Three Design Ideas To Turn A Tired Concrete Patio Into A Work Of Art
A plain concrete patio or sidewalk is boring and does little to improve the value of your home. There are numerous new design ideas that take a boring gray concrete surface and turn them into works of art that are aesthetically pleasing. An upgraded outdoor living area that has a designer concrete surface will also greatly improve the value of your house if you ever decide to sell and move on. The following three design tips take a boring old concrete surface and turn it into a beautiful place to spend time with family and friends.
Tinted Concrete
Many homeowners opt for concrete surfaces for outdoor spaces due to the low cost and durability of concrete. However, you don't have to settle for plain gray concrete. Concrete can be tinted before it is poured. You can opt for shades of amber, red, tan, brown and even blue. These tints add a touch of flair to your concrete, and can also complement the colors of your home and landscaping elements to tie everything together. A simple tint added to concrete can improve the value of your home for very little upfront investment.
Stained Concrete
A concrete patio doesn't have to be the typical, tired and dated plain gray concrete. There are several types of stains that can be used on concrete to add a touch of class and make a boring outdoor space into a place where you look forward to spending time. Concrete stains range from colors that can be mixed into the concrete before the patio is poured. You can also purchase stains that can be applied after the concrete is cured, to change the color to anything from blue to red. Several designers have also developed techniques that allow concrete patios to be stained to look like hardwood floors covered in a highly glossy polish.
Stamped Concrete
A flat, lackluster concrete surface does nothing to draw the eye. In addition, concrete can crack and become discolored in some climates, which will detract attention in the wrong way. Concrete stamping techniques allow you to add stamped designs to your concrete when it is poured or after it is cured. You can have elaborate designs stamped into your concrete, and then later add color variations to add more dimension if you wish. Concrete can also be stamped to make it look like tile, bricks, stones or hardwood planks. The design opportunities are limitless and can increase the value of your home greatly. Contact a business, such as Hi-Grade Materials Co, for more information.