5 Smart but Simple Ways to Recreate a Concrete Patio

The patio is an essential area in any home. It is a place to lounge and relax. A living space for enjoying the outdoors but still safely within the premises of your home. Here are some ideas on how you can smartly redesign the patio using what is already there as a starting point:

Enhance the Surface

A concrete patio is not necessarily the most appealing type of outdoor living space. Unless you are into the utilitarian and contemporary look of an unevenly gray surface, then it might be ideal to enhance the surface. If you like the surface and the slab is in pretty good condition, refinishing it with concrete stains will definitely yield luxurious results. If there is some damage you want to cover up, resurfacing it with a coating or overlay is highly recommended. Stamped overlay is a great way to acquire a decorative look that may range from cool patterns to nature mimicry.

Add Low Walls

Adding a low wall around the edge of the patio creates a subtle division that makes the patio a bit private but still connected. The walls can be a low picket fence, concrete, stones, or whatever would be most suitable.

 

Rethink Outdoor Lighting

If your patio already has lighting fixtures, consider changing them or transferring the fixtures to areas that make more sense. For example, add an uplight or spotlight to highlight a certain spot, such as a wall, a sculpture, or a wall decor. You may add a string of patio lights on trees for a bohemian effect.

 

Create Private Nooks

People love it when they have a nook they can cozy into and get a sense of privacy. If you can afford it, a pergola framing the patio would definitely be a cool enclosure. But if you want something simpler but still highly effective, draping a fabric over one area, like a cabana, will do the trick.

 

Change or Rotate the Potted Plants

Simply rethinking the placement of plants can significantly alter the look of a patio. For example, transfer the flowering plants from the steps going to and from the patio to the edge of the patio where the chairs are. If you are tired of the plants that you see around the patio, exchange them with those at the front porch or anywhere else that you have plants.

The post 5 Smart but Simple Ways to Recreate a Concrete Patio appeared first on Stamped Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.stampedconcreteartisans.com/5-simple-ways-to-recreate-a-concrete-patio/

Top Repair Options for Concrete Pool Decks

Imagine immaculate waters on a well-built pool surrounded by a damaged pool deck. Regardless of how beautiful your pool is, the concrete pool deck around it will always have a significant impact on its overall look. This is the main reason why it must be in good working condition at all times. Not only will the damage be an eyesore, it could also pose possible dangers for people using the swimming pool. If you think it is time for a pool deck repair, it would be wise to have a professional have a look to help determine the appropriate repair needed.

[See image gallery at www.stampedconcreteartisans.com]

Pool Deck Refinishing

A refinish could either be a pool deck coating touch-up or a color reapplication. Most concrete sealers have a life span of around 2 to 3 years. However, there are factors that could speed this up, such as prolonged sun exposure, weathering, or exposure to chemicals that are used in or around the pool. It is, however, important to note that a new sealer application must be thin enough to prevent a cloudy or hazy look when it dries.

A recoloring is often done to revive the vibrancy of the concrete’s color. Although resealing could rejuvenate the color, some surfaces require a new layer of concrete stain to be reapplied to make it look brand new again.

Pool Deck Resurfacing

A resurface is a more comprehensive repair because the entire surface will be replaced through an overlay installation or micro topping process. However, before a new surface layer can be applied onto swimming pool decks, the old concrete must first be prepared.

• Stamping

  Stamped concrete and overlay is a popular method of enhancing and improving concrete pool decks. The patterns can mimic brick, stone, and tile realistically. The imprinted patterns also provide a textured surface that is highly slip-resistant.

• Epoxy Filler

  A highly recommended repair product for concrete cracks and pits, epoxy filler is a two-part material that is designed to fill gaps on almost any type of material. It has a high psi strength that makes it ideal for flooring surfaces. Cracks are first filled with this before a resurface process can be begun.

• Concrete Engraving

  When cracks on the deck become too large for filling, the most common solution is concrete engraving or scoring. This is a method which involves sawing or cutting through the existing concrete to create custom scorelines along major cracks. Not only do these mask the damage, but it also gives room for the concrete slabs to move as Mother Nature would dictate it to. This may not be a resurfacing method where a fresh layer concrete is applied on top, but it does give the old concrete a fresh, new look.

The post Top Repair Options for Concrete Pool Decks appeared first on Stamped Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.stampedconcreteartisans.com/top-repair-options-concrete-pool-decks/