We had a stamped Concrete patio put in for $8 sf. Simple pattern nothing fancy. They flattened out the foundation. set up the boards to create the form or the patio, laid down wire mesh and poured maybe 4" - 5" of concrete. This was don July 20th. It is now the 20th of July and we notices a crack in our new patio about a week ago. I am told that this happens and there isn't anything that can be done. I am going to thepeople to give me your opinion. I believe that rock or gravel should of been laid and it wasn't. Could this be the cause for the cracking? Should a new patio not even 1 mponth old crack? Need some advice here before I dispute the fees on my credit card. Also if it does crack what is the normal timeframe and "warranty" for having a company fix the cracks?

.....and if you live in an area of the country with a freeze/thaw cycle, expect the cracks to get significantly worse. For 40-50% less per sq.ft. you could have laid a paver patio which would have given you more longevity overall. Either way, a proper gravel base should have been set for drainage. That said, all concrete is prone to cracking for a variety of reasons - yes, even as early as 1 month. Let me guess, they left that part out when they sold you on it right? Again, expect the cracks to get worse without proper drainage.

I live in Colorado so yes we will freeze and thaw. We didn't even think about pavers, now I wish I had. i could of done that myself. The concrete does look nice though. I was just worried that it wasn't done properly w/ the rock bed laid first. So if anything I could have them come out and redo or offer some cash off since I should of had the rock. I figure that would be fair?

Doesn't hurt to try, but don't expect much aside from excuses.