If you have a concrete patio that’s looking a bit dated and worn, then it’s time for an extreme makeover. Thankfully, it can be relatively easy to achieve a whole new look in your outdoor living space. From resurfacing to trying a new color to bringing in an interesting texture, you can turn your plain patio into a stunning space. Maybe you want to look at transforming your patio using fibreglass with the help of a service like Fibreglass Mouldings, giving your patio a completely new look.
Here are some things you can do to transform your concrete patio with ease.
Color
If you have a plain gray slab, the quickest and easiest way to add new life is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Although you certainly can hire someone to do the job, this is an easy project you can do yourself. If you do it right, your paint job will last for many years.
Begin by thoroughly cleaning your patio with water and a mild detergent. Use a long-handled scrub brush or even a broom to get rid of stuck-on dirt and debris. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely. Once it’s dry use a shop-vac or broom to remove any leftover dirt.
Using a high-quality exterior paint and a long-handled paint roller, paint your surface. The more coats you apply, the more resistant your painted patio will be to chipping and peeling. The most important thing when painting your patio is to give it enough time to dry – check your paint label for guidelines.
The final step is applying a clear sealer, which will help protect your surface and prolong its life. Clean your patio with a damp mop or cloth and allow to dry before beginning. Use a paint roller to apply the clear sealer; the more coats, the better. Allow about one to two hours of drying time before coats.
Resurfacing
For a quick and easy new look, consider resurfacing your existing concrete patio. In this process, the patio is covered with a cement-like overlay, which provides a whole new look with the added bonus of covering up any imperfections. After your patio is resurfaced, you can even add visual elements such as stencils or engraving to really get a one-of-a-kind look.
After a thorough cleaning and crack repair, the overlay is sprayed or spread over your patio’s surface. The final result can be either smooth or textured in appearance. In addition, you have the option of using stamps or stencils to get the look of stone, brick or cobblestone at a fraction of the cost. The final result is almost limitless.
Pattern and Texture
If it’s time for a whole new patio, you have so many more options than just a plain gray slab. Consider installing borders either around the edges of your patio or to section off different areas. Embedded veneers and accent pieces can really make sections of your patio pop. Consider such popular options as a grapevine border, fleur-de-lis or bar-tile trim.
Another option is to use concrete patio pavers instead of pouring a fresh slab. Pavers lock together to form a variety of patterns in many different colors. They are quick and easy to install, although they can be pricy. Also, they tend to shift a bit over time and grass can grow between them, so give it lots of thought.
If your existing patio is in good shape, consider having it engraved. Various patterns can be permanently etched into your concrete surface, and they will never fade away. You can stain the concrete prior to engraving it; the engraved area will then look like grout lines. This is a stunning and inexpensive way (as opposed to using real stone or tile) to get a whole new look.
As you can see, there are many options for giving your patio a makeover. Consider what shape your patio is in and your budget to come up with a whole new outdoor living space.
BIO: James works for a construction company and blogs in his free time at Homey Improvements. He also enjoys hiking, photography, and buying new gadgets. Follow him on Twitter @DIYfolks.