Why Autumn Might be the Best Time to Plan for a New or Resurfaced Concrete Patio, Pool Deck, or Outdoor Living Area
When's the last time you took a good look at your concrete outdoor living area floor? Is it worn, dull, cracked, or does it lack personality? Is it making a design statement or merely acting as a boring gray surface for people to walk on? Quality Rochester, NY, concrete contractors are swamped during spring. If you want to extend the amount of time you'll have to enjoy your new or resurfaced concrete patio or pool deck, you'll want your project completed as early in the warmer weather as possible. That's why fall just may be the best time to consider booking your backyard home improvement.
WHY CHOOSE CONCRETE PATIOS & POOL DECKS?
When it comes to choosing a material for your patio, pool deck, outdoor living area, or walkways, a concrete surface offers advantages that other materials cannot match – especially when it comes to strength, durability, and versatility of design. Consider the benefits of choosing concrete over other materials:
Durability: Concrete surfaces can handle the constant exposure to the harsh weather conditions that we experience in the Rochester, NY, area during the winter months, as well as the constant abuse from patio furniture. It also stands up well to water and harsh pool chemicals, if you're using it for your pool deck surface.
Affordability: Concrete is much more cost-effective than natural stone, individual pavers, or bricks from both a materials and installation standpoint.
Low Maintenance: Compared to other outdoor living area materials, concrete requires the least amount of maintenance. For example, pavers or bricks can shift over time and require re-leveling, replacing, and refilling of the joints between individual pieces to stop weeds from poking through. In contrast, other than an occasional cleaning from outdoor environmental elements and resealing periodically, concrete is one of the most low-maintenance patio or pool deck surfaces you can choose.
Design Versatility: There are many colors that can be added to concrete, whether you prefer a stamped concrete or traditional concrete finish. If you choose to use stamped concrete, it can be made to resemble a variety of natural materials with many color and textures available. Concrete can also be formed to hug the perimeter of your yard or pool and create interesting and artistic curves and shapes.
CONCRETE FINISHES TO CONSIDER
Stamped Concrete
For homeowners who would like the look of natural quarried stones, but find their costs outside of their budgets, stamped concrete is the perfect choice. Stamped concrete, also called decorative concrete, can resemble surfaces such as flagstone, wood planks, brick, slate, bluestone, and more. And, when you combine a variety of cement base colors with colored accent finishes, the number of different unique looks are astounding.
Traditional Textured Concrete Finishes
Traditional textured concrete finishes are still a solid, economical choice for people on a tight budget. A broom finish is the most common texture that is applied to poured concrete. Another traditional textured concrete finish is a sponge technique (pictured above), which offers a more subtle surface design. Color can be added to either method to give your patio, pool deck, or outdoor living area more design interest.
Exposed Aggregate
There is another method that is used for patios, pool decks, and walkways. Exposed aggregate is a concrete method in which colorful stones are added to the cement mix. After it has been poured, the top layer of concrete is then washed away to reveal colorful stones. An exposed aggregate patio and pool deck not only adds a textural design element, but it also provides a more slip resistant surface if you're using it for your swimming pool area.
RESURFACING YOUR CONCRETE PATIO OR POOL DECK
If you would like to update the look of an older concrete patio or pool deck without having to tear it out and start from scratch, resurfacing it with a stamped concrete technique, exposed aggregate, or traditional textured finish are all great options. Resurfacing allows you to transform a ho-hum concrete patio or pool deck into a thing of beauty.
EXPANDING YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING AREA
If your current patio or pool deck isn’t large enough for your outdoor living lifestyle, expanding it is not only possible, but it creates new opportunities for adding unique sitting areas, connecting a pool to an existing patio, adding inviting walkways leading to your patio or pool area, creating a fire pit and sitting area, adding natural stone landscaping, and more.
Your Premier Traditional and Stamped Concrete Contractors Serving Rochester, NY, and Surrounding Areas
Why are we writing you now in the fall and giving you a little nudge to call us? It looks like our reputation for creating stunning outdoor living areas is really getting around. In order to get on our books for spring or summer, call us now at:
315-310-7193
and receive a FREE ESTIMATE so that you can start enjoying your new or refreshed backyard concrete patio or pool deck sooner than later!