Concrete resurfacing brings new life to old concrete. Are you tired of looking at a drab concrete patio, cracked driveway or discolored garage floor? You may be able to restore and resurface existing concrete, without having to replace it, with the best concrete supplies from Intermountain Concrete Specialties. We have decades of experience in the industry, with trained and knowledgeable team members on hand who can help you find the concrete resurfacing products that work best for your project.
You don’t have to be an expert to resurface concrete. With the right products and some knowledge on how the process works, you can improve the look of your old patio, driveway or garage floor in a short period of time. Want to find out about the different options available for resurfacing concrete? Keep reading.
What Are the Options for Concrete Resurfacing?
Just about any concrete surface can be given a makeover, including concrete driveways, patios, walkways and pool decks. Exterior concrete resurfacing options include a range of products and processes that all result in better-looking concrete surfaces without having to tear an existing patio or driveway out and re-pour, which can be both time-consuming and expensive.
The type and method of concrete driveway resurfacing or concrete patio resurfacing that you should use depends on the end result you want. There are plenty of options to choose from, including the following, which are available at Intermountain Concrete Specialties.
Full Concrete Resurfacing
This process involves using a grinder to remove the entire top surface of your concrete pad. If your patio, driveway or garage floor has serious cracks or potholes that you can’t fix with caulk or crack filler, this is likely your best option. It’s a long-term solution that can help completely change the look of your concrete surface, but it is also the most time-consuming and most expensive in terms of concrete resurfacing cost.
Epoxy Resin Coating
Resurfacing concrete driveways or garage floors with an epoxy resin coating is a very popular option. It can even be used on new concrete for the decorative benefits. Not only does this update the look of your concrete, but it makes the surface much easier to clean, and it stays cleaner longer than untreated concrete. If you want to add color to your concrete pad, this is one of the best concrete surfacing ideas. You’ll get the color update but you don’t have to worry about wear and tear as much as when you paint your concrete. It’s easy to scrub and clean an epoxy floor without having to worry about the surface wearing away like you would with paint.
Sealing
Applying a good-quality sealer to your concrete is a good way to put off having to resurface a concrete patio completely using the full concrete resurfacing process. Sealer comes in different colors so you can make that update if you’d like, and you’ll protect your concrete from weather, sunlight and cracks at the same time. We recommend sealing all of your exterior concrete surfaces to prevent damage.
Painting
As mentioned above, you can paint your concrete pad instead of resurfacing it if there are not a lot of big cracks or chips. However, painting does not last as long as some other options for resurfacing concrete pads.
Concrete Overlays and Microtoppings
A concrete overlay is the application of a thin cement or polymer-modified layer over existing concrete to upgrade the appearance of a concrete surface. After the overlay has been applied, it can be stamped, stained or stenciled to mimic the look of brick, slate or stone. When you need to resurface a concrete driveway but don’t want to grind the entire top layer away, a concrete overlay is a good choice.
Stamped/Textured Concrete
Stamping or texturing is a creative and affordable option for beautifying outdoor areas such as patios and walkways. Stamped concrete is usually more affordable than tearing out existing concrete and replacing it with new materials. Modern concrete resurfacing methods can easily replicate the look of stone, slate, tile, wood, brick and more.
Staining
Staining adds color and brings new life to old concrete. Stain can be used on existing concrete or on concrete overlays. Concrete staining also works well in conjunction with stamped concrete. You can really let your creativity shine with this option.
Stenciling or Engraving
These additional design options, such as stencils and borders, are a great way to stylize existing concrete while adding color and personality. Some people use this process to create “rugs” on their patios, which is perfect if you want to design a space to mimic the interior of your home.
Is Your Concrete Suitable for Resurfacing?
Do the above concrete resurfacing ideas make you want to start this process? You may wonder if your concrete is suitable for doing so. The answer to this question is usually yes if your concrete is in fairly good condition but needs minor repairs and an updated finish. Concrete can usually be resurfaced with some of our concrete supplies if it has minor cracks or discoloration, but not any major damage, such as sinking, missing pieces or major cracks.
If you have any of these bigger issues, it’s important to repair them first. This may feel like an unnecessary extra step, but using any resurfacing product on a large crack or pothole will only work temporarily. Eventually the damage will show through and you’ll have to repair it anyway. Repairing your concrete surface before you resurface is not complicated. Check out our thorough guide to help you through the process. Remember, if you have any questions, we’re happy to help. Reach out to one of our team members if you feel overwhelmed or if you want a little more instruction.
Concrete Resurfacing Preparation Is Key
Before you begin any resurfacing project, a properly prepared surface makes all the difference in the final result when it comes to concrete resurfacing. Start out by completely cleaning the concrete surface using an appropriate solution (Intermountain Concrete Specialties can guide you on choosing the best product). Next, repair any cracks. Priming isn’t typically necessary if you’re staining concrete, but other finishes may require profiling. The best advice is to follow manufacturer’s instructions.
If you want a smooth, even finish, preparation is a must. Not only will the end result look better, it will last longer as well. Without adequate preparation, outdoor concrete resurfacing products can chip away. While the cost of concrete resurfacing is not astronomical, you don’t want to do it twice if you don’t have to.
What Else Should You Consider?
Proper curing and sealing of any concrete surface is critical to long-term success. Most concrete surfaces are resistant to stains when properly coated with a protective sealer. The type of concrete resurfacing you choose is largely dependent on your project; however, the best concrete resurfacer is the one that you feel the most comfortable using and will give you the end result that you want. You can learn more about the different resurfacing products we offer, including concrete sealers, by contacting a member of our team or visiting an Intermountain Concrete Specialties location near you for tips and advice.
