Adding a patio to your house increases its monetary value and adds to your living area by creating a beautiful link between your indoor space and the outdoors. Patios gained popularity in 2018, and according to Fixr.com, 20% of newly built homes have a patio in their outdoor area. That shows an increase of 33.33% from 2010 when only 10% of homes had a patio.

One of the best surfaces to cover your patio is stamped concrete. It is a durable surface that is both practical and beneficial. Stamped concrete is ordinary concrete transformed with the addition of color pigments and stamped patterns to match your house exterior beautifully. There is an almost unlimited number of look options to choose from, making it easy to transform an ordinary house into the house of your dreams with loads of curb appeal. Also, stamped concrete patio doesn't cost as much as a patio made of natural stone or wood. Not to mention it is one of the easiest to maintain surfaces.

The usual lifespan of a stamped concrete patio is at least 25 years, depending on the sources you read. Some say that a concrete patio may last as long as 30 -50 years. However, if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, the climate's yearly freeze/thaw cycles shorten concrete's life expectancy. Still, the average 25 years lifespan is a long time. To ensure that your stamped concrete patio stays as beautiful as the day it was laid, you can do a couple of general maintenance tasks to make sure it stays that way for as long as possible.

• 1. Keep it clean. Just like you clean the floors inside your house, your stamped concrete patio will benefit from a weekly sweep and mop action to keep dirt and debris from accumulating and dulling the surface over time. There is nothing to it; just sweep it with a broom to gather all loose dirt and sand and give it a wipe with a mop and a little water mixed with a mild soapy detergent. That will take care of the everyday stains that life causes. If any spots are particularly badly stained, applying some water under pressure will remove them, but refrain from continuously using pressure washers on your concrete patio as the high pressure of the water may cause small pitting to the smooth surface.
• 2. Seal your stamped concrete. Adding a sealant layer to the concrete surface will preserve the color and keep the surface smooth for longer. If you are worried that a sealant will make the surface slippery when wet, rest assured that a sealant can be supplemented with special additives to make the surface slip-resistant. Problem solved. A good sealant will preserve the smooth look of your patio for longer. The seal coat should be re-applied every 2-3 years.
• 3. If possible, you can use rugs to cover specific areas on your patio. A strategically placed rug will protect your stamped concrete patio surface in areas of heavy traffic and especially keep it safe from those high heal scratches.
• 4. To ensure that the color pigments do not fade, give your patio a coat of polish or wax, just like you would do for a wooden floor. The polish protects the surface.
• 5. If your patio is exposed to the sun for most of the day, the harsh sun rays can cause dulling of the surface color and crack the concrete. You may consider installing a shade cover over the patio to provide a shady area for your family to enjoy, and simultaneously, the cover will protect your patio and keep it looking beautiful as long as possible.
• 6. If you have plants growing around your patio, you need to ensure that their roots are not getting underneath the layer of concrete and are not strong enough to start pushing up the concrete as it may cause cracks in your surface. Also, your potted plants need to be elevated so that the water does not collect under the pots and cause pitting and discoloration of the surface.

A stamped concrete patio is a beautiful addition to your home that effortlessly connects your interior with the outside space. It provides your family with a space to relax or enjoy that first-morning coffee in the summer months. Overall, the concrete surface is easy to maintain and durable for years without any major repairs. With only a few minor maintenance chores, you can ensure that your home always looks well taken care of for years to come.