Beginner’s Guide on How To Acid Stain Concrete Patios

Acid staining is one of the most popular ways of adding color to concrete. It can be used on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. Using it on a concrete patio guarantees a more appealing outdoor living space and a higher property resale value. If this decorative application is new to you, here is a step-by-the-step guide on the acid staining process:

• Step 1: Clean the Concrete Patio

It is important to remove any dirt, oil, or grease on the concrete patio as these could keep the stain from adhering to the concrete slab. Pressure washing is highly recommended as it is quite effective in removing tough and stubborn dirt.

• Step 2: Apply the Stain

Use a brush to apply the stain along edges, walls, corners, and hard-to-reach areas. Once those areas have been covered, use a spray to apply the stain to larger areas. If there are spots missed, use a brush to fill in those spots. Leave the stain to dry for at least 4 hours. Commonly, an acid stain requires another two coats to fully acquire the desired color effect. If you do decide to add more coats, make sure to let the stain dry in between.

• Step 3: Rinse the Stained Surface

Test one small area to check if the stain has adhered as it should. If the color stays, use a pressure washer to rinse the stain off of the patio. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. If you must, use a broom to scrub lightly across the surface to make sure that all stain residue is removed.

• Step 4: Neutralize the Surface

Neutralizing aims to normalize the pH of the patio as it has recently been treated with an acid-based material. To do this, mix two cups of ammonia with five gallons of water. For added cleaning effect, add a few drops of dishwashing soap. Apply this on the surface and use a broom to lightly scrub the solution on the surface. Use the pressure washer again to rinse it off until the water is clear of color and soap.

• Step 5: Apply a Concrete Sealer

Using a brush or roller brush, apply about 2 to 3 coats of concrete sealer on the thoroughly dried concrete patio. The sealer will serve as a protective layer while enhancing the color of the stain and adding a bit of shine for a more appealing look.

Although the process seems simple and easy, it is highly recommended to hire a professional contractor to acid stain a concrete patio. This would ensure that the process is done properly, the right material is used, the necessary tools and safety gear are worn, and the results, long-lasting.

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Guide to Knowing When to Repair and Replace a Concrete Driveway

Keeping a concrete driveway in tip-top condition is easy if you are well-informed. One of the things that homeowners need to understand is to know whether a damaged driveway should be repaired or replaced. Sometimes, there is too much damage that simple repairs may only serve as a temporary fix. This is a small guide to help you through one of the key decisions you ever have to make in your life:

• Cracking

Cracks are common on any concrete surface. It occurs more frequently on driveways because of its constant exposure to climatic changes. Simply filling in the cracks and sealing them would address the problem effectively. Hire a professional to perform crack repairs if you want long-lasting results.

• Old Concrete Slabs

Concrete driveways could last as long as 30 years if properly installed and maintained. If your concrete is near or around this age and it’s starting to show damage, it is better to replace the entire driveway. Old age means the concrete has become weak and brittle naturally. Although repairs could still be done, this will just be extending the lifespan for a few weeks or months.

• Potholes

These are hollow or depressed areas on a concrete driveway often caused by excessive wear and gradual sinking of the slab. Not only are these eyesores, it also makes the ride too bumpy for comfort. Although it looks bad, it can still be repaired. A professional contractor can fill the hollows and fully reseal the entire driveway to make the surface level and uniform.

• High Repair Costs

It is highly recommended to have a concrete driveway assessed by a pro to get a proper quotation. If the total costs of repairs total to a rate that is within the range of a new pour, might as well replace the entire slab. Pushing through with the repairs will only set you up with further issues and repairs in the future.

• Dents and Scratches

These are minor issues on concrete surfaces and can easily be corrected with a simple resurfacing. Resurfacing is the process of applying a thin layer of overlay or coating to give the slab a new surface. This can be stamped, stained, engraved, or scored for a more decorative look.

• Stains and Discoloration

These are superficial damage so a replacement is totally unnecessary. Although it won’t affect the performance of the driveway, it can be visually disappointing. Concrete staining can cover up the unpleasant stains and any discolored areas on the driveway.

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Pool Deck Repairs that Require Draining the Pool

Whether you like it or not, the pool deck will eventually show signs of usage or damage. While some are willing to invest a huge amount of money to have the entire deck replaced, practical homeowners would consider pool deck repair instead. It efficiently gives the deck a new and breathtaking look at a more affordable cost.

One of the most frequently asked questions, when it comes to repairing a concrete pool deck, is whether or not the pool needs to be drained. Some pool deck contractors will advise you to drain it while some won’t. There are special cases when it can’t be possible, like one contractor who had to work around a commercial pool with live dolphins.

Pool Deck Resurfacing and Refinishing

Although resurfacing and refinishing are done on the pool decks, the pool kind of gets affected in one way or another. It is not really a question of which repair method calls for draining, but it’s what the contractor thinks is best. Some resurfacing systems, like stamped concrete, can be done even with a full pool. The overlay can be applied carefully with a roller brush so there won’t be any falling into the pool, unless by accident. Floating sheets or plastic covers can be placed to keep any debris on the surface.

The installation of pool deck sealer or a color stain may be done with the pool drained or covered. These two refinishing systems are sprayed on the deck so it is possible for some splatter or mist would reach the pool water.

Crack Repair

If the crack is just on the deck and far from the edge of the pool, the water can be kept and no pool covers are required. If the crack is near the pool, just putting a floating cover in the water nearby is enough to keep debris from getting into the pool.

Coping Repair

The coping is the edge of a pool deck that is either right beside the pool or a bit hanging over it. If it needs to be repaired, the contractor may need to ask the owner to drain the pool, depending on how extensive the repair is. Covers would not be enough to keep debris out, especially if the vertical side of the coping, where the pool water hits, is the area that needs some repairing.

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3 Pool Entry Options to Complete Your Pool Deck Design

Creating a pool deck design plan requires a lot of thinking and researching. With the numerous options out there and the many different elements that make up a complete deck, choosing just a few can be quite challenging. One of the crucial elements on a deck is the pool entry. It is important to choose the one that would be most convenient and comfortable for you and everyone in the family. There are three popular types that come highly recommended. Read on to learn more about each one:

Baja Shelf

A baja is also called an acapulco shelf, a sun shelf, or a tanning shelf, among a few others. It is often a foot or more lower than the deck, and it extends a few meters into the pool. Think of it as an oversized step into the pool where there is enough water to dip your feet or legs but not the entire body. This is an ideal option if you have kids or pets. They can play in the water at a comfortable depth. It is wide enough to give them enough space to wade without falling into the deeper part of the pool. Some pool owners even install pool chairs or daybeds on it. You are able to lounge like you would on the deck while being able to enjoy the water like you would in the pool. It is, indeed, having the best of both worlds.

Beach Entry

Why not transform the pool area into a mini backyard beach? The beach entry features the same gradual slope of a sea shore as it goes deeper into the sea. Not only is this a standout design, it also gives a easy and safe access for children, pets, and even people with handicaps, especially those in wheelchairs. They would be able to wheel themselves in whenever they want. Just make sure to choose non-skid pool deck materials to keep prevent slips and falls. There are decorative concrete coatings, like a spray knockdown finish, that feature a slip-resistant texture which is perfect for beach entries.

Pool Steps

The most tradition option is pool steps. The design, however, is wider nowadays than it was before. You can choose to have curved or geometric steps to match the theme of the pool area. You can add patterns and designs on the step to make it appealing and easier to identify. Make them wide enough to accommodate the entire foot and to give swimmers a comfortable spot to sit while taking a rest.

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