From Barren to Beautiful: A Stamped Concrete Patio and Pergola Transform a Boring Backyard
Project submitted by Julie and Mark Hudecek, Middleburg Heights, Ohio
By Anne Balogh, ConcreteNetwork.com
A colored and stamped concrete patio is the perfect decorative "flooring" for this outdoor entertaining area, with separate zones for a large pergola and a stone-faced fireplace.
The backyard before the patio was installed.
Another view of the patio, which features a Roman slate pattern and a warm terra-cotta color scheme.
A close-up of the outdoor fireplace.
The challenge When this home was newly constructed, the backyard was nothing but a colorless, flat expanse of dirt. On this barren canvas, the homeowners wanted to create an inviting outdoor space for entertaining, but had a limited budget to work with. They also wanted an unobstructed view of their backyard through the rear windows of the home.
Design goals The overall design of the patio was a collaborative effort of the homeowners and Mark and Julie Hudecek of Hudecek Cement, a family owned and operated business specializing in residential decorative concrete. "The homeowner selected stamped concrete because it was more economical than pavers and could stretch their budget to include a pergola as well as a stone fireplace," says Julie. "The goals were to have two main, but separate, gathering areas. The pergola was set in a specific location off to the side so as not obstruct the view."
Secrets to success The warm terra-cotta coloring of the concrete patio was achieved by using integrally colored concrete in a canvas shade and enhancing it with a dry-shake color hardener in a sun-baked clay hue. The surface was then stamped with texture skins in a Roman slate pattern. To preserve the color, the patio was sealed with a silane acrylic.
The fireplace was faced with cultured stone and features two nooks on either side for storing wood and a large hearth spacious enough to sit on. The same stone was used around the base of the pergola's columns to create continuity.
"Many homeowners are asking for added structures, such as retaining walls, firepits, fireplaces and outdoor kitchens," says Julie. "Many of our clients will have their patio completed one year and have us come back the second year to add another feature."
Material suppliers Dry-shake color hardener: Solomon Colors Concrete sealer: Surface 519 Cultured stone: Southern Ledgestone, from Owens Corning
