A patio is a paved outdoor space where family and friends can gather, hang out, and relax. It is an important part of any house and we’re sure you want it to look as stunning as possible for your next get-together. Not only will that increase the appeal of your home, but it will also increase the value of the property itself. When it comes to a concrete patio surface, it is a more economical choice than natural stone, brick, or pavers. Decorative concrete is hugely popular because it encourages the restoration of existing concrete slabs instead of a complete replacement of your concrete slabs.
If you are interested in resurfacing your concrete patio, here are some possibilities you might want to consider. We also have a comprehensive guide to indoor and outdoor refinishing options for further reading.
Does Concrete Resurfacing Last?
Yes, It can last 8-15 years when it is properly resurfaced. Concrete Resurfacing is practical and affordable that extends the lifespan of your floor.
How Can I Make My Old Concrete Patio Look Better?
Concrete Resurfacing will improve the appearance of your patio. It will cover the existing flaws of your concrete such as the cracks, chipped, and removed ones. It is an inexpensive addition, yet you can turn your outdoor space into a cozy outdoor space.
Stamped Concrete Overlay
Stamped concrete overlay is probably one of the most popular concrete resurfacing options for patios nowadays. It is highly decorative and comes with several available patterns and designs to choose from. It can even mimic real stone, brick, and other more expensive paving materials. This overlay, although applied thinly, is extremely durable. The stamping can be done on the whole patio or just in chosen sections such as borders, and edges, or to highlight certain areas. Some popular patterns include:
- Ashlar
- Fractured Slate
- Flagstone
- European Fan
- Cobblestone
- Running Brick
- Basketweave
Stained Concrete
Concrete staining is one of the simplest yet stunning ways you could enhance a concrete patio. This can be applied directly on the patio’s surface, as long as there is no damage, or on an overlay or coating. Acid stains produce random effects and interesting shades of a chosen color that are caused by the stain’s chemical reaction with the concrete’s lime content. Water-based stains, on the other hand, create more uniform colors. This is highly recommended for designs that involve specific graphics or images, as water-based stains are capable of showing a larger variety of pigments.
Spray Knockdown Finish
This is an acrylic concrete coating that uses a spray system instead of the typical roller brush method. Think of a stucco drywall but on a concrete patio. The coating is loaded into a hopper gun, sprayed on the concrete surface, and then manually knocked down with a trowel. This creates a knockdown texture that looks stunning and is completely slip-resistant. Another interesting feature of this spray texture coating is that it maintains a cool temperature despite long exposure to sunlight, which is a helpful feature to have on a patio. It comes in a variety of colors, but it can also be further customized with concrete stains.
How Much Does It Cost To Resurface A Concrete Patio?
It ranges from $3-$25 per square foot. This depends on the condition of your original concrete patio.
How do you Resurface a Concrete Patio?
- Cleaning – power wash your concrete patio
- Repairing – fix cracks and holes in concrete with filler or sealer.
- Preparing – Grind your surface to smoothen
- Mix – blend overlay components, and add decorative color
- Applying – Spread the mixed component on your surface
- Sealing – add a coating to prevent from surface staining, damage, and corrosion.
- Waiting – Let your surface dry for 48-72 hours.
