Old concrete patios can be extreme eyesores. Although concrete patios are functional, if a space doesn’t visually invite you it is unlikely you will ant to spend time there. Replacing your old concrete patio doesn’t have to mean renting a jackhammer and dumpster, if it’s in good condition there are several attractive options for resurfacing.
Snap Together Deck Tiles
Snap on deck tiles are a relatively new and very innovative solution. Handy Deck, a manufacturer of snap together deck tiles, refers to their product as “deck in a box”, and this couldn’t be more true. While composite wood is the most popular option for snap together deck tiles, the range of materials is extensive and growing. Handy Deck offers porcelain deck tiles, granite deck tiles, and slate deck tiles, allowing you to achieve a unique and custom look with ease. Handy Deck wood tiles are made out of Ipe Wood, an extremely durable brazilian hardwood, and Bangkirai wood from Indonesia. Both are naturally insect and rot resistant which makes them an excellent chemical free alternative to traditional pressure treated decking. Wood tiles should be sealed immediately after installation to prevent weathering, while porcelain and stone tiles can become very slippery when wet. When budgeting your project be sure to keep in mind that while the material cost can be high for deck tiles, this is a project even the most un-handy of homeowners can complete by themselves in an afternoon, saving you hundreds or more on labor costs.
New Concrete
If your old concrete slab has only minor cracks in it then recovering with concrete is an option. While you may hate the look of the current slab, it doesn’t mean you should rule out more concrete. Stamped concrete patios are beautiful and extremely customizable with dyes and patterns. Stamped concrete can mimic the look of pavers, bricks, natural stone, and even wood, and a fraction of the cost of these materials. The beginning surface of your patio will have to be leveled prior to the installation of stamped concrete, and this is a job best left to professionals. Other concrete options available for resurfacing a patio with concrete include exposed aggregate (although an economical option, this is likely the look you are trying to hide in the first place), as well as polished concrete. If polished concrete doesn’t sound appealing to you be sure to check out photos online before ruling it out. Polished concrete can become a true art piece when done by a licensed and experienced concrete contractor, and the available range of acid stains and dyes are stunning.
Pavers are a high end solution for concrete patios, and there is extensive surface preparation involved prior to paver installation. The look of pavers, however, makes it well worth the money and effort for many homeowners. There is a staggering number of paver options available, from traditional red clay brick and mortar to randomly shaped textured pavers that closely mimic the look of natural stone. Companies like Belgard specialize in pavers and a quick browse of their extensive website can provide you with enough inspiration for 20 patios. Pavers are an excellent choice if you wish to accent your patio with built in benches, raised planters or low walls, as you can purchase coordinating paver blocks for your enhancement projects. Belgard offers pavers for every design style, from old world antiqued pavers reminiscent of cobblestones, to sleek geometric pavers laid in a hopscotch tile pattern for a graphic look. Pavers are extremely durable, so you can expect a long life out of your paver patio provided the surface was properly prepared for installation. Patio pavers are also extremely easy to care for, requiring nothing more than a quick hosing down once in a while.
Handy Deck Product Comparison – Handy Deck Systems – handydeck.com
