Pouring cement
 

I want to pour cement to create a back patio.

What steps do I need to do before I actually pour the cement?

Do I need to go over the soil with a steam roller or anything or pat it down or prep the soil at all before pouring it?

You need to dig out the sod and backfill the area with Gravel (I use c-6 or road mix) that packs very well. Make sure it's level and pack it down well. Best way is to rent a packer to get a good firm base. Then form it up and pour.

That is a very, very brief description. If you've never done it before it may pay you to find someone to help you that has experience pouring concrete. Once you start pouring you have a small window of time to get it screeded, troweled flat and finished. If all the preparations up to the point of actually pouring aren't right, you'll have a mess on your hands.

Hope this helps.