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How to Make over a Drab Concrete Patio
Easy and Inexpensive Solutions for
Restoring a Concrete Patio
By: Mark J. Donovan
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Patios, like decks, extend the living space of your
home to the outside. Concrete patios are great for hosting backyard
barbeques and for just relaxing and soaking in the afternoon sun while
reading a book. A drab concrete patio, however, can be a bit
uninviting or possibly even unsafe to use if it has deep cracks in it
or broken tiles crumbling on top of it. If your patio is in disrepair
there are a number of solutions at your disposal today to make over a
drab concrete patio. Some are inexpensive while others can cost a
substantial sum of money.
No matter what solution you choose, however, refurbishing your
concrete patio is well worth the investment as potential home buyers
always love to see an inviting outdoor entertainment space. |
The cost of making over a concrete patio depends upon the state of it. If
it has a dull finish or a few hairline cracks, then you may be able to get away
with an inexpensive makeover. If it simply has a dull finish then you can
possibly stain the surface of the concrete to give it some color. You can even
include stenciled patterns in the staining process to add some unique character
to the patio. Alternatively you can apply a colored textured surface to it to
provide both color and depth. Applying a textured surface coating also hides the
hairline cracks and creates a non-slip surface, which is particularly ideal for
concrete pool patio areas.
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Another way to make over a drab concrete patio with only
simple surface cracks is to apply a layer of tile or stone over it.
Porcelain or stone tiles are available in a plethora of colors, styles,
shapes, sizes and textures to give you a wide variety of patio resurfacing
design ideas. Do not, however, apply porcelain or stone tiles over a deeply
cracked concrete patio. Besides being an uneven surface area, a deeply
cracked patio will ultimately crack further leading to both loosened and
broken tiles. Also, if you do decide on applying tiles or stones over the
existing patio make sure that the types of tile and stone you choose are not
susceptible to high water absorption. |
High moisture
absorbing tiles and stones will eventually crack when temperatures drop below
freezing. Also, you may need to seal the particular tiles or stone you select to
help mitigate water absorption.
One other solution to making over a drab concrete patio is to use modular wood
or ceramic tile squares. Though these products are somewhat expensive, they
provide a great way to refurbish a patio surface both in design and durability.
The squares, or modules, are typically 1’x1’ square and include a unique
interlocking plastic backing for the wood decking material or tiles to rest on.
Due to their design structure they effectively can float over the existing
concrete patio making them more resilient to future minor shifting and cracking
of the concrete patio. Also, because of the simple design structure with built
in interlocking tabs they can easily be installed by the do it yourself
homeowner. There is no site preparation, mortar, or adhesives required to
install them. In one afternoon you can completely make over your patio with
these tile squares. Also, because of their unique design, they allow water to
easily pass through and under them so there is no concern for mildew and
freezing issues. You can also mix and match between the wood decking and tile
modules to create all types of unique patio designs. In addition, they come in a
variety of wood and tile materials that are particularly suited for outdoor use.
So instead of looking out regrettably at your old and worn out concrete patio
this weekend, spend a few dollars and an afternoon breathing new life into it
with one of these solutions. Not only will you be able to enjoy your patio
again, you’ll also take some comfort in knowing that you made yet another step
in improving the value of your home.
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