In today’s backyards, a patio is a must-have feature. Concrete is the most commonly used patio material. Concrete is the most traditional yet versatile of the patio construction materials available. It is smooth and clean, can be cast and formed into curvilinear or geometric shapes, and can be tinted to become anything other than the traditional light gray hue. Aside from this, other advantages it includes are permanence, durability, and inexpensive cost associated with its installation.
Concrete patios are a great addition to any property as this provides room for entertaining guests, as well as adds curb appeal to a property’s exterior landscape. It may come with a variety of decorative finishes which appeal to homeowners looking for an outdoor space with limitless design possibilities. A concrete patio is also more durable and requires less maintenance than wood decks, pavers, and natural stone.
Great Investment
Adding a decorative concrete patio to any backyard is an investment that will provide many years of enjoyment while improving the appearance of any landscape. Concrete is low-maintenance and can withstand even the most severe weather conditions. Unlike paving stones, these will not have joints where grass and weeds can grow, and unlike wood, this will not warp, rot, or require staining on a regular basis. Making it a great investment for any homeowners in the long run.
Despite the fact that incurred concrete patio cost is somewhat hefty, this will add and level up to a home’s value. This concrete patio project is not cheap, but it will not only improve a home’s outdoor design but will also increase the property’s resell value in the future, making it worthwhile to invest in.
Concrete Patio Ideas
Concrete patios, in addition to serving as a gathering space for lounging and entertaining, allow homeowners to seamlessly blend interior and exterior living spaces. They are the ideal decorative flooring surface for outdoor structures that any homeowner wishes to incorporate.
One of the sought-after structures built into patios are spaces for entertaining. This mostly has cozy seating areas, fireplaces, and water features. Some homeowners also attached a kitchen and a bar for more exciting outdoor activities like barbecue and dinner parties. These concrete patios are oftentimes attached to pool decks to maximize outdoor spaces for leisure purposes.
Most homeowners would agree that a concrete patio has benefits and drawbacks. A patio can provide an attractive outdoor space that, when the weather is nice, can almost function as an additional dining and living room. Provided below are the notable pros of having a concrete patio:
Pros of Concrete Patio
Durability
Even though it can crack and chip, poured concrete is extremely durable and will last for decades. A concrete slab, unlike natural stone, brick, or pavers, will not shift, and the addition of rebar will strengthen a large pour. One disadvantage is that the dyes in decorative concrete can fade over time. While the structure will remain strong, the finish may require restoration from time to time.
Design and Style
Concrete’s versatility allows for patios of any shape or size. Because there are so many different colors, dyes, and stamps to choose from, the design possibilities are virtually limitless. It is simple to customize on an ideal patio that perfectly matches or complements the color scheme of any home or garden.
Installation Cost
Though it is not recommended for inexperienced DIYers, decorative concrete is faster and easier to install than any other material. Even if a homeowner hires professionals, the ease of installation is one of the reasons concrete is less expensive than other materials.
Environment-Friendly
Installing a concrete patio instead of a wood deck saves wood and eliminates the need for regular maintenance with solvent-based wood stains and sealers.
Cons of Concrete Patio
Despite the pros of having a concrete patio, there are also slight drawbacks to having such. Provided below are its cons:
Safety
Concrete can become slippery when wet, so it may not be the best choice in areas where there is a lot of rain or heavy morning and evening mists. Adding aggregate to the mixture or selecting a texturized design will alleviate the problem. If cracks or chips are not repaired, they can become a tripping hazard.
Repair and Maintenance
Concrete maintenance is straightforward: sweep, hose, and done. However, it is the need for repairs that pushes it into the negative column. Concrete is prone to cracking in areas with extremely high or low temperatures. Cracks can be costly and difficult to repair, necessitating the removal of a large portion of the patio and re-pouring it. Matching decorative concrete after a repair can be time-consuming and costly, and consistency may be impossible to achieve.
Though there are pros and cons of having a concrete patio, it cannot take away the fact that this structure is indeed one of the go-to home features that people gravitate to. Though this can be a DIY project, complex ideas for this structure as well as ensuring that it will last long should be trusted in the hands of professional contractors. For assistant regularly Even thoughts with concrete patio installation as well as other matters relating to concrete, Grand Rapids Concrete Contractors is glad to offer its services. Known to be a great service provider for all types of structures.