skip to main content

Home Repair Design Dilemma Garden

What to do with this concrete and paving / hard surfaces

last month

last modified: last month

Our backyard has a combination of concrete, some crumbling and paving. Wondered what the best economical solution is? Paving paint to match paving?, replacing some cracked concrete areas before painting?, or another surface treatment?......or I guess the other option is jackhammer it out and start again but probably too expensive for us......

Featured Answer

wendyec

last month

I’ve used charcoal concrete paving paint on concrete like this ( after pressure cleaning) and it made a huge difference to the appearance. Won’t last forever and will need touching up occasionally but if you are looking for a cheap and easy way to improve the appearance then I would give it ago before jackhammering it all up

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

dreamer
last month
Can you post a photo?
John Hamilton thanked dreamer
dreamer
last month
The concrete driveway and path needs some work. I would start by cutting back the planting off the driveway and mowing the lawn. Pressure clean the concrete. Then see what you are left with. If the concrete is still dirty, and with all the uneven surfaces, hire a jackhammer and a skip bin and remove all the concrete. That is quite inexpensive to do, just hard work. Replace with a simple path to front door made from recycling bricks, and let the grass grow across the old driveway. This is a budget friendly solution.
Related Discussions
Paving or exposed aggregate around our new pool?
Q
Comments (6)
The first photo is of the pavers we love, next to the already established honed concrete. Second photo of the house, the area we need to complete is currently covered in carpet. The third photo is of the paving sample sitting on top of an exposed aggregate concrete sample. We probably like this one the most out of all the exposed aggregate samples we looked at, but we are not totally into it. On the right side of the picture is the established honed concrete.
...See More
What colour paving?
Q
Comments (28)
The period and style of your home suggests gravel as the medium of use. Grey, not blue and fine. Some products have clay 'fines' amongst the small gravel that enables the product to compact really well when laid properly. You can push prams etc over it without a problem. Paving and concrete cause drainage problems with runoff warranting drainage to accommodate excessive run off. Gravel and aggregates absorb the water. The cost is much cheaper but also looks totally better. The sustainable alternative is always about thinking differently.
...See More
help with covered alfresco and outdoor paving decision
Q
Comments (9)
For a french Provincial style home I would research limestone pavers laid in a french pattern. French pattern is a classic method of laying irregular sized square and rectangular tiles or pavers that is non-directional and is a timeless look. Some tile companies also produce limestone look porcelain tiles that are made in irregular sizes for french pattern. I would probably just paint your retaining wall/tanks to match the exterior colour of the house. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls
...See More
crazy about crazy paving
Q
Comments (0)
It's time to relay our crazy paving and put in a new underlay(ants, weeds and undulating surface...) Do we reuse our natural stone paving or get new pavers like to rest of town? Taking into account that the going price to relay(That's not lift, clean and prepare) is 100-150 per sqm compared to 80 to buy new pavers and have them laid. Big question is are they too busy? Is it a niche market that appreciates them for resale? What to use in the adjoining pool area? (Buying more at 130per sqm out if the question)
...See More
Jan Dobson
last month
Ask a local concrete resurfacing contractor to give you a quote. I understand it’s ~ $12 per square metre which includes cleaning. A reputable company will be able to give you a referral or two and will advise if any areas are past repair. At the very least it will give you a comparison to the diy options
siriuskey
last month
Some great examples

https://www.rcrau.com.au/photo-gallery/
Julie Herbert
last month
Try removing all weeds and edge the lawn, pressure wash pavers and concrete, then check any damaged areas, If it’s beyond repair and unsafe, it might be better to remove it and replace with a recycled brick path as suggested, you can buy these at very reasonable prices, they look great and would suit your house. Even large pavers would look good. Even better creative and do crazy paving out of your old concrete.

Sponsored

More Discussions

Tiny living area help

17

Kitchen design too big for my apartment?

9

Ensuite / bed / WIR layout help?

16

The middle has something missing, how can we elevate this design?

21

Cladding and roof choices for renovation of ordinary house near beach

3