The Different Types Of Concrete Decks & Coatings: A Complete Guide

Concrete decks and coatings are a great way to add a visual appeal to your patio. But what are the main types of coatings, and how can you maintain them?

Concrete deck coatings, whether it’s a plain concrete patio, pavers, or knockdown pattern concrete on the outside of your home, can provide great recreational areas. Protecting your concrete with a suitable coating increases the life of the surface area from the elements that may damage it.

Read on for more insights into the most popular types of concrete coatings, their pros, and cons, and some maintenance tips to extend their lifetime.

Do Patio Decks Need To Be Resurfaced?

Patio decks and concrete surfaces need to be resurfaced if there is any damage, such as cracks, holes, spalling, or staining. In some cases, cleaning and sealing will be enough to dramatically increase the life of the concrete or masonry surface.

Another reason to resurface your concrete patio is to change the color of the surface or create a decorative pattern. The process of re-coating your concrete surface will allow you to choose new colors, stamping patterns, and primers.

Types of Concrete Decks & Coatings

Patio deck coatings come in different types. Below is an explanation of each type of coating that can be used on patios.

1. Plain Concrete Patio

Plain concrete is probably the most popular type of patio deck. It’s low-cost and easy to apply and maintain. It comes in various colors that can be contrasted with decorative materials like pebbles, stones, or tiles. While sealing concrete is generally a good idea to reduce cracking and hold up to wear and tear, it’s not necessarily required.

Durability: On average, plain concrete can last for 50-100 years!

Pros 

• Low cost and easy to apply.
• Various colors are available to blend with the surrounding surface.
• Super durable

Cons 

• Not as decorative as other materials

Required Maintenance

As mentioned, plain concrete lasts for up to 100 years when properly maintained.

That said, here is the required maintenance if you choose this type of coating:

• Use an outdoor broom to remove dirt, debris, and stains.
• Wipe down the surface with a damp mop using warm water and mild cleaner if needed.
• If puddles are left behind, use a squeegee or towel to remove the excess water.
• Sweep or blow off sand, dirt, or debris with a leaf blower.
• Use a pressure washer on a high setting to clean off the surface from dirt and debris.
• Apply a sealer (like this Black Diamond Water Repellent Sealer from Amazon) for pavers every 2-3 years.

Here’s a video that illustrates how to clean and seal your concrete patio:

2. Patio Pavers

Patio Pavers are a trendy option in patio decks since they give off the appearance of natural stone with added durability. Besides, they can be laid in any pattern you like.

Durability: Patio pavers last for 25-50 years depending on the type of pavers used and how they are maintained.

Pros 

• Very durable if properly maintained.
• Gives off a stone appearance that is very stylish and trendy.
• A wide variety of patterns and types are available.

Cons 

• Installation cost is more expensive than plain concrete coating.

Required Maintenance 

Patio pavers are one of the best options on patio decks because they are durable if properly maintained.

Here is the required maintenance for patio pavers:

• Sweep or blow off sand, dirt, or debris with a leaf blower.
• Use a pressure washer on a high setting to clean off the surface from dirt and debris.
• Apply a sealer (like this Black Diamond Water Repellent Sealer from Amazon) for pavers every 2-3 years.

3. Stamped Concrete Patio

Stamped concrete is another very popular type of patio deck coating. It’s low-cost and easy to apply and maintain. It comes in various colors that can be blended or contrasted with decorative materials like pebbles, stones, or tiles, just like plain concrete. I would like to point out that stamped concrete can be rather slippery when wet, so it may not be the best choice for concrete deck coating if you have a pool.

Durability: On average, stamped concrete coatings can last for 25-50 years.

Pros 

• Low cost and easy to apply.
• Various colors are available to blend with the surrounding surface.
• Durable if properly maintained.

Cons 

• Can be slippery when wet.

Required Maintenance

As mentioned, stamped concrete coating lasts up to 50 years when properly maintained.

That said, here is the required maintenance if you choose this type of coating:

• Use an outdoor broom to remove dirt, debris, and stains.
• Wipe down the surface with a damp mop using warm water and mild cleaner if needed.
• If puddles are left behind, use a squeegee or towel to remove the excess water.

4. Travertine or Travertine Tile

If you like the look of natural stone but can’t afford to purchase expensive real travertine or stones, adding travertine or stone tiles is an option. They’re available in various natural stone patterns and colors, as well as an array of textures, allowing you to choose the perfect look for your patio deck.

Durability: Travertine or stone tiles last for 6-10 years if properly maintained.

Pros 

• Looks great on any patio deck.
• Come in various colors and stone patterns.
• Highly durable if properly maintained.
• Weed and mildew resistant.
• Weather-resistant

Cons 

• Expensive
• Requires regular reapplication.

Required Maintenance 

Here are some ways you can maintain your travertine or stone coating:

• Regularly sweep off debris, dirt, and other particles using a leaf blower.
• Hose down the surface with cold water using a high-pressure nozzle to remove dirt, oils, and other particles.
• Use a rubber broom to clean off stubborn buildups or stains.
• Apply a sealer for travertine every 2-3 years, depending on your location’s weather condition.
• You may apply a stone enhancer if you wish to enhance the color of the tile.

5. “Kool Deck” Concrete Coating

The “Kool Deck” concrete patio deck is another type of coating that gives off a stone or brick appearance. This coating is made of marble sand and cement mixed with water to create a thick, plastic mixture. A “Kool Deck” is absolutely fantastic for backyards with pools. It offers great traction, even while wet, which reduces the chances of slipping. In addition, it also stays cool to the touch, even with high degree weather, so it’s fine to walk barefoot!

Durability: If properly maintained, “Kool Deck” can last up to 10 years

Pros 

• Non-porous surface, therefore making it very easy to clean.
• Resists stains and oil-based products.
• It comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
• Offers slip resistance.

Cons 

• Not as durable as other paver patios.
• Requires regular reapplication to keep its original look and performance.

Required Maintenance 

The best thing about this coating is that it requires very little maintenance.

Here are some ways you can maintain your kool deck coating:

• Sweep off debris, dirt, and other particles regularly using a leaf blower.
• Hose down the surface with cold water using a high-pressure nozzle to remove dirt, oils, and other particles.
• Use a rubber broom to clean off stubborn buildups or stains.

6. Speckled “Graniflex” Concrete Coating

While generally more popular as a garage concrete coating, this is the one that the wife and I agreed on when we refinished our patio last year (Shoutout to Dynamic Resurfacing of Las Vegas). Graniflex has a speckled appearance, so it does not give off the appearance of natural stone or brick. It is very durable and easy to maintain but requires regular reapplication.

Durability: This type of coating can last up to 8-10 years if properly maintained.

Pros 

• Non-porous surface, therefore making it very easy to clean.
• Resists stains and oil-based products.
• It comes in various colors and patterns.

Cons 

• Requires regular reapplication to keep its original look and performance.
• Can flake off if applied by a poor or inexperienced contractor.

Required Maintenance 

These are some ways you can maintain your Graniflex coating:

• Clean spills immediately when they happen.
• Regularly clean the floor using a biodegradable cleaner.
• Sweep the coating with a broom regularly to maintain its high-gloss finish and keep it looking like new without having to scrub too hard.
• Apply a sealer every 3 years depending on your location’s weather condition.

7. Knockdown Pattern Concrete Coating

“Knockdown” pattern is a more recent type of concrete coating which gives the deck a speckled appearance, but you can choose from two types of patterns: large block or small block. This type of flooring is very durable and easy to maintain but requires regular reapplication.

Durability: This type of coating can last up to 8-10 years if properly maintained.

Pros

• Available in various customizable colors.
• Non-porous surface, therefore making it very easy to clean.
• Resists stains and oil-based products.

Cons

• Requires professional installation, which takes up to 3 days.
• Requires regular reapplication to keep its original look and performance.

Required Maintenance

• Sweep off debris, dirt, and other particles regularly using a leaf blower.
• Hose down the surface with cold water using a high-pressure nozzle to remove dirt, oils, and other particles.

Final Thoughts

Each type of concrete coating has its set of pros and cons, but ultimately it is up to you to decide which one is the best for your property. 

Here are some factors to consider before picking these coatings:

• Your property’s appearance: If your exterior already looks like natural stone, it may be best to opt for the type of coating that looks like natural stone.
• Durability and maintenance: You should consider concrete coating that will last longer with little maintenance.
• Your geographical location: If your exterior is exposed to harsh weather conditions, pick coatings that last longer.