Resurfacing Concrete Patio

Today, there are many different options available for resurfacing concrete patios that have either become old or have undergone wear and tear. Resurfacing a patio helps in giving it a new look. Before undertaking the resurfacing activity, one should check whether the cracks are considerably big or not. If the patio has developed hairline cracks, then resurfacing is an option to be considered; otherwise it is better to build a completely new patio.

Resurfacing Concrete Patio

The process of resurfacing can be carried out with the help of concrete or tiles, wooden slats, stone pavers etc.

Concrete
Before using concrete for resurfacing the patio, the old patio has to be washed. A power washer helps clean the surface properly. The new concrete to be applied needs a wet surface to bind or fuse nicely with the surface. The concrete can be spread with the help of a masonry trowel. Running a broom across the concrete when wet, helps make the surface rough, thereby making it slip-resistant.

Deck Tiles
Modular deck tiles are used in resurfacing concrete patios in an effective manner. These tiles can be laid easily and without any expert guidance. The tiles don't stick to the surface permanently, and can be removed whenever the need arises for the same. These tiles are just placed over the patio without applying any kind of adhesives.

Ceramic or slate tiles can be used for installation, and they add beauty to the patio. However, care should be taken to check whether there are any gaps in the concrete. If these gaps enlarge in the course of time, the tiles laid above them may get damaged.

Different tiles have varying degrees of resistance to water and temperature. The tiles made of ceramic and terracotta tend to crack at low temperatures. Highly glazed tiles do provide a smooth surface to the patio, however, they can get very slippery when wet.

Wood Tiles
Using wood tiles is another option in resurfacing concrete patios. These tiles are installed with the help of wood bearers. Screws or nails are used to fix the tiles to the bearers. The nails should be checked for corrosion. The problem with installing wood tiles is that the bearers might get affected due to premature rotting.

A new type of wood tiles called wood slats, are used nowadays in resurfacing concrete patios. These slats are fixed into a plastic mesh. The plastic base helps in the easy drainage of water and is also useful in connecting tiles to each other. The connection can be made with the help of clips. Nowadays, inbuilt connectors are used for connecting the tiles.

Stones and Clay Pavers
The use of stones like granite, makes the patio attractive. Along with granite, other stones like slate and sandstone too are used for resurfacing concrete patios. The cost of installation however, rises if stones like granite are used. Clay pavers are used to counter the problem of frost.

Finally, patio resurfacing should be done considering the budget. The process of resurfacing is carried out in order to improve the usability of the patio. Any kind of decoration done for improving the look might increase the cost of resurfacing. Thus, the resurfacing activity should prove to be useful and cost effective at the same time.