Add Value to Your Home With a Concrete Patio

A concrete patio is a great addition to your home that increases your outdoor living space. It is durable, affordable and adaptable to changing weather conditions. It also adds value to your home during resale.

Costs vary based on design preferences, size and other factors. To reduce costs, it’s best to call ahead for a quote before starting your project.

Stamped Concrete

Concrete can be stamped to look like pavers, stone, tile or other materials that add elegance and appeal to your patio. Concrete is also much less expensive than these other options and will last a long time with regular maintenance that includes sweeping and washing to remove dirt.

A contractor can use polyurethane stamps to create a unique look for your patio. These plastic stamps come in various sizes and patterns, including those that mimic the look of stone or other natural materials. They are applied to a concrete slab while it is still wet. Before you can remove the stamps, it is important to note that the concrete must dry completely for proper consistency.

Choose a color for your concrete patio that will complement the surrounding landscape or your home’s exterior architecture. Brickform offers many color options that can blend well with stone, tile and textured existing concrete. This backyard patio features the Bushed Stone pattern in field colors of Lorenzo Travertine (LC) and Smokey Brown (CH) with border colors of Bark Brown (RA). This color combination adds sophistication to this outdoor living space.

Colored Concrete

Concrete can come in a variety of colors, and stained or dyed concrete is an option that allows you to customize your patio to match your home or garden. Stains are available in a wide range of shades, from earth tones to vivid hues, and can be tinted to achieve a desired look.

Integrally colored concrete is a cost-efficient choice because the color goes all the way through the concrete and can’t wear down or chip. It’s also durable and able to resist hot tires and harsh chemicals.

For an elegant stone look, choose a stamped concrete design like this Ashlar Cut Slate stamped concrete pattern with field colors of Cappuccino (CH) and Buckskin (CH) with Medium Gray (RA). If you prefer a more natural textured appearance, try this Travertine stamped concrete design that mimics the fibrous limestone found in Tivoli, Italy.

Water Features

Concrete patios provide a solid, durable surface with an easy-to-care for finish. They are also relatively inexpensive to install compared with other materials like natural stone, brick or pavers.

The downside of a concrete patio is the potential for cracks to form. Changing temperatures can cause water to expand, which creates pressure that can break the cement. Concrete patios can be reinforced with concrete reinforcing fibers to prevent cracking and extend the life of the material.

Regular maintenance is necessary to protect the concrete from stains, weeds and other elements that can damage it. A concrete patio needs to be swept and hosed down regularly to maintain its clean appearance. Concrete also requires a sealant application every year to keep it protected from water and weather.

Outdoor Furniture and Decor

A concrete patio offers a neutral background for a wide range of outdoor decor. Add a wood table and chairs for a rustic touch, or dress up a contemporary space with sleek metal furniture. Hang cafe lights from a pergola ceiling to illuminate the space for dining and lounge seating.

Concrete pavers that resemble bricks can complement a traditional home’s exterior brick elements. Choose from large pavers stamped and dyed to resemble multiple bricks or smaller individual concrete brick-shaped pavers for a more personalized look.

If you love the idea of an outdoor rug but don’t want to deal with stains or tripping hazards, paint your concrete patio to look like one instead. This DIY project is relatively simple and provides a big design impact. For a fun twist on this concept, try painting your concrete patio in chevron stripes. The striped pattern helps break up the monotony of a solid color and coordinates with modern outdoor sofas, dining chairs and other seating.

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