Stamped and colored concrete are commonly used for home patios to create stylish outdoor environments. Like any other flooring, they can get damaged over time due to the elements and foot traffic. You can take some steps to protect your surface from different types of damage. To help you care for your patio, here’s a guide to prolonging its life and maintaining its appearance.

How to Care for a Stamped or Colored Concrete Patio

1. Keep It Clean

Regularly cleaning your patio is necessary to maintain the material's appearance and prevent debris and dirt from causing premature damage. Remove stains from mud and grass by applying concrete detergents, which are designed to dissolve oil and grease. You can also pressure wash the area twice a year to keep it bright and clean. Avoid using ammonia, bleach, and acidic cleansers on colored or stamped concrete, as they could damage their pattern.

2. Limit the Weight 

While concrete is a strong material, patios are not made to withstand excessive weight. Leaving vehicles, heavy machinery, and construction equipment over the area can create cracks on the surface over time. Make sure only people, pets, and furniture are over the concrete. 

3. Avoid Deicers

Most deicing products use either ammonium nitrates, ammonium sulfates, rock salt, or calcium chloride to break down the ice. All of these ingredients can eat through the concrete surface, leading to scaling and spalling. They can also harm nearby vegetation and corrode metal features on furniture. If you need to protect your patio from snow, lay sand on the area instead, which can easily be swept away.

4. Apply a Sealer

Sealing a stamped or colored concrete patio will help extend its life by preventing damage from the sun. It will also ensure the color remains vivid and even throughout. To reap these benefits, apply a topical or integral sealer every two to three years to protect the surface.

When you want to install a stamped or colored concrete patio, contact Best Transit Mix in Soldotna, AK, for supplies. This locally owned contractor has been supplying the region with ready-mix, insulated foam blocks, sand, gravel, and other supplies for over 30 years. They work with you through every step of the process to create the best results. Visit their website to learn more about their products and tools or call (907) 262-6273 to discuss your project.