If you live in Douglas County, you already know our weather does not play nice. We get hot, humid summers and freezing winters. That freeze-thaw cycle can wreck a patio fast. One season it looks great, the next you see cracks running across it like spider webs. It’s one of the biggest issues homeowners mention when they start looking into patio construction near Douglas County, because they want something that can actually handle Nebraska’s soil and temperature swings.
At ShurLawn & Landscape, we build patios that are made for Nebraska weather. We just installed a patio in Papillion last month, where the old slab had split in three places. The homeowner thought concrete was just “concrete.” The truth is, the material and the base under it make all the difference.
Let’s talk about what works best around here.
Why Do Patios Crack So Much in Douglas County?
Freeze and thaw cycles break weak surfaces.
When water gets under or inside a patio and then freezes, it expands. That pressure pushes up from below. Over time, that causes cracks.
Clay soil shifts more than you think
Douglas County has heavy clay soil. Clay holds water. When it gets wet, it swells. When it dries out, it shrinks. That movement can stress a patio and cause splitting.
Poor base preparation leads to early cracking. If the ground is not dug deep enough and packed tightly, the patio will move. We see this often when homeowners hire someone who skips steps.
Is Poured Concrete a Good Choice?
Poured concrete is common because it costs less upfront. But not all concrete patios are the same.
Standard concrete slabs
Basic concrete slabs can crack if they are too thin. A thin slab without enough control joints will split as the ground shifts.
We replaced a cracked slab in Ralston last fall. It was only three inches thick and had no proper expansion joints. After five winters, it gave out.
Reinforced concrete
Reinforced concrete with rebar or fiber holds together better. When we install concrete, we add steel reinforcement and proper spacing for control joints. This helps manage cracking.
Still, even strong concrete can crack over time in Nebraska. The key is that cracks stay small and controlled.
Are Pavers Better Than Concrete for Preventing Cracks?
In many cases, yes.
Interlocking concrete pavers
Interlocking pavers flex with the ground instead of cracking. Each paver is separate. If the soil shifts, the pavers move slightly instead of splitting in half.
We just completed a paver patio in Council Bluff,s where the old concrete had heaved badly. With pavers and a deep, compacted base, the surface now handles movement much better.
Easy repairs
Pavers are easier to fix if damage happens. If one paver chips or sinks, we can lift and reset it. With a slab, you often have to replace the whole section.
For Douglas County soil, pavers are often our top pick for long-term strength.
What About Stamped or Decorative Concrete?
Stamped concrete looks great. Many homeowners like the stone or wood patterns.
Stamped concrete still acts like regular concrete underneath. It can crack the same way if not installed correctly.
The difference comes down to:
- Proper excavation depth.
- Thick, compacted gravel base.
- Reinforcement inside the slab.
- Correct control joint placement.
We treat decorative concrete the same way we treat structural concrete. The look is fancy. The base is serious work.
Does the Base Matter More Than the Material?
Compacted gravel foundation
A deep, compacted gravel base supports the patio from below. We dig down far enough to remove soft soil. Then we add layers of gravel and compact each layer tightly.
Proper drainage
Good drainage keeps water from sitting under the patio. We grade patios so water flows away from your home. In some yards, we add drain tile or adjust the slope.
In Gretna, we recently rebuilt a patio where water used to pool near the house. After fixing the grade and installing a strong base, the new surface stays dry and stable.
The material on top matters. The work underneath matters even more.
Are Natural Stone Patios a Smart Option?
Natural stone can be strong and long-lasting.
Thicker natural stone handles freeze and thaw better than thin stone. When installed over a solid base with the right joint material, it performs well in our climate.
Stone costs more upfront. But many homeowners like the timeless look and durability.
We recommend stone for homeowners who want a custom feel and plan to stay in their home long term.
What Do We Recommend Most in Douglas County?
After decades of building patios here, we lean toward:
Interlocking concrete pavers for flexibility and easier repairs.
Reinforced concrete with proper joints for clean, simple spaces.
Natural stone for high-end, long-term durability.
Every yard is different. Soil, drainage, sun exposure, and budget all matter. That’s why we walk each property before making a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Patio Construction
Do all concrete patios crack in Nebraska?
Yes. Almost all concrete will crack at some point. The goal is to control where and how it cracks so it stays small and manageable.
Are pavers more expensive than concrete?
Yes. Pavers usually cost more upfront. But they can cost less over time because repairs are easier and sections can be reset instead of replaced.
Can a patio be built to handle clay soil?
Yes. With deep excavation, strong compaction, and the right material, patios can perform well even on heavy clay soil.
Ready for a Patio That Handles Nebraska Weather?
A patio should not crack after just a few winters. With the right material and solid groundwork, it can stay strong for many years.
At ShurLawn & Landscape, we build patios made for Douglas County weather. We just finished projects in Papillion and Council Bluffs using pavers and reinforced concrete built on deep, compacted bases. That is how we do it.
If your current patio is cracking or you’re planning a new one, let’s talk. Call ShurLawn & Landscape today at 402-572-0710 for a consultation. We’ll look at your soil, your drainage, and your space, and build it the right way from the ground up.
