How I turned an ugly concrete slab into a faux stone patio
Hi everyone, today I am reposting one of my very first blog posts from 4 years ago. (Wow, where did the time go?!)
I've had a major case of bloggers block this past week, and since I couldn't come up with any ideas for new things to write about, I thought I'd share with you one of my most visited entries, since most of you probably have not seen it.
Still waiting on spring here, but it does help to look back at photos of our yard and my gardens!
So, here is my faux stone patio, hope you enjoy!!
First off, hubby gave it a good power washing, then leveled it up & repaired the crack. I am so thankful that I married a handyman!! I went to Lowe's, and the man in the paint department recommended a concrete stain. I picked up two different colors. I would have chosen more, but they only came by the gallon, and that would have broken my budget! I also picked up the concrete sealer that he suggested. The concrete stain directions said to damped the concrete before using. I should have followed my gut instinct and applied it dry, but I thought I better follow the directions. Well, when I put the base coat down, the wet concrete just absorbed all of the stain! You could hardly see it! Frustrating! Keep in mind that I did all of this on my hands & knees! Anyway, after a day of so of letting it thoroughly dry out, I reapplied the base stain. Then I outlined my "stones" with chalk, working in one small area at a time. Since I wanted more than two colors of "cobblestones", I took several colors of exterior latex paint that we already had and mixed them with the concrete stain, so I had an entire palette of colors. Then the fun started! Over the course of a few days, I painted all of the stones, followed by two coats of concrete sealer. I was so happy with the result! It turned out alot better than I thought it would.
I wish that I had a before picture of the bench. It was unpainted, weathered and very tired looking! I mixed up a few colors of paint we had on hand til I came up with a shade that I liked. Isn't it amazing what paint can do! I then "accessorized" with a few plants and garage sale finds. I can hardly believe that this is the same piece of concrete! Now I can't wait to faux finish something else!
I am linking this project up to Funky Junk Interiors Saturday Night Special
and Metamorphasis Monday
and Tools are For Women Too
23 comments:
Nice job!
Wow...that looks amazing!
That is beautiful! I want to help my son and his wife do this to their patio. How did your husband fix that huge crack? He did an awesome job, and so did YOU!
Whoa! That looks fabulous.
That looks amazing. You sure do have a lot of patience!
Impressive. Looks really nice.
Utterly Fantastic. Very creative and inventive of you. It really does look amazing! How you'll enjoy that this summer!
Lisa
Now that's a great patio, what an improvement! Great job on the painting :)
Love this patio! Great job painting the slab of concrete. I like the idea of adding color to the stain for more variation. Good tips!
That looks fabulous!!! I was wondering where that crack went! Great job...cant' wait to see what you faux next!
Wow! Amazing transformation! Great tips! Thank you for sharing.
Gorgeous! It really makes your patio stand out in a good way! Good tips, too!
Such an amazing improvement! Great job.
beautiful!! I have a huge enclosed front patio with a cement floor and something like this would be ideal,, although I'm not so sure I could do it. Thanks for the inspiration.
How cute! I just wish you had more close up photos.
Wow! You are going to enjoy that pretty space now!
That looks wonderful! Please let us know how he repaired the crack!
Hello sweet Donna - I'm a new follower of your fabulous blog via Met Monday (catching up from last week!). Love what you've done to your patio! So COOL! What a great idea.
I'd love for you to come by for a visit - having a giveaway!
http://emmacallsmemama.com/2010/05/bff-giveaway/
Blessings,
Marie
This is great! Thanks for sharing on Modern Craftswoman Monday! See you next week! Rory
I love it! Great idea!
You must have some artistic talent. If I would try to do that, it wouldn't look near as nice, more like a pile of rocks. I guess i'm to linear thinking. I may try copying your pattern though.
This is awesome. My husband and I just made an offer on a house I am super excited about. The only thing is this ugly concrete slab off of the downstairs back door. This is my top idea I have found so far to make it lovely! Thanks!
A great transformation!
Donna
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