Quick And Easy Patio Makeovers

With patios increasingly becoming a natural extension of your internal living area

, that old, drab concrete pad is most possibly in desperate need of a bold makeover to meet changing requirements . And a makeover of your patio can generally be one of the most cost effective home improvement tasks you can undertake and very often can add many dollars to the value of your home.

A number of options are possible for remodeling or transforming existing concrete pads , depending on the condition of the concrete, such as whether it is severely cracked or not , your budget , the amount of disruption you can tolerate and the materials you wish to use . For example, if the concrete is in excellent condition , then the concrete surface could be simply be stained, resurfaced with a textured coating or a stenciled tile pattern applied. These options are generally not particularly disruptive and are typically applied by specialized contractors rather than being a do-it-yourself product .

If the concrete surface is basically sound , maybe with only hairline cracks, then resurfacing with ceramic or stone tiles is an option that could be considered. Ceramic tiles are available in a multitude of colours, styles and sizes. Textured finishes are often applied to exterior tiles to reduce the danger of slipping under wet conditions. You need however to check the tiles are suitable for your local conditions as tiles with high water absorption may crack in freezing conditions. Be aware that any existing cracks in the concrete which extend through the total concrete thickness are likely to open further and eventually can lead to cracking in any tiles laid above.

Natural stone products such as sandstone, limestone, slate or granite are also an opion but may need to be sealed against moisture or to prevent staining.

Another option is to use new or reclaimed bricks or clay pavers although the extra height that bricks or pavers will add needs to be considered . But bricks or pavers have the advantage that they are normally very easy to lay and do not necessarily need any grout to be used .

But perhaps one of the simplest, most cost effective and attractive options is to lay down interlocking deck tiles. These tiles can tolerate a degree of cracking of the concrete and will not cause problems if cracks in the concrete pad are likely to expand. These DIY decking tiles are typically available as 12" x 12" squares and are easily installed by just clicking the modules into place . The tiles have conecting tabs built onto the sides of the plastic mesh base which keeps them firmly in place and avoids the need for any particular surface preparation, adhesives or other fixing devices such as nails or screws . The plastic base permits water to flow away freely under the tiles and keep the wood clear of the sub-surface . A typical patio area can be fully laid in just an hour or so and is ready to use immediately.

Deck tiles are availabel in various designs, so it is possible to create borders, feature panels etc. to suit your individual preference. And they are now available not only in different species of wood but also in slate, sandstone, granite, porcelain , PVC, rubber and composite wood. With some tiles you can combine interlocking tiles of different materials. So for example you could build a central patio area paved in slate or sandstone tiles where tables and chairs are situated , surrounded by wood tiles.

To complete the makeover , you could add some large pots or planters, a few well established plants and maybe a decorative item or two ensuring that your formerly drab patio will become a place you can be truly proud of.

by: Marcos Keyes

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