Contemporary Design Ideas for Concrete Patios

Concrete patios are gaining more and more popularity in recent years. Homeowners, designers, and builders now realize the advantage of concrete patios over wood decks. Especially when it comes to modern home design. The versatility of concrete makes it possible to create unique patio designs. Here are some contemporary design ideas for concrete patios. Read on!

Decorative Concrete Floors

Outdoor floors contribute greatly to the aesthetic value of a concrete patio. Decorative concrete floor coatings breathe life into a patio by adding color, pattern, and texture. Outdoor floors can be designed to match the house itself or to complement it even with an entirely new look. Some decorative options include concrete staining to add color and concrete stamping for pattern and texture.

Concrete Seat Walls

Seat walls are a growing trend in today’s modern concrete patio design. Having these installed frames the patio area and adds an industrial chic feel. Seat walls don’t take up much room compared to regular outdoor furniture. It’s also a practical option as it provides permanent seating that can stand weather conditions with minimal maintenance.

 

A Concrete Fire Pit

Incorporating a fire pit in a concrete patio gives the area a focal point that pulls the overall design together. A concrete fire pit adds warmth and comfort to make patios enjoyable during cold evenings. It also adds to the ambiance of the whole area. To maximize the use of a concrete fire pit, choose one that is designed to also double as a grill.

Split Concrete Levels

Another popular trend in contemporary patio design is making use of multiple levels for concrete floors to segment the area. This adds interest and visual appeal to any concrete patio. This works especially well to those who want to add functional upgrades for their patios like hot tubs, kitchens or game areas. It also makes for a spacious patio compared to regular partitions that give the illusion of limited space.

Water Features

Water features add to the relaxing atmosphere of a concrete patio. Soft flowing water balances the hardness of other concrete design elements. It adds tranquility and is a striking design statement that accentuates the patio. Whether you choose a waterfall-like feature or a classic fountain you can achieve a zen feel and modern vibe for your patio.

With the right design choices, your concrete patio can be a focal point of luxury, style and function. Want to learn more about decorative concrete options to enhance the look of your patio? Visit our homepage or read other interesting articles available on our blog page.

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Freeze-Thaw Cycle and its Effects on a Concrete Driveway

Concrete is the most popular paving material. Most homes and commercial establishments have a concrete driveway because it is affordable, easy to install, easy to maintain, and customizable. Although it could get damaged, just like any other material out there, most of the damages it acquires are repairable. One of the most unpleasant causes of damage is freeze-thaw damage. Read on to learn more about it and how it can be prevented.

What are Freeze-Thaw Cycles?

Freeze-thaw cycle is the continuous cooling and warming of water. When water or moisture seeps into the porous concrete, it will freeze due to the chilly weather. When water becomes ice, it expands. The pressure from that expansion causes the surrounding concrete to weaken. When the ice melts, it returns back to its original volume but the expansion has already loosened the slab itself.

What Does it Do to the Concrete Driveway?

Freeze-thaw damage is one of the most problematic types of concrete issues. Most of the time, the expansion happens within the slab so it can quite difficult to deal with. Common issues caused by freeze-thaw cycles include:

• Cracking
• Crumbling
• Pitting
• Flaking
• And more

Immediate Solution

Deicers are effective in loosening ice and snow and enhancing the traction of a concrete surface. Although the most popular is salt, it has several harmful effects on the concrete, the environment, as well as to people and animals. Use an alternative, such as rubbing alcohol, an electric snow blower, or the traditional manual shoveling.

Things to Do Before the Next Winter Comes

Seal your concrete driveway. The sealer acts as a protective barrier that keeps water from getting absorbed into the pores of the concrete. The water will stay on the surface, thus, preventing it from freezing and thawing within the slab. But make sure that you repair any damage incurred from the last winter season before applying a coating of concrete sealer.

Freeze-thaw damage is scary but very preventable. Unfortunately, some people who don’t understand what it is is blaming the damages caused to be an error in the mixture and installation of the concrete itself. Now that you understand what freeze-thaw cycles are and its effects on a concrete driveway, make sure to seal all other concrete surfaces in your homes, such as the patio, pool deck, walkway, and more. It may be an additional expense on your part but prevention is a lot cheaper than repair.

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