Concrete has become a stylish material for indoor and any beautiful outdoor space in homes. It is a versatile surface material that goes beyond flooring. Concrete provides a sleek design that will enhance your landscapes in many surprising and delightful ways. Architects are increasingly using concrete as a versatile building material with various applications.
Because of its durability, concrete offers a blank slate for countless design ideas that complement a variety of landscape styles on your patio. Let’s take a look at five innovative patio ideas that use existing concrete or for freshly poured applications. They bring an amazing feeling to traditional or modern patio styles and everything in between.
#1: Terraced City Garden
Imagine stained concrete pavers surrounded by rustic round river stones that make up a geometric pattern on the floor of this outdoor space. With the addition of stained concrete walls in a light gray or charcoal color, the light will reflect at any time of day. At night, the colors of the river stones will also reflect the outdoor lightning or fire pit. With concrete pavers, the contrast of the lighter hue will liven the space.
This idea is amazing for contemporary designs that desire a more urban feel. The precise edges and color contrast provide an aesthetic with a utilitarian feel. To warm up the coolness of the concrete, you may complement the concrete patio with wood stained accents. Finish the space with natural accents of colorful flower pots and lush green plants. The natural elements will soften hard concrete lines and provide the contrast that is normally seen in nature.
#2: Stylish Rustic Courtyard
Concrete is an ideal material for rustic styles. For a patio that reminds you of a country backyard, smooth concrete works well with staining or other treatments such as kerfs or cuts. You may reference the existing architecture of your home to create a patio that fits seamlessly.
Rustic styles call for warm hues often paired with wooden color boards and windows that align with long cuts to create gaps that match the home. This subtle way to incorporate the patio with the rest of the home gives your outdoor space a warm and inviting feel. It is also a practical way to help with drainage.
Another rustic concrete design for a country-style is to install concrete pavers to serve as steppingstones throughout a pea gravel trail or pathway. Finish the space with soft edges and billowing plants such as lavender or ferns.
#3: Build a Contemporary Patio
For a modern patio that goes well with various types of homes, try a smooth concrete application with white cement for flooring. This type of flooring provides a shiny reflection to even the smallest details. Soften the space with a thin river of glass tile along the borders of the concrete finish. If your patio has slopes, this river of glass provides a flowing look that enchants the eyes.
Why not accent the space with custom-made concrete chairs that sit on wheels for smooth repositioning? How about a terrace with an outdoor fireplace that provides functionality and style? The possibilities are extensive when creating the outdoor space of your dreams by using concrete for various applications.
#4: Create a Multipurpose Outdoor Space
Create a Japanese-inspired patio by building a fire pit, outdoor dining area, and a cedar soaking tub. With the installation of large concrete pavers, the flooring material will be a versatile choice for all areas.
By leaving gaps between the concrete pavers, you will create nooks that are ideal for many types of greenery including walkable ground cover plants. Species such as Scotch moss and Corsican mint provide a soft element that brings together the cool concrete with the liveliness of nature.
#5: Sunken Fire Pit for a Modern Twist
More contemporary architects are designing innovative outdoor spaces with concrete as the main material for courtyards and fire pit lounges. For a modernist feel, concrete provides a contemporary style that is distinct and simple. Various geometrical shapes can be used for seating blocks, walls, wood storage, and sunken fire pits.
The smooth finish of concrete provides the sleek design that a sunken fire pit calls for. With an innovative process called acid etching, the top surface of the concrete can be made into a uniform look while becoming a nonslip surface. This treatment utilizes muriatic acid to give concrete a unique-looking and functional surface.
Sunken fire pits provide an intimate setting outdoors ideal for dinner parties and other events. They are unique and create a stylish atmosphere not frequently seen in patios. They are perfect for any time of the year and not only bring warmth to the space, but also provide fire for roasting s’mores and keeping mosquitos away. With the built-in concrete sitting area, the pit becomes the central focus of the patio.
Get Your Concrete Project Started Here!
We Do Concrete Cheap is a leading concrete company in Raleigh NC. We have extensive experience with patios and other outdoor spaces as well as the interior of homes. Our expert concrete designers can sit with you and explore all possibilities to make your outdoor space optimal while creating consistency with the architecture of your home.
Our team works with a variety of concrete projects in the Triangle Area. Call us for a consultation and see all the possibilities concrete can bring to your home!
