What can you do with a concrete slab?

This is one of the most creative uses of a concrete slab. It could serve as a base for a garden bench, hammock, grill, or even a bubbling fountain. Don't feel tied to a square or rectangular shape. This Mindy Gayer outdoor dining and living area gives a concrete patio a fresh look.

The herringbone concrete block pattern adds a playful dimension to the dining room, offering a perfect view of the outdoor pool and backyard wall. This charming S, U, S, A, P courtyard feels like you've walked into a quaint hidden cafe. The sturdy concrete blocks give a rustic, weathered feel to the space, along with the cobblestone wall and plenty of lush plant life. Another large outdoor seating area from Brophy Interiors, this patio is covered in square concrete blocks and surrounded by a wooden bench edge perfect for more seating.

The surrounding circular seating area is positioned to enjoy the breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding landscape. Concrete doesn't have to be the only material involved in a backyard arrangement. This one by Kirsten Diane is a perfect example, with a terrace made of wood and a lower patio made of concrete blocks. The two spaces flow together seamlessly, creating an ideal backyard escape.

How thick will your patio slab be? Four inches is the minimum thickness for a concrete patio. You'll want to do it six to eight inches thick if the patio supports a structure like a gazebo or hot tub. To achieve a minimum termite risk, concrete slabs must be designed and built in accordance with Australian standards to have a minimum of shrinkage cracking. You can purchase reinforcing fibers to add to the mixed concrete on site, or you can request that fibers be added to the ready-mix concrete.

The metal salts are transported to the concrete surface by mild acids, making the stains deep and permanent. Some of these new cements are set by absorbing carbon dioxide, which drastically reduces the carbon footprint of concrete. Alternative forms of concrete with very low built-in energy are also increasingly available, such as hemp concrete. New cements such as geopolymers (“e-concrete”) and magnesium cements reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This large open backyard designed by Brophy Interiors features a sleek, smooth concrete finish. Alternatively, bonded recycled plastic dome assemblies can be used (reducing the amount of concrete needed). We get a lot of inspiration from home shows and where to find similar pieces to complete your concrete patio ideas. If you want a rough, high-friction surface, use a broom to texturize the concrete before allowing it to harden.

In addition, the concrete and grass edges seem to blend effortlessly into each other without any noticeable cracks, a smooth and impressive transition. Unlike pavers or patio slabs, a poured concrete patio greatly reduces voids and cracks that can cause weed growth and ant infestations. In a different area of the same backyard, Mindy Gayer's design for the living room part creates a perfectly square layout of concrete pavers. A concrete patio designed by Mindy Gayer is surrounded by many seating options, as well as black planters.

The good news is that if your yard moves and becomes bumpy, you can still fix it with a concrete lift.