What can you put on top of concrete?

Author: Ms. Rita Hayes Sr.  |  Last update: Sunday, December 7, 2025

The seven most popular affordable ways to cover your patio are:
  • Rugs.
  • Tiles.
  • Pavers.
  • Wood.
  • Artificial turf.
  • Paint.
  • Raised garden beds.

What material can you put on top of concrete?

The best materials to resurface concrete include acrylic overlays, epoxy coatings, cementitious resurfacers, decorative overlays, and polyurethane toppings.

What is the cheapest way to cover concrete?

Carpet is the cheapest way to go if you just want to cover the concrete.

What can I put on top of concrete to make it look better?

Concrete Patio Upgrade Idea #2: Use Paint or Stain. Taking it one level up from the rug idea: refresh your concrete patio with paint or stain. I know what you're thinking: “Can you use paint or stain on concrete?” Well, the answer is yes!

What is the best material to overlay concrete?

Epoxy coatings are popular for concrete overlays, offering durability, protection, and aesthetic appeal. They form a strong, chemical-resistant barrier, making them suitable for high-traffic areas and harsh environments. Epoxy coatings create a seamless, smooth finish that is easy to clean and maintain.

Uncover the Secrets to Perfect Concrete Overlays!

Can you cover existing concrete?

If your surface has minor imperfections and you're looking for a totally new look, resurfacing may be the best option. With resurfacing, a contractor can cover your existing concrete slab with a coating that's specifically formulated for this purpose.

What material adheres to concrete?

Wood is the one material that concrete can stick to temporarily. Contractors typically lay wooden panels before pouring concrete to create a foundation. Once the concrete cures, they remove the wooden boards. Lumber mills often pretreat their wood with oil-based blends to make it stick-resistant.

How do you cover unsightly concrete?

The seven most popular affordable ways to cover your patio are:
  1. Rugs.
  2. Tiles.
  3. Pavers.
  4. Wood.
  5. Artificial turf.
  6. Paint.
  7. Raised garden beds.

How much does a concrete overlay cost?

The type of overlay you choose will also change the overall project cost. The average cost of a concrete overlay is anywhere from $3 to $10 a square foot, depending on the type of overlay you choose. A simple smooth overlay will be less expensive than a custom-stamped overlay.

How long does concrete resurfacer last?

In most applications, concrete resurfacing should last anywhere between 10-15 years. It is important to keep in mind that concrete is a very durable material, so with the right maintenance, it can last even longer.

What is the cheapest way to make concrete look good?

Painting your outdoor concrete patio is a budget approach to revitalise its appearance, offering a bright new look without creating the expense associated with more luxurious options such as tiles or stonework.

What is the best cover for outdoor concrete?

The most common types of outdoor concrete coverings include stamped concrete, concrete overlays, exposed aggregate concrete, concrete pavers, and decorative concrete coatings. Each offers unique aesthetic and functional benefits for outdoor spaces.

What is an overlay on concrete?

Answer: A concrete overlay is a thin color concrete cement based products that go over existing concrete for repair or decorative reasons. Overlays can be applied as thin as a feather finish up to in most cases 3/4″ depending on the desired finish.

What is the cheapest way to cover a concrete floor?

Vinyl planks and tile flooring are some of the best cost-effective floorings for installing directly over a concrete substrate.

Can you put a skim coat of concrete over old concrete?

You can pour concrete on top of an existing slab as long as it's still in reasonably good condition and structurally sound. This means the concrete should be free of cracks, buckling, and breaks. If you notice any small cracks or minor issues, it's in your best interest to repair them before you pour the new concrete.

What is the best material to cover concrete with?

Epoxies are ideal for covering garage floors, basements, commercial facilites and more. Color flakes or metallic pigments can be added to create a one-of-a-kind finish. Covering concrete with an epoxy coating makes sense if you need high performance flooring that is resistant to oil, chemicals and much more.

How much does a 20x20 concrete patio cost?

A 20-foot by 20-foot concrete patio runs between $2,000 to $6,000, including labor and materials. Adding decorative finishes and colors could make the price even higher.

How long do concrete overlays last?

Stamped concrete overlays last about 25 years when properly installed and cared for. Installing an overlay on top of structurally sound concrete helps ensure it reaches its full lifespan.

What can you put on top of concrete to make it look nice?

Top it with a decorative overlay.

These products — typically a blend of cement, aggregates and polymer resins — go on like a super thick paint to smooth surfaces and add color. With some overlay systems, you can customize the look by staining, dying, scoring, stenciling or even stamping the surface.

Can you put thin pavers over concrete?

Hey there! Absolutely, you can put thin pavers over a concrete driveway, and it's actually a great way to upgrade the look without ripping out the existing concrete.

How to disguise old concrete?

Here are some ideas to get you started:
  1. Outdoor Rugs: One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to cover old patio slabs is by using outdoor rugs. ...
  2. Stone Veneer: ...
  3. Potted Plants: ...
  4. Artificial Grass: ...
  5. Stone Mosaic: ...
  6. Raised Garden Beds: ...
  7. Decking: ...
  8. Resin Bonding:

Can I put Quikrete over existing concrete?

QUIKRETE® Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902) permanently bonds new concrete, plaster, and stucco to existing concrete, plaster, and stucco. Eliminates the need for roughing the surface before the application.

What is the difference between cement and concrete?

In short, the difference between cement vs concrete is easy to clear once we know all the basics of their compositions. Cement is a binding agent made from limestone and clay; whereas concrete is a building material created through the proper mixing of cement, water, sand, and rock.

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