Cement patios come in many shapes and sizes. They can be very simple in design and easy to construct, or they can be more complex, with unique patterns and bold colors that transform an ordinary patio into something extraordinary.
From traditional concrete slabs to decorative pebble mosaics, cement patios are an affordable way to extend your living space and make the most of your outdoor space. If you’re considering a new patio, check out these four cool cement patio ideas for inspiration.
1. Smooth Concrete Slab
2. Stenciled Concrete Patio
3. Decorative Pebble Mosaic Patio
4. Colored Concrete Patio
Cement patios are beautiful, long-lasting additions to any home, and they can be customized to complement the exterior of your house and match your personal style.
The first step to creating a great concrete patio is choosing the right shape; a rectangle or square is perfect for entertaining large groups, while an oval or round patio allows you to create an intimate outdoor dining space. Because they’re hard, flat surfaces, cement patios are ideal for hostin
g games like bocce ball, croquet and horseshoes.
An easy way to add character to your concrete patio is with a decorative border. A brick border edged with small stones also helps separate the patio from the lawn. Colorful flowers and plants bring life to cement patios. When considering what landscaping will look best with your new cement patio, think about how you plan to use the space; if you’re planning on having fun get-togethers with family and friends, consider planting bright flowers around your patio that will draw attention. If you’re looking for a more relaxed seating area where you can enjoy coffee in the mornings or evenings alone or with family, plant low-maintenance shrubs or ferns along the edge of the patio that won’t
The most common type of cement patio is a plain, smooth surface that is flat and uniform. The simplicity of the design makes it easy to clean and maintain. You can add design elements to this style by using different color cement or with decorative edging materials.
The second most common type of cement patio is one with a stone aggregate finish. This is a durable and attractive alternative to the solid concrete slab patio. It helps to provide a little more traction than smooth cement, which can be slick when wet or frosted over in certain climates.
Another type of cement patio finish is the brick pattern. With this finish, you can get as fancy as you like, adding different patterns or even laying out entire areas of your yard in brick patterns that mimic an outdoor kitchen or kitchen area for cooking out and entertaining.
A concrete patio is cool and personal. It had to be sturdy and fuss-free, but it also needed to complement the cool architecture of this contemporary home. Architectural designer Chad Goehring used a warm, earthy palette and created a map of the world on the garage floor, but he kept everything else simple. Now the homeowners have a beautiful place to relax with their friends and family.
1. Define your edges:
The most common mistake I see people make when laying out a patio is to think of it as an island. Instead, think of your patio as a shape that is anchored to the house and other features in the landscape—such as a fireplace or planting bed. This helps create definition and flow between hardscapes and softscapes.
2. Use contrasting materials:
Stamped concrete can be designed to look like slate, brick, flagstone, wood, or tile. You can also use complementary materials such as pavers and retaining walls to create a cohesive yet interesting design.
3. Add curves: Curves are more visually interesting than straight lines, giving you the opportunity to create an iconic design element.
Be sure to place curves where they will not interfere with traffic flow—you should be able to move around the patio easily without having to navigate around curves.
In addition to looking beautiful, curvy patios are practical because they don’t require custom cuts or extra pieces of material like square or rectangular patios do. This makes the installation process easier and less expensive for contractors (and yourself if you’re DIYing). If you’re working with a professional designer or
Concrete is a classic and versatile material for building a patio. Use these creative DIY concrete patio ideas to create something unique for relaxing and entertaining in your outdoor space.
A backyard concrete patio can be so much more than a slab of grey. Mix it up with your favorite patio paver design ideas to create a totally unique outdoor living space that reflects your personal style. With the right materials, you can even stamp or stain your patio to resemble brick, flagstone, or cobblestone for maximum visual appeal.
Whether you choose a poured concrete patio or a concrete paver design, you’ll get an affordable outdoor surface that will last for years to come. Here are some ideas that might help you decide which type of concrete patio is best for you and your lifestyle:
“Concrete patios are rapidly becoming the standard for outdoor living spaces,” says Eldorado Stone national sales director Mike Jackson. “They’re durable, they’re easy to clean, they require little maintenance, and they have a more contemporary look than brick,” he says.
Jackson also notes that concrete is more versatile than other paving materials, allowing you to create curved lines and intricate patterns. Concrete’s durability makes it an excellent choice for patios in high-traffic areas and in areas with tough weather conditions. It can stand up to harsh weather conditions and heavy foot traffic.
You may be surprised to learn that concrete is easy on the environment. It can be made from recycled materials, such as fly ash from coal-burning power plants or recycled glass. It also requires less energy to produce than other paving materials — a lot less if you choose pervious concrete (see “Pervious Concrete,” below).