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Five Ideas for Remodeling Outdoors with Concrete
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Greetings!
During the last few years, many homeowners have struggled just to pay their mortgages, let alone save extra cash for home remodeling and maintenance. But things are looking rosier. According to a major report released by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, the U.S. home remodeling industry is poised for a new decade of growth, as both the economy and the housing market begin to stabilize. Over the coming years, spending on remodeling is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 3.5 percent, presenting a real opportunity for concrete contractors who are able to sell homeowners on the benefits of using concrete for their home renovations, both inside and out. Here are 5 popular outdoor upgrades where concrete can offer the best long-term value for the homeowner's investment.
Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network
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1. Warm Up a Patio
A concrete fireplace or fire pit can turn a stark patio into a cozy gathering spot that can be used from early spring to late fall, extending the outdoor entertaining season. It also adds aesthetic value by serving as a focal point that anchors an outdoor space. See Outdoor Fireplaces.
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2. Add a Coat of Stain
Existing outdoor concrete surfaces that are in good condition can go from gray to grand with a coat or two of stain. To add pattern and dimension, you can also sawcut or engrave designs in the concrete first and then apply stain within the routed areas. See Adding Color to Existing Concrete.
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3. Resurface with an Overlay
Concrete resurfacing is a growing trend with homeowners looking to refinish old, worn driveways or other pavements. By using today's high-performance concrete overlays and coatings, you can make worn concrete look like new again or completely upgrade the surface with a new color scheme and pattern.
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4. Replace a Wood Deck
Homeowners who are sick and tired of maintaining their splintering, faded wood decks are beginning to realize that concrete is a superior patio material, both in terms of performance and design versatility. See Top 10 Reasons to Install a Concrete Patio.
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5. Install an Outdoor Kitchen
Kitchens rank at the top of the list when it comes to home renovations, and usually offer the greatest return on the homeowner's remodeling investment. For homeowners who don't have room to expand their indoor kitchens, you can extend the kitchen to the patio by installing concrete countertops, sinks and cooking surfaces. See Outdoor Kitchens and Concrete Countertops.
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