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Exterior living spaces are some of the greatest areas for families to relax and spend time together. There are dozens of approaches you can take for upgrading your patio, regardless of how big or small it is.
Unfortunately, some of these upgrades may take a considerable amount of money to get done. Does this mean you should give up on your renovation project? Not necessarily.
It’s 100% possible to make your patio better even if you’re on a budget. The key is to be smart about your investment and go for the ideas that give you the most value for money.
On this page, we’ll give you 13 amazing ideas you can use to plan your next concrete patio renovation. Get ready to create the recreational space of your dreams today!
Rebuild your outdoor space with these 13 fresh concrete patio ideas on a budget! 🌿💰 https://t.co/QHjeEHJezv #concretepatio #homeimprovement #patiocontractor #austintx pic.twitter.com/18KvcG57HA
— Ace Concrete Contractors Austin (@aceconcreteatx) April 19, 2024
How Much Do Concrete Patios Typically Cost?
The answer depends on how big the space is and how many amenities you’re adding.
A concrete patio project can cost between $1,600 and $5,710. On average, people can expect to pay up to $2,600. These costs include labor and materials.
Is it possible to create a great-looking patio with less money than that? Absolutely!
The best part about creating a concrete patio is that you can be creative with the design. There’s no need to get all the expensive upgrades on the market if you don’t need them.
Can You Upgrade Your Concrete Patio on a Budget?
Most homeowners give up on their renovations because of their high costs. Usually, these projects become expensive because the person doesn’t do enough research to lower their costs.
Concrete patios are already excellent options for those on a budget because the material can be formed into any shape. This allows you to accommodate backyard space restrictions or create interesting new areas.
Moreover, if you get a professional contractor to help, you can make the most out of the money you have and still get the dream patio you’ve always wanted.
13 Excellent Concrete Patio Ideas You Can Consider Today
In this section, you’ll find some of the best (and most affordable) upgrades you can do to your patio. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll have a better idea of how to transform your outdoor space into something more interesting and fun.
#1 – Install Concrete Pavers
There are many styles available for your concrete patio. If you want the project to be more affordable, you should consider concrete pavers.
Unlike concrete slabs, pavers are smaller pads you can install in any section of your patio to make it look unique. The best part about pavers is that you can get them in different shapes, colors, and sizes.
You can buy the pavers in a standard shape or pour them yourself on the patio, depending on how much experience you have. Once you’re done, you can use grass or gravel to fill the gaps between the pavers; this will give your patio an amazing look and a flat surface where you can place anything without problems.
#2 – Create a Small Dining Area
Most homeowners like having a deck where they can get dinner with their families. Unfortunately, decks aren’t known for being cheap.
You can pour a concrete patio and create a small area to place tables and chairs. Once you’re done, you can customize your outdoor dining space in any way you want.
A great idea to make your outdoor dining area stand out is to get string lights. These will give your space plenty of lighting, making it cozier and more inviting.
If you already have a dining area outside, you could consider creating an outdoor kitchen instead. It will be an excellent place to create fun memories with your loved ones.
#3 – Add Plants
Plants can give any patio a decent amount of contrast. These are known for providing mental health benefits to people, including higher productivity, reduced stress, and more.
Since you can shape your concrete patio however you want, you can make an interesting design with plants in it. This doesn’t mean you should just buy any plant, though.
If you want the best results, you should take your time and think about which plants or garden beds fit your needs. Those who want more privacy, for example, can benefit from installing tall potted shrubs on the sides of the backyard.
As long as you can create a balance between your plants and the rest of your patio, you’ll be good to go.
#4 – Create an Outdoor Living Room
An outdoor living room is one of the best ideas to consider for those who want to unwind at any moment.
Picture this: You spent the entire day at work, and you can’t wait to get some “me-time” at home. Since you’re so tired, you may not want to go someplace else. However, if you have family, friends, or pets there, you probably won’t get the peace you want once you arrive.
You can solve this by creating an outdoor living room! Follow the same foundation process for the dining area, and add lounge chairs instead of regular ones.
If you get more money later, you could invest in a roof for your space and create a covered patio. This will give you protection against sunlight and other elements.
#5 – Build a Firepit
Who doesn’t love a nice and relaxing fire pit? These are considered one of the best places to spend time with your friends and family.
You can create a sunken outdoor living room by adding a fire pit. Not only is having one at home safer, but it’s also more convenient for everyone. You won’t have to go camping to enjoy the benefits of these items.
The main benefit of fire pits is that you can build them with different materials, including bricks, concrete, and cinderblocks. Choose the option that appeals to your needs the most.
We recommend using a paver base as a foundation for the pit, as it will provide a stable area for it to stand on.
#6 – Pour Concrete Around Your Pool
Do you have a pool and want to make it safer? Pour concrete around it!
A concrete patio adds enough space for guests to add chairs and sit comfortably. Moreover, the concrete will be safer for children to run around in.
Pool surfaces are known for being slippery, so if you want to prevent as many accidents as possible, consider pouring concrete in strategic locations. You won’t regret it.
#7 – Integrate Wood into Your Design
Wood is one of the best complements to concrete patios. Concrete itself may not make your patio look appealing, as it often comes in a cold color and rough texture.
Integrating wood into your design will introduce warmth to the space, which will make everything look better. Of course, wood is available in different materials and shapes, so let your creativity run wild.
Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, you can build wooden furniture, create benches, or install privacy fences.
If you want to give the wood an extra touch, consider staining it. That will make everything pop.
#8 – Consider Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is a “decorative” version of the material. In other words, it’s material that has been imprinted, textured, patterned, or embossed. The point of this kind of concrete is to resemble unique patterns and textures.
You can install stamped concrete on your patio and make it mimic the look of brick, wood, and stone, for example.
Although this material is great for those who want to customize their patio without spending too much money, keep in mind that it may be difficult to repair. If you’re willing to spend more money on maintenance later, you should give this idea a go.
#9 – Buy Affordable Patio Furniture
Adding furniture to your patio is one of the most affordable ideas on this list. Even though you’re not renovating the patio directly, you’re still changing things up.
There are dozens of items you can get for your patio, including umbrellas, chairs, hammocks, covers, and more.
The key to success in this process is to get furniture that complements your current patio design. If you have a pool, for example, installing umbrellas is an excellent idea that won’t cost too much.
#10 – Add Rugs to Your Patio
One of the most beautiful items you can get for your concrete patio is a rug. You can easily add more color and personality to your outdoor space by getting the right option.
Rugs are available in hundreds of colors, sizes, and patterns, so you could spend hours looking for the right one!
If you have an outdoor dining area, for example, you could add a rug to add more style to it. It can also add comfort to hard concrete surfaces.
#11 – Install Artificial Turf
Artificial turf can add plenty of color to your concrete patio. Not only does it make any space look good, but it also makes walking surfaces more comfortable.
If you don’t mind the synthetic look of artificial turf, this can be an inexpensive way of upgrading your concrete patio.
Keep in mind that this material can easily get hot, so if you don’t want to risk burning your feet on sunny days, consider adding a cover over your patio.
#12 – Get Paint for Your Concrete Patio
What if you don’t want to make any significant renovations to your concrete patio? You could paint a few areas. It may not seem like it, but painting can completely change the way a patio looks.
Painting is a relaxing and straightforward process, so you could do it yourself if you’re willing to clean and prep the surface too.
Besides the aesthetic improvements you’ll get, you’ll also add a protective layer to your old concrete slabs.
The main downside to painting is that it won’t add too much texture to your patio, so if that’s what you were looking for, it might not be such a good idea. Also, some types of paint are susceptible to chipping, so you may have to spend more money on maintenance later.
#13 – Establish a Focal Point
Your patio’s focal point is the area that will catch the attention of everyone. Thankfully, you don’t have to go over the top to make a certain area stand out.
If you have a fire pit area, for example, you could add string lights and some furniture. This will make the place more attractive.
Establishing a focal point ensures you don’t have to upgrade the entire patio in one go. Instead, you’ll be focusing on a smaller area and then work on others as you recover the money you invested at first.
If you’re unsure of which area should serve as your focal point, make sure to ask a professional contractor.
What Should You Keep in Mind Before Upgrading Your Concrete Patio?
You may be tempted to use all 13 ideas to upgrade your outdoors today. Unfortunately, that could increase your overall concrete patio cost.
If you aim to save money, ask yourself the following:
– Which area do I want to focus on?
– How big is my patio?
– Which materials suit my home the most?
– How much will I spend on maintenance in the future?
Planning will be the key to success during this process. There’s no need to rush anything, so make sure you talk to an expert and address all your needs with them.
Bottom Line
These concrete patio ideas are more than enough to transform your outdoors into the perfect relaxation space for you and your family. Whether you get a set of string lights or install decorative concrete, rest assured that you’ll give your property the refreshment it needs.
We know that upgrading your entire patio isn’t affordable most of the time, but if you implement a few of these ideas, you could save plenty of money and still make your space look beautiful.
Remember, it’s not about spending all your money on upgrades; it’s about being smart about your investment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Concrete Patios a Good Idea?
Yes! Concrete is one of the best building materials for an outdoor space. Not only does it look elegant, but it also pairs well with other materials like wood.
There are many concrete options you can consider, so take your time, and go for the style that matches your personality.
Is a Concrete Patio Cheaper Than a Deck?
It depends on what you’re planning to install. However, decking is often more expensive than installing a patio.
If you’re on a tight budget, a concrete patio will be the better option most of the time. We suggest you talk to a professional contractor if you’re unsure of which option suits your home better.
- Cracks
- Sunken areas
- Water pools
- Stains
- Uneven surfaces
- Pitting or spalling
- Broken or chipped edges
How Do You Make a Concrete Patio Look Nice?
You can consider many of the ideas we mentioned on this page. Accessorizing and adding lighting to your patio’s focal points is a great idea if you want to make it stand out.
If you want the best results, make sure your concrete patio style matches your indoor living space. Feel free to contact a professional to get a better idea of what to do.