Are you wondering about what to do with that concrete patio in your yard?

According to a recent survey, patio improvements made to a property can bring an 80% return on your investment. So not only can a back patio remodel bring beauty to your home, it could be a sound financial decision that ups the value of your house, too. 

Now more than ever, it’s important to have an oasis for private summertime space in your home. Creating your own personal backyard retreat is easier than you think!

If you’ve been wondering what to do with your patio, check these 5 backyard cement patio designs to give you the inspiration to create the outdoor space of your dreams. 

1. Stamped Designs

Is your patio a simple slab that is more blah than beautiful? Then you might want to consider spiffing it up with concrete patio remodel ideas like a stenciled design or stamped concrete. With the right tools, you can create a finish that mimics the look of wood, stone, brick, and other surfaces. 

While this is usually done on wet concrete, the good news is that you can apply a layer of it over your existing concrete, too. After pouring the new layer of concrete, the color is mixed in, followed by a color release agent. Then the texturized mats or “stamps” are applied to give it the desired look, and stencils can be incorporated when it is dry.   

2. Rock-Salt Concrete Finish

A lesser-known technique in concrete patio design is a rock-salt finish. This is done by sprinkling salt particles over wet concrete, taking a roller to them, and then power-washing it all away once the concrete has dried. This leaves a unique textured finish that can be amped up with the addition of color, too. 

And a rock-salt finish is not limited to the backyard, either. Because of its durability, it can be used on driveways to mirror the look of your backyard patio. Not only does it provide a beautiful finish, but the added texture offers enhanced safety and less slippage in inclement weather. 

3. Backyard Cement Patio Designs For Small Lots

Want small patio remodel ideas that won’t break the bank? Find inspiration from patio paver design ideas at the hardware store. Take a trip and pick up a few pavers and sand and place them in a pattern in your backyard for an instant patio facelift. 

It’s easy to find tiny squares that can help increase the square footage of your patio area without overwhelming the space. You can also lay them in imaginative diamond or circular patterns to give your backyard visual interest. Echo that shape with similarly shaped pots, planters, and furniture to complete the theme. 

4. Other Elements

Want to create different rooms in your backyard? You might want to think about adding an attractive, free-standing wall to separate your patio from the lawn. Choose a sculptural or vertical garden wall that adds an arty look and makes it feel like an outdoor living room. 

Another easy way to highlight your new patio design is to invest in custom patio doors. Removing outdated doors and adding fresh ones can brighten up the interior of your home, and compliment the exterior. There’s a wide variety of styles and colors available to help you customize your look. 

5. Mixed Materials

If you are searching for earthy elements to shake up a uniform concrete look, consider adding natural stones like pea gravel, river rocks, and pebbles. You can layer pebbles and over pea gravel to create an area for a fire pit. Then create a border with pavers, and you have an instant focal point and gathering place in your backyard.

Another way to add some diversity in your backyard is to incorporate moss, succulents, and other greenery into the patio design. Instead of using gravel in between pavers, choose a vibrantly colored moss, or creeping thyme. You can also build borders with large stones and succulents for an on-trend look. 

Backyard Patio Renovation Tips

Whether you decide to DIY or hire a professional, even the smallest backyard patio reno requires some planning. If you need to do some demolition, always take proper precautions like turning off the water and electricity before digging into the ground. Make sure pets and children have no access to the area while it is under construction. 

If you are dealing with rocks, sand, and other natural materials, you’ll want to put up plastic over any nearby doors or windows. You’d be surprised at how quickly tiny particles can blow into the house and create a mess! On that note, it’s also important to wear a respirator as you move and place the materials, especially if you have allergies or are sensitive to dust. 

Ready to Have the Outdoor Space of Your Dreams?

Now that you’ve learned about some of the amazing backyard cement patio designs out there, you can start planning your ideal yard. Whether you pull a DIY with stamped concrete or add natural elements like moss and rocks with your pavers, it’s easy to find the best match for your budget. 

With a little creativity, you can create a unique space that incorporates a fire pit, vertical garden, and other features to make a stand-out space. But whether you DIY or hire a professional, be sure to take the necessary safety precautions that protect you and your home from damage or harm. 

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