Is your concrete patio looking a bit dull? We’ve all been there. As they get old, especially if not maintained properly, concrete patios tend to crack for several reasons, such as shrinkage or rapid drying.
It may seem like hard work, but transforming your concrete patio could be a fun job that’ll pay off, eventually. With the right approach, you can transform your patio into a work of art.
This guide will tell you what to do with an uneven concrete patio. After you finish, you’ll enjoy sunny mornings and calm evenings on your patio. It might even become your new favorite place in the house.
Fixing and Leveling the Concrete
Concrete leveling, also known as mud-jacking or slab jacking, is the process used to repair uneven concrete surfaces. Home owners favor this method because it’s quick and inexpensive.
Keep in mind that if your concrete is completely damaged, you might need the help of an expert for a complete floor replacement. However, in many cases, you can use the following steps to repair the uneven concrete yourself.
Step 1: Clean the Surface
You should start with a clean floor to ensure no dirt gets inside the new concrete mix. Clean up your concrete patio and remove any debris, oil stains, or grease.
Step 2: Analyze the Cracks
Your uneven concrete floor will have cracks in it. Analyze your concrete and determine the areas that are cracked.
You have to seal those cracks, or they’ll begin to move up through the new surface and crack it again. If there are small cracks, it helps if you mark them with scotch tape so they’re easy to spot later.
Step 3: Prepare Your Tools
To complete this project, you’ll need to prepare a few tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll require:
- High-quality concrete repair tube (for sealing the cracks)
- Caulking gun (helps apply the sealer)
- Margin trowel (used to smooth the sealer and primer)
- High-quality concrete primer
- Paint roller (for applying the primer)
- Mixer drill (for mixing the water and concrete)
- High-quality self-leveling concrete
Step 4: Seal the Cracks
Fit the sealing tube inside the gun and begin squeezing the material over the cracks. Move along the floor until you’ve filled out all the cracks.
After you’ve filled all the cracks, use your margin trowel to go over the paste and smooth it all out. Let the floor dry completely before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Clean Again
After your patio floor is completely dry, clean it again. You might feel tempted to skip this step and go to the next one since you’ve already cleaned your floor.
However, cleaning the floor at this point is crucial, as dirt and grime might have accumulated again while the floor was drying.
Any dirt sitting on top could prevent the leveler (which you’ll apply later) from sticking. Preferably, use a brush and soap to give the floor a good scrub.
Step 6: Add Primer
Now it’s time to prime your patio floor and get it ready for leveling. You’ll need a good quality primer to make sure your leveler adheres well to it.
It’s best to apply the primer with a paint roller to cover big surfaces at a quicker pace, and ensure it’s applied evenly.
Cover every part of the concrete with the primer. Leave it to dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 7: Add Leveler
Leveling the concrete will be the final step and will correct the uneven concrete. Self-leveling your concrete is a straightforward task.
Grab your bucket and fill it with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Add the self-leveling concrete powder bit by bit as instructed on the bag (usually ⅓ or ¼) and mix it with the water using the mixer drill.
Gradually add the rest of the powder and keep mixing. Mix for the time detailed in the instructions. Pour your leveling concrete mix over uneven surfaces. Use your trowel to smooth it over and check that it’s evenly distributed.
You also need to make sure that there are no air bubbles. Leave the floor to dry for 24 hours before stepping on it, and at least two days before placing any furniture on it.
Add Color and Texture to the Concrete
After you’ve fixed your uneven concrete patio, you can take it to the next level by adding color and texture.
You can get creative and use various materials like concrete stamps, which won’t only add a pop of color but will also protect the concrete from future damage.
You could also use painted stencils for an easy and cost-effective way to brighten and add patterns to the concrete.
Final Thoughts
Transforming your uneven concrete patio doesn’t always require an expert, and can be a fun DIY project. With the right materials and the correct method, you could have the patio of your dreams.
If you follow the steps in this guide, you can turn your uneven patio into something spectacular. We hope you enjoy your new space!
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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