
- Repair - fix cracks in concrete patio with sealer or filler
- Clean – power wash and sweep away debris
- Prep – grind your surface for the overlay to bond better
- Mix – combine overlay components and add grit additive or coloring agents
- Apply – spread overlay onto area to be refinished
- Seal – add a protective coating that will keep your new patio looking great
- Fill and seal common concrete cracking with a caulk-based crack repair product. ...
- Straighten out crumbling corners with a concrete cleaner and patching compound. ...
- Dress up an older, unattractive space by covering your patio with pavers.
How do I resurface my concrete patio?
To cover an old patio, here are 3 common concrete resurfacing types:
- Spray Concrete Resurfacing How to Resurface a Concrete Patio with a Decorative Concrete Overlay The concrete resurfacing overlay is sprayed on the target using a hopper gun instead of ...
- Stained Concrete Resurfacing This is a clever chemical reaction achieved by pouring any given acid on a lime-based concrete floor. ...
- Stamped Concrete Overlay
How can I spruce up a concrete patio?
Tips to Refresh Your Concrete Patio
- Hose down nearby plants and cover them and walls and doors with plastic sheeting.
- Use combination clear/etcher to prepare surface for new coating.
- Apply translucent concrete stain.
- Roll edges in random directions to prevent marks.
- Use garden sprayer to coat interior.
- Apply high-gloss sealer for shiny, wet look.
How to revamp the concrete on a patio?
The are the steps required in the resurfacing process:
- Repair - fix cracks in concrete patio with sealer or filler
- Clean – power wash and sweep away debris
- Prep – grind your surface for the overlay to bond better
- Mix – combine overlay components and add grit additive or coloring agents
- Apply – spread overlay onto area to be refinished
How to properly stain a concrete patio?
- Test a small section and allow to completely dry before staining the entire area. ...
- Use painter’s tape along the bottom of each bordering wall to avoid stain splatters in unwanted areas.
- Allow new concrete to cure for at least a month before applying stain.
- Use a plastic airless sprayer for acid staining. ...
How hot should concrete be for a patio?
What is spalling concrete?
Can you repair a crack in a concrete patio?
Can elastomeric filler be used on concrete?
Can you use liquid crack filler?
Can ice melt damage a patio?
Can snow shovels damage concrete?
See more

Can old concrete be resurfaced?
Concrete resurfacing is a way to make old concrete look new again. A concrete coating is applied over the existing surface, offering a variety of color, texture and pattern options. This type of decorative refinishing can be done on driveways, patios, pool decks and even indoor floors.
Can you resurface crumbling concrete?
You can repair and resurface your spalled concrete in any number of ways. You can buy products that apply a very thin coating on the concrete. The larger premixed bagged concrete manufacturers make these, as do some other specialty companies. These products do work, but pay close attention to their limitations.
How long does quikrete concrete resurfacer last?
This new layer is specially made to adhere to the old concrete. It's extremely durable while being relatively thin and can last 10-20+ years if properly installed by a Pro and cared for. So yes it can last. Concrete resurfacing provides a like new finish at an affordable price.
How do you repair a damaged concrete surface?
2:334:13How to Make Thin Repairs to Damaged Concrete with QUIKRETEYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEnough water should be used to saturate the surface. Although any standing water should be removedMoreEnough water should be used to saturate the surface. Although any standing water should be removed vinyl concrete patcher should be built up in layers using a margin trowel.
How hot should concrete be for a patio?
For most patch materials, both the air and the concrete must be between 50 F and 90 F.
What is spalling concrete?
Much like peeling paint, spalling concrete tends to introduce moisture and lead to more spalling. A concrete resurfacer that pours on and spreads out with a squeegee, trowel, or broom is the best way to repair these large, shallow areas. Consider covering your patio. Solid roofing or canopies that prevent moisture from gathering on ...
Can you repair a crack in a concrete patio?
In some cases, one side of the crack rises higher than the other side—a condition called lippage that can lead to trips and falls. When cracks get out of control, the only recourse is to demolish and rebuild your patio. Cracks in a concrete patio can be repaired quickly with simple methods and inexpensive materials.
Can elastomeric filler be used on concrete?
Such elastomeric fillers have the benefit of allowing the concrete to slightly shift over time while maintaining structural stability. While the patch will always be noticeable to some degree, you can minimize its visual impact by choosing a filler that closely matches the color of your patio.
Can you use liquid crack filler?
It is not desirable to use the liquid crack filler for deep areas as this extends curing time, can result in sinking filler, and adds to the overall cost of the project. One way to add solid filler is to dispense clean sand by hand through a funnel.
Can ice melt damage a patio?
Whether your patio is cracked and in need of repair or has already been repaired, take these measures to make sure that winter elements do not damage your patio. Make sure that all cracks are sealed or remain sealed since freeze-thaw events can easily widen cracks. Ice melt, or de-icers, can potentially harm concrete.
Can snow shovels damage concrete?
Snow shovels with metal wear-strips can damage concrete. Sweep the concrete with a push-broom or purchase a snow shovel that has no metal that will come into contact with the concrete. Spalled concrete that flakes off in thin horizontal pieces should be patched immediately.
1. Fill and seal common concrete cracking with a caulk-based crack repair product
More than likely, your concrete patio has a few cracks in its surface. This happens for many reasons, including ground shifting, improper pouring conditions, and just the nature of concrete. But that does not mean you have to live with them just because these cracks are typical.
2. Straighten out crumbling corners with a concrete cleaner and patching compound
One of the most common patio issues facing homeowners is a chipped or crumbling corner. These corners deteriorate from age, water, and typical foot traffic. They start life as a sharp, attractive angle and wind up rounded over and crumbly. Luckily, there’s an easy solution to fix this on your own.
3. Dress up an older, unattractive space by covering your patio with pavers
Like anything else, patios become worn and dated. You can upgrade the look all together by covering your patio with pavers. While you might assume this is a pricey project that requires professionals, you can actually do this on your own!
4. Create a smooth, fresh surface atop your patio by resurfacing the slab
While they don’t rot, horizontal concrete surfaces are prone to pitting, spalling, and cracking. While covering the surface with pavers is always an option, a less expensive and easier route is to resurface the slab.
5. Repair and seal expansion joints to keep them working as designed
Not all cracks and gaps in concrete surfaces are bad. Expansion joints—the gaps created during installation between two concrete surfaces—are designed to allow the slabs to move, or give them somewhere to crack other than the field of the patio.
If you're trying to refresh a tired old patio, choosing between these two new looks may be harder than the project itself, which is easy enough for dedicated DIYers of all skill levels!
As the weather warms up, patios take center stage for entertaining. But alfresco meals with friends and family lose a little of their luster when your patio is showing its age with cracks, spalling, or discoloration. You can certainly tear out and replace a damaged patio, but it’s a time-consuming and costly project.
Pitting and Spalling Concrete? Resurface for a Brand-New Look
You can’t turn back time on spalling or cracks, but you can cover them up with the right concrete repair products. For example, a layer of Quikrete’s Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer will give your patio a smooth and wear-resistant finish with the look of freshly poured concrete, but with a shorter working and wait time.
Looking for a Design Upgrade? Overlay with Pavers
Maybe you’re ready for a change from your brushed concrete patio. If you’d like a different look, consider laying a set of pavers over the old patio. Pavestone, a Quikrete company, manufactures more than a dozen styles of thin textured pavers—including flagstone-inspired Milano Pavers —designed to go directly on top.
What to use to make a patio?
Colors – bring a realistic look to your patio with popular earth tones. Patterns – stamp your patio to resemble natural materials like wood or stone. Stencils – use stencils to create logos and graphics on your patio.
What is the best concrete for a patio?
WHAT IS THE BEST CONCRETE PATIO COATING? 1 Patio paint is the least expensive option for bringing color to your patio. It does not handle wear and tear as well as other options and will need to be replaced more often. 2 Epoxy coatings protect your surface from water and can handle some wear and tear. This coating can also bring a bold color palette to your surface. 3 Stamped concrete overlays add color, pattern and texture to your patio, while also enhancing the durability and strength of the surface. 4 Microtoppings are a thin layer of cement that gives your concrete a new canvas for decorative ideas. Some even come pre-tinted for an easy change in color.
What is epoxy coating?
Epoxy coatings protect your surface from water and can handle some wear and tear. This coating can also bring a bold color palette to your surface. Stamped concrete overlays add color, pattern and texture to your patio, while also enhancing the durability and strength of the surface.
How much does it cost to pour a patio?
A new pour patio can cost anywhere from $3 - $15, or more, per sq. ft. depending on the size and detail of the design that is being installed. Resurfacing costs between $3 and $10 per sq. ft., making it a budget friendly way to get the look and feel of a new patio.
Is tile a slippery material?
Not only were the tiles starting to delaminate and spall, they also became slippery and hazardous when wet. Looking for an economical solution to restore the patio and improve its curb appeal, the owners installed an unbonded reinforced concrete overlay that was stamped and hand chiseled to replicate the look of natural stone. See the before-and-after photos.
How hot should concrete be for a patio?
For most patch materials, both the air and the concrete must be between 50 F and 90 F.
What is spalling concrete?
Much like peeling paint, spalling concrete tends to introduce moisture and lead to more spalling. A concrete resurfacer that pours on and spreads out with a squeegee, trowel, or broom is the best way to repair these large, shallow areas. Consider covering your patio. Solid roofing or canopies that prevent moisture from gathering on ...
Can you repair a crack in a concrete patio?
In some cases, one side of the crack rises higher than the other side—a condition called lippage that can lead to trips and falls. When cracks get out of control, the only recourse is to demolish and rebuild your patio. Cracks in a concrete patio can be repaired quickly with simple methods and inexpensive materials.
Can elastomeric filler be used on concrete?
Such elastomeric fillers have the benefit of allowing the concrete to slightly shift over time while maintaining structural stability. While the patch will always be noticeable to some degree, you can minimize its visual impact by choosing a filler that closely matches the color of your patio.
Can you use liquid crack filler?
It is not desirable to use the liquid crack filler for deep areas as this extends curing time, can result in sinking filler, and adds to the overall cost of the project. One way to add solid filler is to dispense clean sand by hand through a funnel.
Can ice melt damage a patio?
Whether your patio is cracked and in need of repair or has already been repaired, take these measures to make sure that winter elements do not damage your patio. Make sure that all cracks are sealed or remain sealed since freeze-thaw events can easily widen cracks. Ice melt, or de-icers, can potentially harm concrete.
Can snow shovels damage concrete?
Snow shovels with metal wear-strips can damage concrete. Sweep the concrete with a push-broom or purchase a snow shovel that has no metal that will come into contact with the concrete. Spalled concrete that flakes off in thin horizontal pieces should be patched immediately.
