If you want it to look like tile, I would say the diamonds/squares shouldn't be any larger than 24 inches per side. I like the diagonal layout.

I don't expect that this is what you want to hear, but I would leave it smooth. You can add interest with pots and furniture. The grooves of the lines will just catch debris and really won't make it look like large tiles to be honest. We have a lower concrete patio that is partially under our deck and I plan to eventually have flagstone put over it since it is in perfect condition. Looks fine as it is when I have the pots, chairs, etc. out there.

No, not wanting it to look like "tiles"....only that they're square and have a line (like grout).

I stared at it today and it's just soooo boring being all solid surface. I would love to have flagstone, but that's such a large area that I don't think we'd ever do it.

Thanks,

Are you talking about expansion joints Tracey?
If you are, the only thing I can offer is this picture of the end of our pool. It's the reverse curve to yours, but I would handle it similarly, like a starburst style.
If it's plain concrete, I don't think I would try to make it look like oversize pavers. I think you might be disappointed with the look. I would keep them long.
I really like the shape you chose!
{{!gwi}}

Yes, Elsa--similar to what you did. Expansion joints, thank you. They knew we wanted to "design" it, so that's why right now, it's just solid, smooth concrete. It looks like you used triangle instead of square shape, or is that just at the peak (starburst)?

Is it gray? I think adding diagonal "tiles" will do little to enhance it if it's gray. Our patio is pretty large 20 x 20 covered, plus a kitchen area and uncovered of about 10 x 20. We decided to stain it. In the future I will probably add an outdoor area rug. Love flagstone, but it's $25/sq foot installed. We spulged on the front patio but couldn't justify the back. Staining is $3/square feet.

The staining was done today, I can post pics tommorrow if yoiu'd like.

I'd love to see photos of your stained patio. I would like that eventually. I saw a nice DIYer one time in So. Living magazine that I'd like to replicate.

I think you could call mine a Scalene triangle pattern. Our pool builders were sticklers about lots of rebar and lots of expansion joints. I think they used a little artistic license since they had to go all around the pool. A plain star-burst would have been nice but it wasn't sufficient in his opinion.
I'm not an artist but taking another look at your sketch, I think the diagonals look pretty good, but not 4 x 4's, that's too small. I'd go twice that size if you can (ask them if it's sufficient to prevent cracking). BTW is there anyway you can dissect the posts? That might give you a cleaner look. Try it on your drawing. You could cover the bottom of each post with a base cap which would hide the "mechanics" or raw edges.

I hesitate to say this, but guess I'll ask anyway...
Why didn't you have the expansion joints (lines) put in at the time the patio was poured? We've had 3 patios poured, and that's when it was done each time. That way the joints are smooth, and it's soooo much easier than adding them afterward. I'm amazed your concrete contractor didn't ask or mention this. They're added not just to break up the visual expanse, but also because they help you to not get cracks in the patio.

However...you are dealing with what you have now, so moving forward from this point. I think you might consider cutting a border around the perimeter of the patio--maybe 6"--just to kind of finish the edge off if they can cut in a curve anyway. Then have your lines for your squares in from that. Did you try 45 degree lines out from the house so that there would be more symmetry where it meets the house?

The patio shape you have is really lovely. I think your diagonal squares will add nice interest. We did a dark rust stain on the edge trim of ours and a charcoal/rust mix for the interior squares of our patio and have been happy with that combo, but after 3 years, it needs a touch-up in places. Ours was a DIY stain, so a professional job might be last longer. Good luck on your project!

PS--I agree with your DH on the smaller size.

Thanks, sujafr--I like the idea of a border, but I'm sure that's adding even more expense? I'm going to ask, though, because I'm sure it'd look even nicer.

I don't know why they didn't add (any) expansion joints when pouring, but I do know that they are often added afterwards.

Thanks for the idea of dressing up the bases of the posts--I'm sure hubby will do it anyway since he loves "columns". I was wanting bases made of stone, myself.

Tracey, I think the seven by seven would be efficient for expansion seams. See what your contractor says though. I definitely like the diagonal with the curves. It'll look great. I can't wait until you move in so you can share photos!