Why Should We Install a Concrete Patio

By S Casto

Back yards, especially concrete patios, are being transformed into luxurious extensions of the house. They’re the new favorite room to relax, entertain, and cook. And the heart and soul of the backyard resort area is the concrete patio.

The Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association, which recently held its annual tradeshow and exposition, says the growth of the outdoor living phenomena is the result of North America’s interest in ‘cocooning,’ the trend toward a more casual lifestyle, an aging population and the popularity of porches, decks, and concrete patios in homes. Concrete patios, sometimes referred to as cement patios, provide the perfect sanctuary for outdoor living spaces because they are often connected to the house and blend the interior with the exterior living areas. For example, homeowners can match the stone facade of their house by installing decorative concrete to create a stone patio without the expense of installing traditional individual stones. With stamped concrete, homeowners can get the look of flagstone, brick and many other patterns when stamp patterns are pressed into freshly poured concrete.

Top 10 Reasons to Install a Concrete Patio

The patio has become so essential to our backyard retreats that it was among the top 10 features ranked “very important” by home buyers in the 2007 Profile of Buyers’ Home Feature Preferences, published by the National Association of Realtors. And more than half (54%) of those surveyed were willing to pay a premium for a patio. With concrete, however, you don’t need to pay a premium price to get a premium product. Here are 10 reasons why concrete is the perfect patio material.

1. Staining and sealing a wood deck every year can be a lot of work!
2. Concrete can be stamped, engraved, stenciled or textured to resemble pricier stone or brick pavers—and often at a fraction of the cost.
3. With the uses of stains and other coloring methods, you can achieve just about any hue imaginable, whether you want to match the stone facade of your house or blend in with the natural landscape.
4. Concrete is easily formed into any shape to accommodate backyard space restrictions.
5. Unlike paving stones, you won’t have sand-filled joints between units where grass and weeds can sprout.
6. Concrete is durable and can stand up to a range of weather conditions found across the country.
7. Thanks to the design versatility of concrete, your patio will never look just like your neighbor’s.
8. The aesthetic appeal and durability of decorative concrete will boost the resale value of your home.
9. Your concrete patio won’t be vulnerable to termite infestation, wood rot or splintering.
10. Concrete is environmentally friendly.  Installing a concrete patio rather than a wood deck saves lumber and eliminates the need for regular maintenance with solvent-based wood stains and sealers.