Concrete Patio

A patio is an essential element in today's backyards. Concrete is the most popular patio material in the country. With many decorative finishes, concrete patios attract homeowners who want an outdoor surface with unlimited design potential. When compared to wood decks, pavers and natural stone, a concrete patio is also more durable and requires less maintenance.

Concrete Patio Photos Browse hundreds of patio pictures from across the country to get ideas for your own decorative treatment.

Concrete Patio Cost How much does a concrete patio cost? Find out average costs and what design features contribute to the price.

Stamped Concrete Patios Discover tips and design ideas for using stamps to add texture to a concrete patio.

Outdoor Concrete Style Guides Download these design sheets for concrete patio ideas in modern, old-world, or traditional design schemes.

Stained Concrete Patios Get tips and design options for using concrete stains to transform your patio.

Patio Design Videos Watch 7 videos with expert design ideas for creating beautiful patios and outdoor living areas.

Here, we offer tips for designing and sizing a concrete patio, give you an overview of the various concrete patio finish options, and tell you about ways you can accessorize and enhance your patio. For people with existing concrete patios, we also tell you about ways to give your old patio a decorative makeover by resurfacing, staining or engraving. Plus, we have a directory where you can find nearby concrete patio contractors.

IS A CONCRETE PATIO A GOOD CHOICE FOR MY BACKYARD?

Here are four reasons to pick concrete for your patio:

Create an outdoor entertaining zone

In addition to serving as a gathering zone for lounging and entertaining, concrete patios allow homeowners to seamlessly blend interior and exterior living spaces. They are the perfect decorative flooring surface for outdoor kitchens and living rooms, complete with cozy seating areas, fireplaces and water features.

Customize with color and pattern

What's more, this outdoor floor offers unlimited design options. When enhanced by stains and integral colors, concrete patios can be color coordinated to match a home's exterior or landscape. They can also be stamped or engraved in patterns that mimic other popular paving materials, such as brick, flagstone, slate and tile.

Check out these examples:
Stamped concrete patios
Stained concrete patios

Save money without sacrificing style

As an investment, concrete patios typically cost less than patios made of brick or natural stone because they are less labor-intensive to install. The lower price tag combined with the wide array of patterns and colors available make concrete an economical choice for most budgets. Plus, concrete is easily formed into any shape to accommodate backyard space restrictions.

See a more detailed breakdown of concrete patio cost.

Enjoy a durable, low-maintenance surface

Upgrading your backyard with a decorative concrete patio is also an investment that will provide many years of enjoyment while improving the look of your landscape. Concrete is easy to maintain and can stand up to the harshest of weather conditions. Unlike paving stones, you won't have joints between units where grass and weeds can sprout. And unlike wood, concrete won't warp, rot or require periodic staining.

MAKE YOUR PATIO A BACKYARD DESTINATION

In addition to being a great patio material, concrete can also be used to maximize your entire backyard space. The goal is to create destinations in the garden and connect them with welcoming pathways. Use focal points, seat walls, fountains, ponds, arbors, fireplaces, fire pits, and fragrant plantings to create interest at different locations and draw guests out into the yard space.

Concrete Seat Walls

Learn about how to add seating in an outdoor room, seat wall construction tips, design considerations, and more.

Water Features

Learn how you can add a dramatic yet economical focal point with artificial rocks and water feature construction.

Outdoor Fireplaces

Learn about the design criteria for outdoor fireplaces, types of fireplaces, placement, and seating considerations.

Outdoor Fire Pits

Learn about the basic fire pit designs, construction techniques, and how to incorporate them into your yard.

Outdoor Kitchens

Learn how to design with concrete to create appealing outdoor kitchen retreats.

Outdoor Concrete Furniture

Learn how to cmplement your natural surroundings with a concrete bench, table or stool.

Concrete Architectural Accents

Learn about what makes precast concrete perfect for producing decorative columns, balustrades, arches and more.

LANDSCAPING AROUND A CONCRETE PATIO

Pergolas are a great, economical way to add a shade structure to your patio. For denser shade, consider growing vines that will cover the area.

Here are some landscape tips to balance with hardscape:

Adding shade to your patio

Think broadly when it comes to shade covers:

• Trees are idyllic with their natural shade, but they can take many years to mature and provide that needed shade.
• Pergolas are a great option with which you can grow vines to create denser shade.
• Fabric sail shades are available, along with the typical wood or aluminum covered patio construction.

Use planter beds to break up pathways and soften hardscape edges.

Tips for using greenery to balance with hardscape

• To avoid the feel of overdoing the hardscape, use grass and groundcovers to break up pathways between patios.
• Place flowerbeds between structures (like homes and walls) and patio areas.
• Even narrow 24-inch wide planter-beds will help soften edges and give the yard a more inviting, garden-like feel.