Outdoor living is a more popular trend than ever, and patios are a big part of that. Data tabulated by the National Association of Home Builders shows that patios are steadily replacing decks in new home construction; the number of new homes being built with patios has increased six years in a row.
Whether you’re building from scratch or would like to add a patio to your existing home, concrete patios are durable and budget-friendly options. The versatility of concrete means you can have a beautiful outdoor space that complements your home’s style and meets all your lifestyle needs.
The Versatility of Concrete
Concrete is like clay in the hands of a sculptor. It can be shaped into curves or finished with a razor-straight edge. Concrete can look modern, rustic, and traditional, and it can mimic other materials like tiles or wood planks. There’s more to concrete than the plain gray, utilitarian slabs that are common in sidewalks and older driveways.
Decorative concrete opens a whole new world of texture, color, and high-end design without the accompanying high-end cost. The team members at Viking Concrete are true concrete artisans. Using stamps, color, and creative finishes, we can give you a unique, low-maintenance outdoor living surface that you’ll enjoy for decades to come.
Stamped Concrete
Stamping can be employed to upgrade an existing concrete patio or to create a new one. Design stamps are pressed into wet concrete to make textures and patterns that look like more expensive materials, such as brick or tile.
After the concrete is poured, weighted mats are pressed into it to provide a patterned appearance. We offer an array of stamping patterns, including popular options like tile, pavers, cobblestone, and more. In addition to the aesthetic appeal, stamped concrete is easier and less expensive to maintain than the materials it mimics.
Broom Finish
Many concrete surfaces have a smooth, troweled finish. This texture is the most budget-friendly option for a concrete surface because it doesn’t require the extra steps of decorative concrete.
Broom-finished concrete creates a unique texture that’s both practical and visually interesting. A special type of broom is used to scrape shallow lines into still-wet concrete. The striations caused by brooming help produce a more slip-resistant surface that is just as durable as smooth concrete.
Colored Concrete
Adding color to your concrete patio is one more creative touch that will set your property apart. Concrete can be colored by staining, dying, or adding an integral color.
Each method offers advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered when planning your patio project. Combining color with other textural techniques allows for an almost endless array of patio designs.
Stain can be used with existing and new concrete slabs, making it the ideal choice for a patio makeover. Stains produce subtle tints of earthy colors, typically in shades of brown, tan, and terracotta.
UV-stable staining products penetrate the surface of concrete and resist fading. Because they are only semi-transparent, concrete stains won’t hide any flaws in an existing patio.
Concrete dyes produce vibrant colors that can be too strong for some homeowners. However, if you’re interested in a patio design with striking detail, dye could be the best choice. Dyes are not as long-lasting as stains and may require regular upkeep to continue looking fresh.
When color pigments are added to the concrete mix, it’s referred to as “integral color.” Integral colors are highly durable and do not fade. For subtle shades of blue, green, red, gray, or brown, integral colors are a great option.
Concrete Slab
A concrete slab may not seem like the most design-forward idea at first thought. However, slabs offer several creative possibilities. Simple square or rectangular slabs have a modern appeal. They can be configured to fit almost any landscape, allowing a homeowner to make the most of a small space.
Slabs aren’t limited to straight angles, either. Thanks to concrete’s versatility, our experts can pour almost any shape of slab, everything from a circle to a triangle and a freeform “amoeba.” We can also connect several sizes of smaller slabs to extend the patio space on an oddly shaped lot.
Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate concrete costs a bit more than standard concrete, but the stunning results are well worth the extra investment. Exposed aggregate concrete provides the same durability and low-maintenance qualities as traditional concrete but with an added layer of beauty.
Several types of materials can be used as “aggregate,” including:
Pebbles
Sand
Stones
Shells
Recycled glass
Depending on the material, the aggregate might be mixed into the concrete or seeded on the top. Mixing provides a uniform appearance, whereas seeding allows for a more dramatic look.
With both methods, the concrete is cured, and then one of our team members pressure washes the patio surface to reveal the aggregate’s beauty. After that, we apply a sealant to ensure the patio remains durable and easy to clean.
The Benefits of a Decorative Concrete Patio From Viking Concrete
Stamps, colors, textures, and dynamic shapes are adding to the popularity of concrete for a patio surface. Regardless of the design options you choose, concrete continues to offer a number of extremely valuable benefits, including the following:
Versatility
Durability
Few maintenance requirements
Damage resistance
Eco-friendliness
If there’s anything better than having a beautiful, multi-functional concrete patio, it’s having the pros at Viking Concrete build it for you. Viking Concrete provides comprehensive concrete services, including power washing, sidewalks, driveways, and repairs for all concrete services.
Our team members love what we do — and you can see this love in action by checking out the quality of our work. If you have a concrete patio project that needs seeing to, you should get in touch with Viking Concrete. We proudly serve the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, including commercial builders.
Whether you need to bring an old concrete patio back to life or build a new one to fit your life, call Viking Concrete today and schedule a free consultation.
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