Smooth, Broomed or Exposed Aggregate
Before you even start to plan out a new concrete patio, you have to decide what type of finish you want on the concrete. And what color you would like it to be. Companies are getting better at carrying a lot more colors for you to choose from and the extra cost isn't all that much. The other important consideration is what you are going to use as re-inforcement, we use to use steel called re-bar so that it wouldn't crack. Know there is fiber that is poured into the mix as it is being turned in the drum of the cement mixer. Cost is a probably close to the same but it makes a nicer and quicker job.
You will notice I didn't say cement patio, that is because cement is only a product in the mix that makes concrete, the rest is sand and gravel of various sizes.
Back to concrete finishes: Exposed concrete is very nice looking but hard on the feet. It is also more expensive because of the size of round rock in it which after being sprayed with a chemical produces the exposed look. These small rocks usually about 3/8 of an inch in diameter will pop out over time which makes it even rougher to walk on in bare feet. The small holes or indents cannot be fixed. The exposed area also needs a water sealer coated on every one to two years. A little more work than you may want.
Please note: If it is at all possible you should drive out to the concrete plant where you are buying it from to see the piles of rock they use. If there is too much wood in it, it will cause you endless grief in about 2 years. If the wood splinters are large enough, say 4 inches ling by 1/2 inch thick they will work there way up through the concrete or decay and leave a hole inside. Over time this will gather moisture and then crack.
A smooth finish of regular concrete is the norm. It is easy to do and looks good. The only draw back here is when it gets wet it can be slippery. If you are using it as a sidewalk I would recommend that you use a finsish that is called brooming. When the concrete is almost set, after it is screeted and troweled for the last time, you take a heavy broom and lightly run over the surface to create a rougher surface. This will elimate anybody from slipping on it, but it is rough on the feet.
Dont' forget to add the cut marks when you are almost finsihed, this will stop any cracks from spreading farther than they should.
Concrete is ready to walk on by the next day, for driveways you should not drive a vehicle on it for at least a week or preferably two and no heavy trucks for at least a month until it is cured. If you are pouring on a very hot and dry day when the cement starts to set and there is no water left coming to the surface you will need to sprinkle it with a garden hose every few hours so that it doesn't dry too fast and then crack.
