Materials and the sequence of the job sit together on this page.
Nine ways to update or makeover your patio. There are so many great makeover concrete patio options to create a striking outdoor living space.
Don’t stop with just a concrete patio makeover. Build one of these 2×4 patio projects, a patio set, or a plywood sectional.Concrete Patio options
Concrete patios are very durable, but they’re just not very exciting.
If you have a concrete slab in your backyard and you’re itching to jazz it up a bit, here are 6 ways to make over a concrete patio! Take a look at all of these fabulous concrete patio options.
1. Paint a Pattern
Yes, you can paint your concrete slab. The Handmade Home scored their concrete slab with a circular saw to create a diamond pattern and then painted it with two shades of gray using concrete paint. What a transformation!
2. Lay Decking Flooring
Did you know you can lay decking over a concrete slab? And that it’s not as hard as it sounds! Here’s how you can do it.
To finish it off, you can attach white fascia boards along the sides. This is a really great way to make over a concrete patio, because decking flooring will instantly warm up your outdoor space.
Another option for adding a deck over a concrete patio, is to create a deck out of pallets! look at the walkthrough here.
Proper maintenance is crucial for a deck. Learn how to stain it the right way with our walkthrough. Or if you already have a deck, learn how to refinish it.
3. Add Curves With Pavers
A square concrete slab is standard, but you can add borders and curves around your concrete patio with the help of pavers.
For instance, you could add a half circle to one side to create a fire pit area. Or use pavers to border off a circular garden at one corner of your patio.
You can see how we added a curved retaining wall during our backyard patio project, plus a matching fire pit.
This is such a pretty way to make over a concrete patio.
4. Lay Slate Tiles
Concrete is already a great base for tiles, so you could lay slate tiles to completely transform your concrete patio.
First, check for any cracks or weak spots and repair them. Then you’re good to go! Tile your concrete patio just as you would tile any other space in your home.
5. Stain the Concrete to Look Like Tile
If you love the look of tiles but not the hard work or the expense, you could stain the concrete to look like tile!
Use 1/2 inch tape (try car shops to find this size) to create “grout” lines on the floor and then stain over it.
Peel off the tape and ta-da, instant tile! Just make sure to clean it beforehand and seal it afterwards and you’ll have a concrete patio that looks nothing like concrete.
6. Add a striking Outdoor Rug
The easiest way to make over a concrete patio is to invest in a large and striking outdoor rug.
The eye will instantly go to the rug and the concrete patio will disappear into the background. Put some great outdoor furniture on top of the rug and you’ve got yourself an outdoor space you can be proud of.
Pick any style, whether you love this beachy blue and white rug or a modern black and white rug or something different entirely.
7. Paint Concrete
We took an old cracked patio and painted it to create a brand new outdoor living space. Plus, look at this painted concrete porch floor.
See how we added in patio furniture to complete this patio makeover.
And if you’re actually itching to get a concrete patio because you have nothing in your backyard right now, see how you can Handmade a concrete patio!
8. Dress it Up
We have plenty of concrete patio options to dress it up. Ambience is key!
And we’ve broken down lots of great ways to increase patio ambience and you can see how we added art and curtains to ours.
And sometimes you just need lots of inspiration to spark the well fitted option for your space. One of our readers asked about how to beautify your patio.
9. Add a Retaining Wall
Mix and match the options above with this striking retaining wall and fire pit. It is a great way to add texture and a place for planting vivid flowers.
Extra Design Elements to Add
We have lots of great inspiration from home shows, and where to find similar pieces to complete your concrete patio options.
- Outdoor String Lights
- Outdoor Dining Sets
- Outdoor Sofas
- Build an Outdoor Sofa
- Outdoor Rocking Chairs
- Build Outdoor Adirondack Chairs
- Lounge Chairs
- Fire pits to buy or build
- Pretty Pergolas
- Garden Arbors and Trellises
- Hanging Chairs
I can almost feel the plans for all of the summer nights and days spent out on the patio. It is going to be your go-to place to hang out with all of these great concrete patio options for a makeover.
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Originally posted June 4, 2014 // Updated February 18, 2021
