
There are many ways to hide an ugly concrete patio, some more costly and time-consuming than others. One of the quickest and cheapest ways is to simply paint the concrete, either with concrete-coloured paint or a colour of your choice. You could also use concrete stain, which works like paint. If you're happy to spend a little more time and money, you could cover the concrete with decorative brick or concrete pavers, or even tiles. For a natural look, you could cover the concrete with turf or grass seed, or build a wooden deck on top of the existing patio.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Coverings | Rugs, tiles, pavers, wood, artificial turf, paint, raised garden beds |
Repairing | Power wash, concrete stain, concrete paint, resurface concrete |
Hiding | Planters, gravel, mulch, grass, moss, fence, lattice, rocks, stones, bricks, astroturf, concrete stain, concrete paint |
Use a rug
A rug is a great way to hide a concrete patio, especially if you're looking for a quick and easy solution. Here are some tips and considerations for using a rug to cover your concrete patio:
Choosing the Right Rug
When selecting a rug to hide your concrete patio, you have a variety of options in terms of size, colour, pattern, and material. First, consider the size of your patio and choose a rug that is proportional. You can opt for a single large rug to cover most of the space, or mix and match smaller rugs to create a unique layout. Colourful rugs can instantly brighten up the area and make it feel cozier, while also hiding any imperfections or stains on the concrete. If you want to add traction to a slippery concrete surface, choose a rug with a textured surface.
Rug Materials
The material you choose for your rug will impact the price, durability, and maintenance requirements. Polypropylene rugs are the most affordable option, while seagrass is on the higher end of the price spectrum. Other options include sisal and bamboo. Keep in mind that rugs require regular maintenance and cleaning. Shake off dirt or vacuum the surface weekly, and consider using a pressure washer to clean the rug seasonally to prevent stains. If you live in an area with a rainy season, remember to bring the rugs indoors to prevent moisture damage to your patio. Additionally, UV exposure from sunlight can cause fading over time, so you may need to replace the rugs every few years.
Advantages of Using a Rug
Using a rug to hide your concrete patio offers several benefits. Rugs are relatively inexpensive compared to other covering options, and they can be positioned and smoothed out in just a few minutes, making them ideal for a quick DIY project. They come in a wide range of colours, patterns, and materials, allowing you to find the perfect match for your patio design. Rugs can also add traction to a slippery concrete surface and completely cover up any stains or imperfections.
Disadvantages of Using a Rug
One of the main disadvantages of using a rug to hide your concrete patio is the maintenance required to keep it looking its best. Rugs need to be regularly cleaned and may need to be replaced due to fading or damage over time. Additionally, if your patio experiences heavy rainfall or moisture, the rug can trap moisture against the concrete, leading to issues such as mould, mildew, and concrete damage.
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Install pavers
If you're looking to improve the look of your old concrete patio, you can install pavers directly over it. This is a cost-effective way to transform your outdoor space without the hassle and expense of tearing out the underlying concrete.
Before you begin, check that your concrete patio is in good condition. The surface should be level, without large cracks or damage. If there is severe damage or deterioration, it might be better to remove the concrete and start again. You should also ensure that the concrete has a slight slope away from your house to prevent water from pooling. Drill small drainage holes if necessary.
Next, clean the concrete surface of any dirt, debris, and vegetation, and repair any minor cracks or damage to create a smooth base. You should also clean the edges of the patio where you will glue down the border pavers. Use a concrete cleaner and a stiff brush, then rinse and let the concrete dry.
Now you're ready to mark the locations of the borders with a tape measure and chalk line. Remember to leave a gap of at least 1/4 inch between the border pavers and the house. You can then glue down the border pavers using a strong adhesive. After setting each paver, run a bead of construction adhesive up the side to prevent sand from washing out between the pavers.
The next step is to lay down landscape fabric in the remaining space to keep the sand from washing down into expansion cracks in the concrete. You can then spread a thin layer of sand over the fabric. This will help to reduce moisture transfer and act as a base for the pavers.
Now you can lay the field pavers onto the sand. Sweep away any excess sand from the border area first, and lightly drop the pavers into place rather than sliding them. Finally, glue down the remaining border pavers.
Once the glue has dried, tamp the field pavers and sweep sand across the patio to fill the joints. Use a plate compactor to tamp the pavers into the sand, and add more sand if necessary. Finish by misting the patio with water and letting it dry for 24 hours before use.
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Paint the concrete
Painting your concrete patio is a great way to give it a truly custom look. Outdoor paints come in a variety of colours, and the possibilities for designs are endless. Whether you're feeling creative or not, painting your patio is a simple and budget-friendly DIY project. The hardest part is cleaning and preparing the surface.
To get started, you'll need to clean and prepare the concrete surface. This involves pressure washing the area to remove any dirt, grime, or debris. Once the surface is clean and dry, you can begin the painting process.
When selecting paint, opt for formulas designed for outdoor use, such as water-based acrylic paint or epoxy. The cost of paint can vary, with water-based acrylic paint starting at $20 per gallon and epoxy paint costing up to $70 per gallon. You will also need various supplies for the project, such as brushes, rollers, and trays, which can add around $150 to your total cost.
Before you begin painting, it's important to perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area to ensure the paint adheres well to the concrete and that you are happy with the colour and finish. Once you're satisfied with the test area, you can proceed with painting the entire patio.
When painting, work in small sections and use even strokes to ensure a consistent finish. Allow the paint to dry completely before walking on it or placing any furniture on the surface. To protect your painted patio and ensure its longevity, consider sealing it with a concrete sealer.
Keep in mind that painted concrete patios will require regular maintenance. Over time, the paint may chip or flake, and you may need to reapply paint to maintain the look and protect the surface. However, with proper care and maintenance, your painted concrete patio can be a beautiful and unique addition to your outdoor space.
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Install turf
If you want to install turf over your concrete patio, you can choose between artificial turf and natural turf.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf can be a great way to refresh an old concrete patio and brighten up your yard. It is safer than concrete, reducing the likelihood of slipping and the risk of injuries from falling. It is also versatile, low-maintenance, attractive, budget-friendly, and environmentally-friendly.
Before installing artificial turf, you should first assess whether your concrete is in suitable condition. The surface should be free of cracks, holes, uneven edges, stains, or debris. If necessary, use a self-levelling compound, concrete filler, or patches to smooth out the surface. You should also check the drainage of your concrete surface by soaking the concrete with a hose. If water pools anywhere, you will need to drill holes to improve drainage and prevent mould and mildew.
Once your concrete is prepared, you can start installing the turf. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Clean the concrete surface: Sweep, mop, vacuum, or power wash the concrete to remove any dirt, chemicals, grime, or mould. Then, wait at least 48 hours for the surface to dry.
- Prepare the turf: Unroll the turf and let it relax on a flat surface for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours if possible. This will help remove any creases from packaging.
- Cut the turf to size: Measure and cut the turf to fit the space, allowing for a little extra space for trimming and edging.
- Bond and seam the turf: Spread a layer of turf adhesive on the concrete, using a notched trowel held at a 45-degree angle. Lay the first section of turf on the adhesive and press it firmly into place. Apply adhesive to the next section, butt the second piece of turf against the first, and continue until the entire area is covered.
- Apply pressure to the turf: Place weights on the turf or roll it with a 40-75-pound roller to help the curing process. Allow at least 24 hours for the adhesive to set.
- Trim the edges: Use a utility knife to trim off any excess turf along the edges of the concrete.
- Spread infill: Infill adds weight to the turf, helps it to drain, and provides cushioning. Use a rake or power broom to brush the turf between each application of infill. Finally, water the turf to help settle the infill.
Natural Turf
While most sources focus on artificial turf, it is also possible to install natural turf over a concrete patio. However, this method is likely to be more complex and may require additional steps, such as installing a drainage system and a layer of soil.
One option for installing natural turf over concrete is to use turf strips, which can be cut to fit between concrete slabs or pavers. This method can add a subtle nuance of colour and texture to your patio, creating a sophisticated yet inviting look. Here is a general overview of the installation process:
- Adjust irrigation and remove soil: Cap any sprinkler heads in the area and remove soil to create a tough base and prevent weeds.
- Apply a road base and compact the turf base: Use a stamp compactor to compact the turf base, and consider using class II road base for a secure base.
- Unroll and cut the artificial grass: Let the grass lay in the sun for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with, then cut it into strips or desired shapes.
- Secure the artificial turf to the base: Ensure that the grass blades of each strip are facing the same direction, then use temporary spikes to hold them in place. Hammer non-galvanized nails every 2 inches along the perimeter to fully secure the turf.
- Apply artificial grass infill and brush: Apply a premium turf infill and use a stiff hand brush or power broom to distribute it evenly.
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Add a raised garden bed
Adding a raised garden bed is a great way to hide a concrete patio while creating a tranquil spot to relax. You can make this project as cheap or expensive as you like, depending on the size and material you choose.
Plastic raised beds are the most budget-friendly option, ranging from $30 to $100 each. Natural stone raised beds are the most costly, with prices starting at $100 and going up to $500 per bed. The larger the bed, the higher the price. For example, a 2'x2' plastic raised bed costs $30, while a 6'x5' natural stone bed can cost $400 or more.
Don't forget to factor in the cost of dirt to fill the beds, which will be $100 or more, depending on how many beds you install. If you're covering a 300-square-foot patio, you can expect to pay less than $500 for 10 2'x2' plastic raised beds.
Raised garden beds can completely cover your patio, transforming it into a high-yield garden. Alternatively, you can use them as corner accents to add a touch of greenery. Either way, the increased greenery will create a peaceful atmosphere for you to enjoy alone or with company.
Installing raised garden beds is a DIY-friendly project, and you could have everything up and running in one afternoon. However, the work doesn't end there. To keep your plants healthy, you'll need to regularly water, feed, and weed the beds. Be careful not to overwater, as this can damage the concrete underneath.
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