Create a relaxing mood in your backyard area with cool outdoor patio ideas. Make efficient and inviting use of your outside space with concrete patio designs with the aid of a builder or build it yourself. Brick patio designs are dramatic, durable and long lasting.
Doesn't matter what style architecture your house is, there are outdoor patio ideas to complement them. Brick patio designs are particularly nice with traditional Tudor or Colonial style homes. Spanish design looks great with stamped concrete patio designs.
When going to your local home improvement center in your area check out the samples they usuallycarry in the outdoor landscaping and patio department. These centers have many books on the topic of outdoor patio ideas. They are complete with detailed instructions for concrete patio designs and brick patio designs.
Concrete Patio Designs
Some may think concrete has a frigid and sterile look, which it can. Now days there are so many concrete patio designs that use various color stains and shapes. These shapes and stains can produce concrete patio designs that look like Mexican tile pavers or custom stonework without the expense. When done right the look is stunning. A drainage system should be installed. A concrete patio can become a shallow pond if not planned and poured correctly. Contacting a professional landscaper or concrete contractor is recommended.
Brick Patio Designs
Brick patios can be placed on a bed of sand or on a concrete slab. This would greatly rely on where you live and what you are using the space for. Bricks can be laid in many different patterns that can be intriguing and fun. They come in a variety of shades, colors, shapes and sizes. Edging a plain concrete patio can add drama or bricks can be used to denote different areas.
Consult a Professional
Concrete and brick patio designs are beautiful and practical and can last for years. Wood decks and patios need lots of maintenance and often times have to be redone after a few years. They attract insects and become water damaged easily. If you are not a handy man type or do-it-yourself er, talking to a professional or contractor is an option. Concrete and brick can be very expensive to replace.
The patio is an extension of your living space. It is additional area to entertain, serve dinner, and play. Your outdoor patio can add interest and value.
Brick Paver Patio Designs
Cracks in bricks.
Very often, when you take a closer look, you will be surprised to find cracks in the bricks. These cracks didn't appear out of nowhere. There are already there. You just didn't take time to notice them. So how did they come about? Did someone damage the bricks with a hammer? That doesn't sound likely.
What is more likely to be causing those cracks is contaminants. There are many different types of contaminants. Some examples of such contaminants include dirt, grime, grease, and even weeds. What happen is that these contaminants penetrate the exterior surface of the bricks. When on the insides, they cause further damage by loosening the interior structure of the bricks. Sometimes, plants can be cause of cracks. Weeds may start growing in the bricks and the roots will eventually force the bricks apart, causing the cracks to widen.
In other words, what you will be able to observe, is only damage on the outside. You can't really see what is happening on the inside, but you can make accurate guesses. And certainly, you don't want to leave the bricks untreated. Otherwise, the bricks may be damaged to such an extent that they become irreparable. So what do you do?
Brick paver sealers.
What you need to do, is to try to protect the exterior surface as much as you can. You can start by cleaning the surface of the bricks with water and mild detergent. Get rid of all lingering weeds. As you clean, you will start to expose damaged areas.
The next thing you need to do, is to buy brick paver sealers so that you can apply the sealer on the bricks. You may need some special tools for applying the sealer. You can easily buy a sprayer from the same retailer. The type of sprayer you buy depends on the type of sealer you want to apply. Most likely, you will need a heavy duty sprayer. These cost more, but you don't have to worry about chemicals eating through the sprayer. That happens sometimes with cheap plastic sprayers.
Sealers are available in 1 or 5 gallon cans. Generally, you need about 1 gallon for every hundred feet. So take your measurements before making your purchase.
A single layer of sealer is enough to help protect the brick surface. The sealer will seal existing cracks, and help prevent further damage. Once applied, give the sealer ample time (about 12 hours) to dry. You will get a glossy surface once the sealer has dried.
Both Mary Swanson & Gen Wright are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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