Decorative Concrete

4 Solid Reasons to Add Decorative Concrete to Your Landscaping

June 7, 2018 by Affordable Shade

When dressing to impress, accessories can make an outfit; and it’s no different when it comes to your landscaping!

From paths from your front yard to your patio to entire patio/outdoor kitchens and grilling pagodas; stamped concrete is the way to go!

Here are four examples of why decorative concrete added to your home’s exterior can make it much more beautiful!

Increased Curb Appeal

The curb appeal effects of decorative concrete in an outdoor setting speaks of class and refinement the way few other things can, and there is something about the permanence of stone that lends mental security like nothing else.

Ornate pathways, burbling stone fountains, concrete-floored patios, and outdoor kitchen areas increase the beauty of a home and make other accessories stand out even more.

These features can also significantly increase the value of your property in addition to the contribution of enjoyment of your home.

Weather Resistance Like Nothing Else

As you may well already know: Houston weather can be tough on a home!

Custom concrete areas are secure and long lasting, providing you with a peace of mind when it comes to knowing that your investment in the beauty of your home is a sound one.

A semi-annual pressure washing to remove algae and other debris can make decorative concrete look brand new in a single day!

Grow as You Go

One of the best things about adding decorative concrete to the exterior of your home is that you don’t have to do it all at once!
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For example, let’s say that you have decided to build an outdoor kitchen or grilling area, you can always create additional space as needed.

Cost Effective and Long-Term Value

Given the extensive variety of patterns and styles of decorative concrete there is today and the ease of access to them, adding a design you will love to your Houston home is more cost-effective than you might think! And decorative concrete is more affordable than custom stonework.

The most important thing to consider when choosing to add some concrete work is that you want a highly reputable source for its construction and or installation.

About Affordable Shade Patio Covers

Affordable Shade Patio Covers builds custom patio covers and pergolas. For our clients, we often build our structures with decorative concrete foundations to enhance the design. Please give us a call at 713-574-4969 for a free design consultation.

How to Safely and Effectively Clean Your Patio Concrete

April 27, 2018 by Affordable Shade

Over time the concrete flooring of your patio will become dingy and lack luster as a layer of dirt, pollen, algae, and other contaminants build up.

Here are some simple steps on how to clean your patio concrete:

Move plants, furniture, and other items off of your concrete and sweep the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt from the surface. You may also want to pull up any weeds from around the edges of your concrete at this time.
In a simple disposable spray bottle mix a 3/4 water and 1/4 bleach solution, and add a teaspoon of liquid dishwasher soap to the mixture.
Spray the solution over your patio surface, waiting a few minutes for the solution to soak in and work its magic, then scrub the flooring with a stiff nylon bristle brush (using a wire brush can leave metal pieces that can rust and stain your concrete).
Remove tough stains by creating a peanut butter like consistency paste using a cleaner like Oxi-clean. Apply the paste the troublesome area and wait an hour before scrubbing the area clean.
Rinse the flooring off with a water hose.

Looking for a more eco-friendly way to clean your patio concrete? Try this!

Option 1: Use a vinegar and water mixture (½ and ½) or a straight vinegar wash for more heavily stained concrete. It smells, but it works!

Option 2: Add ½ cup of baking soda to a gallon of distilled water, the add ⅛ of a cup of liquid dishwashing liquid to the solution. Fill a spray bottle with the solution and spray the surface of the concrete, wait about 30 minutes before you start scrubbing.

Maybe you want something with some power

For more heavily stained patio concrete you may need to pressure wash it, you can choose to rent a pressure washing machine and do it yourself or hire a professional service.

Here are a couple of the pros and cons of choosing either method:

Doing it Yourself Pros

Renting a pressure washer is relatively inexpensive
You can decide when to do it according to your schedule

Doing it Yourself Cons

Without proper training on pressure washer use, you risk damaging your concrete and it is a time consuming tedious task.
Without scheduling an appointment it’s easy to put off and never actually get the job done (sound familiar?)

Hiring a Professional Pressure Washer Pros

With experience and training, not to mention insurance coverage, damaging your property is not as much of a risk
You don’t have to have the added step of renting and returning the machine on time or having the added expense of cleaning chemicals

Cons of Hiring a Professional Pressure Washer

Hiring a pressure washing service costs more than renting and DIY
Scheduling an appointment time that works for both parties

Regardless of which method that you use, it is necessary to clean your patio periodically. Use these techniques to keep your outdoor living areas looking their best.

About Affordable Shade Patio Covers

Affordable Shade Patio Covers builds custom patio cover additions for your outdoor living lifestyle. We craft all of our patio covers and pergolas to the highest safety standards and quality. We build exactly what you want, and we make sure that your new addition matches the style of your home. For a free in-home design consultation contact us or give us a call at (713) 574-4969.

Is a Decorative Concrete Patio Right for Your Backyard?

May 1, 2017 by Affordable Shade

Do you want a beautiful and cool outdoor area where you can relax and entertain family?

There are many different options available so you need to pick carefully. A popular solution is a custom patio cover or wood pergola with decorative concrete. Decorative concrete is often called stamped concrete, and the purpose of this articles, these terms are one in the same.

How is Decorative Concrete Created?

The first step is the pouring of concrete so that a slab is created. While the concrete is still soft and moist, stamps are pressed onto it so that specific patterns and textures are created. Colors can be mixed directly with the material or applied on top of it. The slab is then left to dry. After the drying process is complete, the stamped concrete patio is ready for use. Typically, the whole project is completed within one or two days at the most.

How Durable is Decorative Concrete?

You can expect the stamped concrete patio to be perfectly functional. You can choose its size and shape in line with your needs. You can arrange any type of furniture. Concrete will support virtually any weight. You do not have to worry about cracking and denting. One important thing to note is that material is very hard so you would not want to let kids engage in physical activities on the patio. Other things to watch out for are the depth of the grout lines and the texture of the surface. You would not want to create any difficulties for people with limited mobility or to set hazards for those who are not particularly careful.

What Patterns and Designs are Available for Decorative Concrete?

Concrete is a very versatile material. Decorative concretet can be made to mimic virtually any type of classy surface from antique stones and terracotta tiles to brick and even weathered wood. Any type of pattern can be created. Similarly, various color combinations can be used. You can readily get the patio of your dreams. It will be perfectly beautiful and will match the style of your outdoor area and house precisely.

How to Maintain Decorative Concrete?

You will not have any issues with cleaning and maintenance whatsoever. In fact, this type of surface requires only basic cleaning with a broom and sometimes with water. There is no need for any specific maintenance.

This type of patio surface is extremely durable. It will retain its surface level and not sink with time unlike stone slabs. It will not crack or get dented or chipped even in harsh weather conditions.

How Much does Decorative Concrete Cost?

A Decorative concrete or stamped concrete patio surface is around 25% to 30% cheaper compared to a brick one of the same size and It is over 50% less expensive compared to slate, stone and marble. It is around 20% more expensive compared to one made from plain concrete.

For the price, a Decorative concrete patio is an outstanding choice for its looks, functionality, and durability.

If you would like more information about Decorative concrete give us, at Affordable Shade Patio Covers, a call. We would love to sit down with you and discuss your design option.

Give us a call at 713-574-4969 or fill out the Contact Affordable Shade form.

A custom patio cover with decorative concrete offers you complete functionality, excellent durability, and great looks.