5 Types of Concrete Finishes for Patios: Enhance Your Outdoor Space

Give your outdoor space a beauty boost with these patio finishes.

Concrete patios not only enhance the aesthetics of your home but also increase its value. It's a recommended home improvement project that offers numerous possibilities. Concrete is an incredibly versatile material, allowing you to achieve the patio of your dreams.

Concrete can be modified into various finishes, shapes, and sizes using different tools and techniques. Whether you prefer a smooth surface or a textured one, concrete can fulfill your vision.

Let's discuss five types of concrete finishes for patios that can transform your outdoor space into something outstanding! Whether you have a large or small patio, adding a concrete finish can elevate its appearance and create a whole new level of beauty.

Without further ado, let's explore the five types of concrete finishes for patios:

1. Stamped Concrete

If you've ever wished for the look of stone, brick, tile, or flagstone in your yard, then stamped concrete is the perfect solution. This type of concrete finish can be designed to mimic the appearance of these materials.

Stamped concrete is highly popular for patios, as well as porches, driveways, and sidewalks. It’s also considered to be the most common and popular finish for patios. Achieving this finish involves placing "stamps" with the desired texture on the surface of the uncured concrete. It's crucial to do this before the concrete has fully cured to achieve the desired look.

The stamping process involves placing the stamps one at a time on the concrete mix until the entire surface is stamped. Additionally, staining the concrete is part of the process, allowing you to add color and personalize your patio. With stamped concrete, you have the freedom to choose the pattern and color that best suits your preferences.

2. Trowel Finish

Another common type of concrete finish for patios is the trowel finish. This finish is recommended if you desire a smooth surface in your outdoor space. As the name suggests, a trowel is used to achieve the desired surface texture.

Once the concrete mix has been applied and leveled, a trowel is used to smooth the surface or create different textures. You can create swirls or arcs with the trowel, depending on your preference. Smoothing the surface can be done manually using a hand trowel for residential purposes. For commercial and industrial projects, a power trowel is typically used for mechanical smoothing.

Similar to stamped concrete, achieving the trowel finish is best done before the concrete fully cures. This type of concrete finish is commonly found in garages, basements, and warehouses.

3. Broom Finish

If you have kids who love running around outdoors, applying a broom finish to your concrete patio is highly recommended. This finish provides a slip-resistant surface, ensuring safety for your family. The name "broom finish" indicates the use of a broom to achieve the desired texture.

The broom finish is applied to the top layer of the concrete after it has been troweled. It's important to ensure the surface is smooth before applying the broom finish. To create the textured surface, a broom is dragged across the wet concrete, leaving small ridges that enhance slip resistance. This finish must be done while the concrete mix is still wet.

For those who prioritize safety and want to prevent accidents due to slipping, the broom finish is an excellent choice for your patio.

4. Salt Finish

A salt finish is another decorative concrete option suitable for patios, particularly for swimming pool decks, due to its skid resistance. This type of finish involves applying rock salt crystals on the top layer of wet concrete. Once the concrete sets, the salt crystals are washed away, leaving behind small holes in the finished concrete.

The salt finish not only offers a decorative look but also provides a skid-resistant surface. This technique is ideal for wet areas where slip resistance is essential. Alternatively, you could opt for an exposed aggregate finish to achieve both slip and skid resistance.

5. Stenciled Concrete

If you're looking for an alternative to stamping, stenciled concrete can provide a decorative finish for your patio. This type of finish can also give your concrete surface the appearance of real stones. Stenciling is typically done on already finished concrete, making it a popular choice for homeowners who prefer this method over stamping.

One advantage of stenciled concrete is that it doesn't require extensive experience to complete. You can easily take on this project yourself to add beauty to your patio. While there are many other techniques available, these five types of concrete finishes for patios are considered the most visually appealing.

Enhancing Your Outdoor Space with Finishes

Before choosing a particular finish, consider the desired look you want to achieve and the specific areas of your patio where you want to apply the new concrete surface.

Upgrading your outdoor space with a concrete finish can transform your patio into a stunning and functional area. Whether you opt for stamped concrete, trowel finish, broom finish, salt finish, or stenciled concrete, each type offers unique advantages and aesthetics. Take the time to evaluate your budget, timeline, and personal preferences before selecting the ideal finish for your patio. With the right concrete finish, your patio will become your new favorite place in your entire house!

Ready to spruce up the look of your patio? Call us at Grand Rapids Concrete Pros, and we’ll bring your patio dream to life!