20 Jul

Popular Concrete Patio Ideas

Popular Concrete Patio IdeasPopular Concrete Patio Ideas

The days of a concrete patio being nothing more than a dull gray slab are over. Modern concrete patios come in a variety of textures, colors, and finishes. It is now possible to turn your concrete patio ideas into stylish looks with maximum functionality. Here in Seattle, outdoor patios can look great while still standing up to freezing temps, heavy rain, and wild temperature fluctuations. Check out all the options to turn your concrete patio ideas from drab to fab:

  • Stamping

Stamping is a texturing technique that gives concrete the appearance of stone, brick, tile, or wood. Precise lines are imprinted into the concrete’s surface and then the stain is added to contrast against the color of the raised concrete surface. Raised concrete can be stained in a variety of colors to achieve the desired look. Stamping is often combined with other finishing techniques.

  • Stenciling

If you want a very intricate design in your concrete patio idea, or want the appearance of stamping without the texture, stenciling is a great option. Used with stain or paint, concrete stencils make simple work of what would be an incredibly time-consuming project by hand. Concrete stencils come in a variety of shapes and patterns and can be reused many times. Stenciling is possible on finished concrete, making it a great option for existing patios.

  • Staining

Give your patio a customized color, or even combinations of colors, with concrete stain! Staining gives concrete a three-dimensional feel as the color seeps into every pore and hole in the surface. No two surfaces will be exactly alike and the color possibilities are only limited by your imagination. You can combine stains with other finishing techniques for maximum impact.

  • Polishing

Get a high-gloss finish that never requires waxing with polished concrete. Special grinding equipment creates a luxurious finish to create a more sophisticated patio setup. Adding color makes for an even more refined look!

  • Broom Finish

If you need a quick and affordable textured surface on your concrete patio, the broom finish is for you. One of the oldest concrete finishing methods, the broom finish adds skid resistance to the surface with minimal effort. This finish is perfect for sidewalks, driveways, and around pools too! You can customize the look by choosing whatever broom you like, as different broom bristles create different effects. However, this finish can be rough on bare feet and requires regular pressure washing to keep grit and grime out of the grooves.

  • Exposed Aggregate

If you have a high-end, totally customized, hand-designed concrete patio idea, you should consider exposed aggregate. Natural stones and sometimes, even seashells are used to create a beautiful, authentic texture on the surface. Several methods are able to achieve this finish, depending on the size and complexity of the project. The addition of larger  materials in this type of concrete makes it more stable. Exposed aggregate stands up to harsh weather well and with proper care, can last a lifetime!

  • Float and Trowel Finishes

Using a float and trowel technique to complete your concrete patio can provide a traditional, smooth finish many people associate with concrete. However, experts trained in this technique can add more of an artistic flair, if desired. Swirls and arcs can be drawn into the concrete’s surface to achieve a different texture or style. Certain trowel materials yield different results as well. If done correctly, float and trowel techniques can give the most elegant appearance of all the concrete finishes.

  • Epoxy Coating

Take your concrete patio idea one step further with a highly customizable epoxy coating with color. Besides standing up to heavy traffic, epoxy-coated concrete comes in an array of colors, textures, and styles. Try a no-skid epoxy coating around pools and hot tubs, or an epoxy that mimics a stone look around your outdoor fireplace. Maintenance of epoxy coatings is easier than other finishes , and epoxy can be combined with different techniques for an even more custom look. 

The experts at Jireh Asphalt & Concrete can install or refinish your concrete patio with the latest designs and techniques. Our team will work with you to take your concrete patio idea and create a design plan that fits your budget and checks off all your must-haves. Call us at (425) 678-3632 for a free estimate and see how affordable it is to revitalize your outdoor space with a custom concrete patio your entire family will love.