8 Ways to Spruce Up Your Backyard Patio

The patio is a wonderful space where you can either relax as a family or entertain guests. But since it’s not typically at the front of the property, many homeowners let their patios go unattended.

Before long, the flooring is cracked, the chairs are faded, and the entire area is worn out, which makes it less appealing to spend time there. If that happens, you’ll need to update. Here are some ways to make your patio look more upscale.

1. Get a Great Stamped Concrete Floor

Plain concrete is functional and works well for a patio, but to update the floor, stamped concrete is the perfect solution. The beauty and sleek finish of this style will match the design of any home and landscape, so you can assert your creativity and individual character.

Stamped concrete improves any patio’s appearance without damaging your budget. Though it’s more expensive than plain concrete, it’s also much cheaper than brick or stone pavers, slate, tile, hardwood, or other flooring options you might look at.

The best part is it can be stamped to resemble other attractive flooring, from hardwood to flagstone. All you have to do is share your vision with our contractors, and they will make it happen at a great price.

2. Invest in Weather-Proof Furniture

If you’re looking for furniture that’s right for an outdoor space, make sure it’s weather-proof if you expect it to last and stay looking great. Getting the right furniture is a matter of both research and personal taste.

Check online reviews to make sure what you want can withstand rain, wind, and sun, and that it’s built to last. Getting furniture that will create a more sophisticated look is all about choosing something that works well for your purposes while pleasing your style preferences and budget.

“Great patio furniture brings comfort and function to your outdoor spaces,” according to a blog post from Better Homes and Gardens. “With a spacious table and easy-to-use, comfortable chairs a basic brick patio is transformed into a sensory-rich dining destination. Outfit a cozy porch with a wicker sofa and a classic wicker rocking chair, both stocked with ample cushions, and the porch will quickly become a second family room during the warm weather months.”

3. Add a Rug That Goes with Stamped Concrete

The right rug is an essential element in any outdoor space. A rug can add a homey, elegant touch to the patio and take away the rough edges when you spend time outside. It adds a level of comfort that may remind everyone of a cozy living room.

It’s best to choose your rug after you’ve selected the pattern of stamped concrete for the floor. The rug should be made to highlight the best facets of the floor instead of masking its beauty. The size, pattern, color, and even texture of the rug should create an amazing finish rather than make everything clash.
If your concrete is patterned to resemble colorful flagstones, for example, a rug with busy patterns and bright hues might disguise the beauty of the surface. That style of rug would go better with a concrete floor that resemble hardwoods, while a rug that has more muted patterns and colors would work better with the flagstone approach.

4. Install a Fireplace

A fireplace can also bring the coziness of a home interior to the outdoors. A fireplace is a versatile installation that can match any style and comfort level on your patio.

Once you’ve decided on the location and size of the fireplace, then you can select a design. “Many homeowners choose a ‘built-in’ style, attaching the fireplace to an outside wall of the home or another wall in the outdoor space,” states an article from HGTV about choosing the right fireplace design for your patio.

“Others prefer a freestanding fireplace, possibly even one that’s portable. For either a built-in or freestanding style of outdoor fireplace, you can choose to purchase a prefabricated exterior or one that’s a blank slate, so that you can choose which materials to adorn your fireplace with.”

Your preferences might depend on the budget you have to work with. A stamped concrete fireplace, for example, will be much less expensive than a stone one. Discuss your vision with the contractor to determine the best available option.

5. Plant Foliage Decorations

Right now, the trend in home design is toward everything natural. This may make choosing decorations for your patio both easy and affordable.

The tricky part is deciding on the configuration and types of plants and flowers you’ll want to adorn the edges of your outdoor space. Though they don’t have such dramatic blossoms as other options, drought-resistant plants are a solid choice.

They require very little care and watering, which will enable you to conserve energy. They also look great when arranged in planters and window boxes, which makes them perfect for patio decorations.

6. Stain Your Concrete Floor

Another option that’s an alternative to stamping your concrete patio floor is staining it. This can render a highly sophisticated look that will make your patio appear more expensive without costing you a lot of money.

The effect of a stained concrete floor is similar to that of stained wood. It changes the color of the surface while bringing out the most beautiful hues in the concrete. This style is extremely easy to maintain, and perfect for homeowners who’d like to customize their patio floor to match their unique style and preferences.

7. Put In Mood Lighting

You shouldn’t be prevented from enjoying your patio in the evening just because there are no lights to illuminate your way. But it’s essential to choose your lighting carefully.

The wrong lights can be harsh and uncomfortable, which makes it harder to relax. You should think carefully about everything from the color of the lights to the design of the fixtures so as to create an atmosphere that’s comfortable for you.

“Proportion is key when choosing exterior fixtures,” says an article from Houzz. For an upscale look, they recommend large lights that are roughly one-fourth the height of your patio gazebo. This will add enough lighting to the area to be comfortable without violating the serenity of the night.

8. Create Some Cover

An open-air patio is great when it’s not sunny, windy, or rainy. But many of us live in areas that experience all these elements regularly, separately and sometimes even together, so you may prefer to include some cover to maintain a certain comfort level.

You have a variety of great choices. A pergola with a canvas or climbing vines can create an upscale look with little money, effort, or maintenance. Patio table umbrellas are also great for families on a budget.

If you’re comfortable spending a little more money, invest in a gazebo-style structure. This will enclose the space and make it feel a little more intimate. It may also come with a weather-proof roof that will allow you and your family to sit outdoors even when it rains.

Contact R&M Concrete Today

When it comes to delivering a high-quality, upscale design at your backyard patio, R&M Concrete is a leader for all your concrete needs. We offer superior craftsmanship in concrete installation, from stamped and stained concrete patio floors to walkways and driveways.

For more information about the services we provide, contact us today!