2 Creative Concrete Ideas For Your New Backyard Patio
Posted on: 16 January 2020
It's no secret that Australians love their backyard patios. They're a place to spend time with friends and family, enjoy the outdoor lifestyle and savour al fresco meals. Adding a patio to your backyard is like adding an outdoor room and can be a valuable addition to your home.
A majority of patios are made using a simple concrete slab. This is understandable because concrete is strong, durable and versatile, and it's also a cost-effective option in comparison to other materials such as timber. However, you might think that concrete is a little dull if your tastes are more vibrant and eclectic.
Fortunately, modern concrete has come a long way, and there are many ways to make a concrete patio slab more visually exciting and unique. Here are two creative concrete ideas to consider for your new outdoor patio.
1. Exposed aggregate
Aggregate is an essential component of concrete mix. It acts as both a filler and a binder that makes the concrete dense and strong. However, it can also be a valuable tool if you're hoping to create a patio with a little more pizzazz and style than the norm.
Traditionally, aggregate consists of inexpensive blue stone or even recycled, crushed concrete. You can make your patio more exciting by using decorative aggregate instead, which can then be exposed by brushing away the surface layer of the concrete before it's completely dry.
Popular options for exposed aggregate are river stones, quartz and black basalt. All of these aggregates look beautiful when they're exposed and polished, with a pleasant contrast against the colour of the concrete. For a bolder idea, you can use small pieces of coloured glass or multi-coloured seashells.
2. Concrete colourant
Another way to make your new concrete patio more appealing is to have a colourant added to the concrete during the mixing process. Concrete colourant is a powdered pigment that is readily absorbed into the concrete mix, providing a consistent and even colour throughout the slab. This means you won't end up with mis-matched patches of colour if the surface is scratched.
There is a wide range of hues available for concrete colourant, from subtle, soft colours that replicate the look of natural stone varieties to bold, bright and eye-catching options. Coloured concrete looks fantastic on its own, but it looks even better when paired with exposed aggregate. It allows for greater contrast between the concrete and the aggregate, which is very attractive.
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