Retrofitting a 40s House into a Dream House - Patio Options

Retrofitting the Existing Patio
Yesterday we talked about the options for repairing deteriorating patio posts. We learned from Dallas Curbside, that a pillar's facade can be constructed of brick, stucco, or stone. That knowledge makes my next project idea much easier.


This 40s patio is simply a cement slab covered in outdoor carpeting. 1940s cement was full of large aggregate stones; so even with the covering it is bumpy to walk on. I would like to recover the surface in an attractive masonry stone or stamped concrete.

Once I make my choice, I will extend the finish from the patio and create a new sidewalk. (If you recall, the sidewalk buckles at the gate, because it has settled and collects water there). The sidewalk is also decidedly small - so I could extend its width, as well.





Best Priced Option - Stamped Concrete
I was never a big fan of stamped concrete until I began writing for Omega Masonry. I actually helped them develop their picture Portfolio at Texas Masonry Artisans. Now, I'm sold. The best news is that any color scheme can be modified. One never need worry that the finished product will clash with other elements on the property, because each product incorporates multiple colors of your choice. 

My biggest question was whether stamped concrete would deteriorate in our Rocky Mountain -20 degree winters. I was given a big thumbs up regarding that issue. Today's concrete is extremely reliable in any weather.

I Love the Look of Stone
If I've learned anything since exploring my options for retrofitting this old house, it is that masonry stone is far more affordable than during our parent's day. Quarrying methods are assisted by modern technology; including high-water-pressure tools and hydraulic machinery. With that in mind, I decided to put masonry on my dream house wish list. It just makes sense!

Flagstone is the lowest priced patio stone. In my opinion, it is also the most attractive. The color variations are amazingly diverse. Grays, earth tones, rose colors, whites, and greens are just a few of the options available. Chopped stone, such as the Oklahoma Stone seen in the third picture, make outdoor living spaces an attractive extension of the interior.    
In the end, I chose stamped concrete. Here's why:

1. Although well-maintained, all the cement around this 40s Dream House is 70 years old. The large-stone aggregate has begun to deteriorate in spots and will continue doing so. Stamped concrete is a cost-effective means for addressing this issue.
2. Today's concrete drys rock hard, and unlike flagstones that could become slippery during our Rocky Mountain winters, it will provide traction.

After speaking with local stamped concrete contractors, I learned that I can save money by preparing my surfaces for the masons. I would remove the current sidewalk myself and cut the grass  on either side to the width I want. (I have not included a link to stamped concrete providers because they are local to your area. Please visit Omega Masonry if you are in the Plano area of Texas). 

The work crew begins by building forms, pouring concrete, and smoothing it. While it is still wet, they float color into it. This not only sets the base color, but the color itself is a hardener. It will increase the concrete's strength, (from 3500# psi to 6000#psi); make it smoother, and reduce porosity, (especially important in colder climates that experience freeze/thaw conditions). After the color/hardener has dried, they will sprinkle on a second color in the form of a powder. This powder adds an antiqued look to the final product while keeping the rubber stamping mats, (which will be used next), from sticking. This color will likely be very dark - a scary thing when you want a light colored surface. Not to worry, most of it will be washed off by hose the following day. Left in its wake are areas that resemble patterns in stone. [You can watch a time-lapse video and read an impressive description of the process at Finishing Edge]. 

The following day the concrete will have dried and the concrete craftsmen will return. At this point, reliable companies will hand-chisel along any pattern grooves that have malformed during the drying process. Next, they will saw control joints into the concrete slab. (Control Joints are pressure points where a concrete slab is likely to break or crack because of its extended size. These joints are camouflaged into the patterns and edges and most people don't remember where they were placed after the workmen leave).

The final steps include applying color #3 and acid. Acid is used to gently etch random patterns in the concrete's surface. In the same way that traditional concrete is easy to walk on, traction is enhanced by this step, and the look of stone is further embued. The third color adds dimension. Sometimes, a fourth color, (something that sets off the entire color scheme), can be added after the 3rd has dried, usually the following day. 

Photo Descriptions: 

I superimposed two concrete pattern choices onto this patio. The first is a double-cut tile, and the 2nd is a single-cut tile. 

1. I like the fact that the colors vary enough to make the patio surface interesting.
2. I like the fact that the pattern can be repeated on the pathway, sidewalk and stairs. 

I chose a stone facade for the pillars.

I opted for what I believe is Granbury Stone  for the pillars. They fit the overall feel of the house and patio, and add continuity. 

Please feel free to leave any comments or suggestions you might have regarding this patio. Next weeks blog will incorporate exciting options for protecting guests against the onslaught of flies and other pests: motorized shades and screens.

'Till then - best regards!

Chris