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The Concrete Quest
 
A Biweekly Newsletter about Decorative Concrete            July 23,  2009

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Is That Concrete Patio Worth Fixing?

Crack repair

Not all existing concrete is a suitable candidate for an overlay, stain or other
decorative treatment. If your patio has gaping cracks, severe delamination, or an unstable subbase, total replacement may be your best option.

See Is It Worth Fixing?

Free Concrete Patio Design Catalog

Patio design catalog

Get more ideas for dressing up your concrete patio by browsing through this free Concrete Patios Catalog from the Concrete Network. Illustrated with spectacular photos, it gives you tips on how to create a backyard oasis and make existing concrete patios look like new again.


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Do you have questions about decorative concrete that we can help you answer? We want to hear your ideas.

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Pour a New Concrete Patio or Walkway

Resurface an Existing Concrete Patio or Walkway

Four Great Ideas for Rejuvenating
Existing Concrete Patios

Hi ,

PAtio resurfacingWith summer upon us, many of us are spending more time in our  backyards, enjoying our concrete patios -- unless, of course, that patio is in dire need of a makeover! If you have an old, plain gray concrete patio that needs a facelift, there are several ways you can give it more color and eye appeal without ripping it out and starting over. See these four ideas for transforming a drab concrete patio into an inviting retreat.

Jim Peterson,

The Concrete Network

1. Warm up the color by applying a stain.
Newly stained patioApplying an acid-based or acrylic stain is the easiest way to give a patio new life, and at a reasonable cost.You'll be amazed at the transformation! See this before-and-after example.

2. Engrave patterns into the concrete.
Red brick engravingWith concrete engraving, contractors use special tools and equipment to carve patterns into existing concrete, from brick and cobblestone designs to custom graphics. When the concrete is further enhanced by staining, the decorative effects are truly impressive. See Concrete Engraving Transforms Existing Concrete.

3. Resurface the concrete with an overlay.
Patio overlayResurfacing concrete with a decorative overlay or microtopping is a perfect way to completely cover up ugly flaws and discoloration and give your patio a fresh, new surface enhanced by color, pattern, and texture. What's more, when applied properly, overlays can be as durable or even stronger than the concrete they are bonded to. See this amazing patio transformation by Spektrum Concrete.

4. Apply a stenciled design.
Stenciled outdoor rugFrom faux concrete rugs to brick borders, almost any design you can imagine is possible with concrete stencils. Stencil templates come in hundreds of standard and custom motifs. They are designed to adhere to existing concrete while the pattern is filled in with colored skim coats, stains or dyes. Watch this video showing how to adorn a concrete patio with a stenciled outdoor rug.

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