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Most standard concrete patios are around 4 inches deep. However, concrete patios that need to support very heavy items, like a hot tub or outdoor kitchen, should be around 6 inches thick to support the full weight of these items. You'll also want to make sure you install rebar for patios that need to support a lot of weight like this.

You can make a variety of stepping stone designs yourself, including concrete, wood, mosaic, and stone. Some home improvement centers and craft supply stores sell kits to make mosaic stepping stones for around $15. If you need more than one stone, the cost of these kits can add up quickly, but they make a great weekend project and add uniqueness to your garden.

In most cases, you will need a building permit for cement work on your property. You need a permit for any project that adds a permanent foundation on your property—which, in most cases, includes even a flat slab of concrete poured directly on the ground. Building permits for concrete projects usually cost between $100 and $500, although this can get higher for larger projects. You can always ask your cement company if a permit is necessary for your project, and the expert will typically pull the permit for you to save you time and energy.

You should have at least 4 to 6 inches of compactable base under your concrete slab. Your contractor may recommend more depending on the structure.