How To Give Your Concrete Patio Or Driveway A Refresh — No Replacement Needed

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After years of facing the elements, even the highest-quality concrete patio or driveway can start to crack and fade over time. Whether you're worried about small cracks getting worse or you just want to upgrade your yard's look, there are a few methods to choose from when it comes to refreshing a concrete finish. For instance, if you're dealing with severe damage, it's recommended to simply replace the entire driveway or patio. However, this can be an extremely expensive and arduous process, so if any existing damage is minimal, you may want to consider using a concrete overlay instead.

A concrete overlay is a thick paste made from materials like polymer resin, cement, and gravel. The process of applying concrete overlay is also known as resurfacing, and it works exactly like you would expect it to. The overlay paste is spread over a concrete finish, filling in cracks and creating a new, smooth, durable surface.

This fresh coat of "paint" won't just improve the longevity of your concrete patio or driveway; it can also completely transform it. Concrete overlay is available in different shades so you can change the color of whatever you're refinishing. Or, you could enlist the help of a concrete patio stencil to give your concrete finish a natural stone look. There's also more than one type of overlay, including an option that can give your concrete patio a softer finish.

Along with all the aesthetic and structural benefits, concrete overlays are also a cheaper choice than replacing an entire driveway, patio, or other outdoor surface. On the high end, resurfacing can cost up to $10 per square foot of concrete; replacing the concrete is 50% more expensive, with an upper average of $15 per square foot. Of course, if you're using the overlay as a bandaid solution for severe cracks or warping in the concrete slab, the savings won't last since you'll likely have to pay for more maintenance down the road. But if the foundation is strong, a concrete overlay is a worthy investment to make your driveway look new again.

Concrete overlay comes in a few different categories that suit different needs. If you're just looking to revamp the style of your concrete finishes, you may want to look for a skim coat overlay. Also known as micro-topping, this style of overlay is put down in a layer that's only a few millimeters thick, and while it's not as helpful at providing durability, it's perfect in areas where looks are the priority. Alternatively, a self-leveling overlay is a much thicker resurfacing material that is great at filling in uneven surfaces. Another option that's ideal for patios and outdoor walkways is a spray-down overlay, which quickly adds a bit of texture to surfaces to make them less slippery. This will make running around outside safer; plus, your fresh concrete patio can boost your home's value.