6 Concrete Patio Ideas to Boost the Appeal of That Drab Slab

Concrete patios are typically seen as a backyard eyesore – think a sad, cracked slab in an unloved backyard or outdoor space. Here are 6 ideas to help you see your concrete patio in a whole new, stylish light.

1. Build a stamped concrete patio

Stamped concrete is a cost-effective way to upgrade your outdoor space. Expect to spend at least $10 per square foot for a professionally installed stamped concrete patio.

2. Fake the look of stone

There are several different tools and ideas a DIY-savvy homeowner can try, to create a concrete patio that looks like real stone or brick. Use a patterned rubber roller specifically made for concrete patio designs. It’s shaped like a giant paint roller, and is used when the concrete is curing to create indentations that look like stone or brick. Home improvement stores stock concrete rollers in different stone, brick, and graphic patterns, but they’re not cheap. Prices range from $900 to $1,700 at Home Depot.

Concrete stamping mats are a less expensive alternative. They are flexible pieces of rubber with embossed patterns. Prices per mat range from $270 to $450 at Home Depot. To use, place the stamp on wet concrete and apply pressure; lift, and repeat.

One of the cheapest ideas for faking the look of cobblestone is with a concrete mold, which costs around $20 ($17.27 at Home Depot). Place the mold on the ground and then fill it with concrete. Afterward, you pack it down with a garden spade and lift off the mold, and repeat the process until the backyard project is complete.

3. Get creative with paint

Consider making a faux rug by using paint and stencil. For a long-lasting finish, use porch paint rated for outdoor use. Before applying, power-wash the concrete. You can rent a power washer for about $60 per day, according to doityourself.com.

4. Install clay pavers for your patio

Resurface your old backyard patio with new clay pavers. Clay pavers are bricks that have been hard-fired in a kiln for maximum strength. They are less expensive than natural stone, with professional installation at prices ranging between $3 and $15 per square foot.

More smart landscaping ideas: Order extra patio pavers to make a matching fire pit and for the surround near a pergola.

5. Stain or seal the concrete

Applying a fresh stain or a sealer over an existing backyard patio is the most cost-effective idea for updating concrete. Expect to pay around $2 per square foot.

6. Curate an outdoor living room for entertaining

Now more than ever, homeowners are fully focused on creating indoor-outdoor rooms for entertaining. Incrase the seating with lounge chairs. Invest in a weather-resistant outdoor rug. Enhance the landscaping with homemade flower boxes or a container garden, string lights, a water feature, or a pergola. And then, heat things up in the backyard with a portable fire pit.

Article originally appeared on Realtor.com.