Refinish Patio Concrete With An Option That's Low Maintenance (No, It's Not Pavers)

Like judging a book by its cover, plenty of homeowners write off building materials based on a bad review or past experience. But materials have come a long way in the past couple of decades, and many products on the market today are worth a second look. Some can even be considered for different applications, such as modern epoxy formulas for finishing patio concrete. If you're looking for alternatives to pavers, epoxy is a low-maintenance solution, giving you a stain-resistant, sealed surface that holds up to weather and traffic. Epoxy coatings have a long track record of being used in commercial settings and garages, and today's UV-stable formulas have made them a viable option for your patio, too.

As one of the most inexpensive ways to cover a concrete patio, modern epoxy coatings simplify routine care of your outdoor spaces. Spills, grease, leaf tannins, chlorine splashes from the pool, and even wine stains all wipe off the surface easily instead of soaking in and leaving stains. You don't need an annual resealing because epoxy works differently than other finishes like concrete stains. With a two-part epoxy system, the resin and hardener bond to the concrete and create a sealed, nonporous layer. Epoxy coatings are one of several ways to refresh a concrete patio without repaving it or covering it, and properly installed, it can last 10 to 20 years. Costs vary depending on several factors, averaging around $4 to $12 per square foot, while installing pavers costs about $8 to $25.

While the cost of an epoxy finish for your patio depends on the size of your project, installation method, and the quality of the finish, much of the savings comes from leaving your existing concrete patio design in place. No demo, waste, or fresh slab to pour — just a clean, new surface to install. This also means you can start using your new patio after it cures, typically within days instead of waiting almost half the summer for it to be finished.

In the past, epoxy coatings haven't stood up to UV rays, making them a poor choice for patios baking in the hot sun. However, modern epoxy formulas and topcoat systems are leaps ahead of what was previously available. Epoxies today are still the same two-part system they've always been, but today's formulas bond with the concrete better, have more solids, and carry UV stabilizers. These systems also use polyaspartic or polyurethane topcoats that add UV protection, making epoxy finishes a viable solution for patios.

Even though you may have heard horror stories about epoxy coatings on floors peeling or bubbling, you can avoid these kinds of DIY failures if you start with a clean, dry, and properly prepared concrete surface. By taking the time to learn about the products available and the process, you can save money by doing it yourself since DIY costs are about $1 to $5 per square foot for materials.