20 Concrete Patio Ideas and Inspiration

Concrete patios have been a staple home feature since the expansive use of concrete in home construction began. Unfortunately, many concrete patios suffer from uninspired design and a monotonous look. But, we're here to say it doesn't have to be that way. Whether you're considering installing a concrete patio at your home or you're looking for ways to freshen-up an existing concrete patio, we've got 20 concrete patio ideas to help you get inspired.

Want to warm up a concrete patio with too many gray tones? Look no further than a wood installation. Whether it be a modern fence, a pretty pergola or the simple addition of some wood patio furniture, nothing pairs better than wood and concrete.

Expansive concrete patios consisting of one solid concrete pad tend to look a bit drab. To prevent this, break your concrete into multiple smaller slabs and plant grass in between them. Even better, use strips of faux turf to cut down on maintenance.

Concrete patios nearly always have control joints, which are strategic lines cut into the concrete to control where cracking occurs. However, you can use these control joints to your advantage, opting to give them a decorative touch that enhances your concrete patio's design.

So, you love the grass-paver-grid look, but want to try something new? We think this checkerboard installation is worth going all in on.

To give your concrete a homier feel and improve its aesthetic, introduce texture and softness in the form of an outdoor rug.

When planning a concrete patio pour, think of other ways to implement concrete into your design, such as planters, fire pits and more. This can help you save money by knocking these things out in the same pour.

Looking to breathe new life into a boring concrete patio? Just grab a stencil and your favorite paint colors. Get your patio summer-ready with our step-by-step instructions for cleaning, staining and stenciling a drab concrete slab.

When dreaming up your concrete patio, don't get stuck thinking it has to be a square or rectangle. The beautiful thing about concrete is that it takes the shape of whatever form you pour it into, meaning you can give it curves and flow without having to cut it to shape.

If you're outdoor space is looking uninspired, maybe your concrete patio isn't to blame. A fresh coat of paint, especially in a dark, bold shade, can really bring out the understated beauty of a concrete patio.

If your concrete patio is too big and boring, consider cutting out a section or too and using it as a landscaping moment.

Looking for an easy way to elevate your boring concrete patio? Trim it with brick pavers. This adds a whole new level of elegance and formality to a bland concrete patio.

Elfin thyme and other creeping thyme varieties make for a pretty green border between concrete pavers.

If you have stone-patio dreams on a concrete-patio budget, we get it. Our solution? Stamped concrete. These heavy-duty stamps allow you to totally transform the look of the concrete while it's wet, so it dries into a stone-like surface.

To break up the monotonous texture and tone of too much concrete, introduce multiple natural textures, including stone, concrete, grass and woven materials.

A pergola is always a good idea. They're the perfect way to give your concrete patio a sense of enclosure without actually enclosing it.

Use plants to pretty-up your concrete patio and soften some of the hard visual edges. Whether it be a vining variety, a tall shrub or a jungle-like enclosure that provides premier privacy, there's no doubt that plants will make a major visual impact.

Concrete pavers come in all shapes and sizes, meaning you can really shake up your patio's pattern. Plus, with multiple concrete colors available, you can further customize the overall aesthetic. Already bought your concrete pavers? Check out how to stain them, below.

A stone border around a concrete patio is the key to instant elegance. While going all in on a stone patio may drive your budget past the point of no return, using it as a trim unlocks its charm and elegance without breaking your budget.

If you're just not feeling your concrete patio's look, one of the quickest ways to totally transform it is to cover it in brick pavers.