Concrete Patio Designs
Your Guide & Inspiration

Concrete patio designs can be changed by finish, cut, shape, color, and stamp.

Plan your patio for great results. Then, check out the concrete patio designs at the bottom for inspiration.

Shape

One advantage of the concrete patio is the variety of shapes possible. Large Sweeping curves are not too difficult. Likewise, arcing garden pathways are possible.

Plan the shape of the concrete, however. Just wiggling the concrete edge is asking for it to look sloppy, not decorative. Straight lines are not a bad thing! Just plan it so that it will turn out well.

Cut

Your concrete patio design should have the concrete cuts planned. Don't expect that the installer will automatically give you the best look.

Concrete cuts should be placed at regular intervals to prevent cracking. That said, consider putting them closer together for a different look. Toss them in at a diagonal for a great 'tile' look.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete can be very good or very bad. When it's very good, it's elegant. The mimicry (of course, this is what it does) of stone or flagstone is high quality. The colors supreme and subtle.

When stamped concrete is bad, it's very, very bad. The colors are garish. The pattern ridiculous. Get a sample before you install. It's worth the extra cost.

I love stamped concrete when it mimics stone. It's a lower cost way to get a high-end finish. If you cannot afford a stone patio, consider a quality concrete installation. Cut limestone can be imitated or virtually any other stone.

Another note of caution: the illusion of stone may not hold up if you have a comparable stone nearby. So, if you have a stack stone retaining wall, a faux stone concrete patio at the base may not turn out well. Compare before you install.

Finish

There are many finishes to concrete. Light or heavy broom finish provides non-slip surface. This is helpful on slopes or near pools. If you're creating a garden for the elderly, you may consider this type of surface.

Already have a slippery patio? There are sealers with a rough texture that can be applied. Talk to your installer.

Rock salt finish -- Is an interesting finish unless your climate is prone to frost. In that case, think twice. The rock salt finish leaves pits in the surface of the concrete -- depressions which allow ice to enter and freeze, which can damage the surface.

Exposed Aggregate finish -- This finish adds texture at fairly low cost. The look changes somewhat depending upon the aggregate. In areas with a 'full winter', pieces of aggregate may pop out of the surface due to expansion and contraction of the concrete.

I hope that you enjoy the following concrete patio designs. Note that the 'stone patio' or 'flagstone' patio may or may not show concrete cuts.

Use them as inspiration for your own patio.

Faux Stone Patio

This concrete patio design has a classic formal shape. If you thought formal was only squares and rectangles, you may be pleasantly surprised. Simple in shape, it's restful.

Some concrete patio designs such as this one mimic cut stone tile. This patio also has a brick border to accent the shape.

I like how this patio is enclosed by the hedge -- making it feel like an outdoor room. Still, it offers a wide view or entry to the back yard. The view from the patio doors is wide open.

Flagstone Patio

Many concrete patio designs mimic flagstone like this one. You can see the concrete cuts don't detract from the patio. A plain concrete border makes a beautiful frame.

This flagstone patio design is an opportunity to use local stone -- or get creative with concrete!

Exposed Aggregate Concrete Patio

I love this design. Simple, interesting, the exposed aggregate detail is a classic way to update a patio.

If your home and garden is missing something -- or if it doesn't seem to have much texture -- consider this design.

exposed aggregate concrete patio designs

Private Concrete Patio Design

Need a little privacy? This patio design may be for you. The owner's patio is a great way to pamper yourself. You only need a spot for a couple of cushy chairs and a little table for your drink.

The dining patio and owner's patio both look to an interior planting space. Both are hedged in. When standing, you can easily see over the hedge. When sitting, you'll get a bit of privacy. Nice.