Cucamonga where owners want something distinctive yet understated—often paired with modern stucco, black windows, and sleek landscape design.
Pros:
– Controlled, consistent texture that feels more refined underfoot than rough exposed aggregate.
– Great balance between slip resistance and comfort.
– Can be combined with bands of smooth or broom finish for a high-end architectural look.
Things to know: Because Top Cast and similar systems rely on precise timing and technique, they’re best installed by experienced crews. For safety and jobsite standards when working with concrete chemicals or surface treatments, visit OSHA for general concrete construction safety information.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Patio Finishes
Every yard and family is different, but this overview gives you a quick way to compare the five finishes we use most often in the Rancho Cucamonga area:
| Finish | Overall Look | Slip Resistance | Comfort on Bare Feet | Typical Cost Range* | Maintenance Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broom | Simple, functional, classic | High | Comfortable | Lowest | Low – occasional cleaning, optional sealing | Families, rental homes, pool decks, sloped yards |
| Smooth Trowel | Modern, minimal, clean | Moderate (lower when wet) | Very comfortable | Low to medium | Moderate – sealing recommended | Covered patios, dining areas, modern homes |
| Exposed Aggregate | Natural, stone-like, textured | High | Medium – can be adjusted by mix | Medium | Low to moderate – periodic sealing | Pool decks, garden patios, drought-tolerant landscapes |
| Stamped | Decorative, patterned, “stone” look | Medium to high (with textured patterns) | Comfortable | Medium to higher | Moderate – sealing and color care important | Entertainment spaces, resort-style backyards |
| Top Cast | Refined exposed look, very uniform | High | Comfortable – finer texture | Medium to higher | Moderate – sealing for appearance & protection | Custom homes, modern designs, statement patios |
*Cost ranges vary by size, access, site conditions, and design details; we provide project-specific estimates after a site visit.
Matching the Finish to Your Lifestyle
If you have small children or expect a lot of splashing around the pool, a broom or exposed aggregate finish offers great traction. If your backyard in Claremont or Chino Hills is more of a grown-up hangout with a fire pit and outdoor bar, a smooth trowel or Top Cast finish might match the look you’re going for. For clients who want guests to say “wow” the moment they walk through the gate, stamped concrete is often the go-to, especially when mixed with custom colors and borders.
Local Climate, Drainage, and Long-Term Performance
In the hot, dry Inland Empire climate—with occasional heavy rains—how we design the patio matters as much as which finish you choose. We plan slopes and drains to move water away from your home, help prevent puddling, and protect the slab over time. For regional guidance on stormwater and runoff, homeowners can browse information from agencies like the San Bernardino County Department of Public Works and the California Department of Water Resources. Good drainage plus the right finish equals a patio that looks good and functions well for decades.
How A&R Concrete & Hardscape Helps You Decide
Choosing between broom, trowel, exposed aggregate, stamped, and Top Cast doesn’t have to happen from behind a computer screen. When we visit your home in Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Upland, Fontana, Claremont, Pomona, Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, Eastvale, Corona, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Redlands, we look at the way the sun hits the yard, how you’ll use the space, and how the patio will connect to your pool, lawn, planting beds, and walkways. Then we walk you through real samples, photos from similar projects, and a clear estimate for each finish so you can weigh looks, performance, and budget side by side.
Ready to Upgrade Your Patio?
Whether you want a simple broom-finished patio for family barbecues or a fully customized stamped or Top Cast design that feels like a private resort, A&R Concrete & Hardscape can design and build it. Reach out to schedule a consultation with our patio contractors, and we’ll help you choose the finish that fits your home, your lifestyle, and the way you actually live outdoors in the Inland Empire.