Summer weather is just around the corner, and after many months spent isolating at home, the thought of getting out in the sun and sitting on an inviting patio is a welcome break from the indoors. If you’re planning to add a patio or porch to your home this summer, you’ll know that there are many designs and materials to choose from. Below, we will discuss the surprising benefits of concrete for your porch or patio this season.
Concrete Patio & Porch Design Benefits
An outdoor patio or porch can add a much needed outdoor space to entertain guests or relax with your family. Whether you’re looking for a spot for your BBQ or an enclosure for a backyard pool, concrete is a versatile material that can be customized to fit your personal needs and design preferences while maintaining its appearance and quality throughout each season. Here are some benefits to consider when designing your porch or patio:
- Concrete is inexpensive
Wood and stone patios and porches often have a higher upfront cost compared to poured concrete, and their lifespan doesn’t compare. Concrete is also easy to maintain and doesn’t require seasonal painting and upkeep. Cleaning can easily be done with a hose or power washer filled with soapy water, and rinsed clean. - No Weeds
Unfortunately, stone and wood patios and porches often have seamlines that allow weeds and foliage to come through small cracks. Concrete eliminates the need for weeding since it is impenetrable. With concrete, you’ll also never have to worry about bugs destroying or chewing through a wood patio planks. - A Wide Array of Decorative Designs
Concrete is far from boring! It can be dyed any colour to suit your home’s esthetic, or, concrete stamping can be used to replicate the look of brick, slate, stone, and more. Concrete pavers can also be used to create the look of patio stones, bricks, or used as stepping stone pathways. In addition, there are many different types of concrete paint and finishes that seal your designs and keep them looking fantastic for years to come. - Unmatched Durability
When it comes to porch and patio materials, nothing beats concrete for outlasting durability and performance. Unlike other materials such as wood, concrete requires very little maintenance and outstands all kinds of weather extremes without buckling, chipping, or crumbling. Although not 100% necessary, you may choose to add a sheen to your concrete patio or porch by applying a concrete sealer such an acrylic, resin-based sealer, epoxy, or polyurethane. Applying a sealer depends on the type of look you’re trying to achieve. A smooth, finished design can be sealed to enhance durability and add shine. This is especially true for stained and etched concrete patio designs. - Concrete is Sustainable
Although wood is a natural resource, the chemicals used to treat it in order to prevent rot, warping, and damage, are not very environmentally friendly. When it comes to outdoor living spaces such as a patio or porch, materials such as wood require re-sealing and chemical treatments frequently to retain their original quality. Concrete solves this issue by requiring very little maintenance, yet offering a lasting quality, strength, and design flexibility. As greener building practices become mainstream, more contractors are turning to concrete when possible for its permanence, cost, and versatility.
Why Choose a Concrete Contractor
Summer is coming fast and you want to enjoy it to the max. A concrete contractor can help bring your beautiful patio or porch design vision to life quickly and efficiently, giving you more time to spend using your new space, rather than taking on an extensive project. Elite Concrete concrete contractors have many years of experience and will ensure your project is completed professionally, and with the highest degree of quality. Whether you’re looking to add a porch, patio, pool, or precast steps to your backyard, Elite Concrete can help you create the oasis you deserve. Contact us today to talk about your next project.