Homeowners often pour concrete pads in driveways, walkways, and other outdoor living spaces such as patios and pool decks. Different shapes, sizes, and design elements allow for versatility and unique looks.
The benefits of concrete pads
Create a modern living space
Concrete pads offer a modern way of adding concrete to your outdoor living space. Breaking up the uniform look of bare concrete with decorative gravel or fake turf adds an elegant design element to the grounds.
Make a decorative area
Concrete pads formed in different shapes, sizes, and modern geometric forms create a decorative area. The smooth concrete pads contrast with grass, crushed rock, or pebbles. By placing them offset from each other, they create a compelling visual effect. When you use a different pattern, such as checkered or railroad, you automatically bring visual interest to the space. If you add natural grass, you make a lush, three-dimensional look.
Avoid environmental problems
Large concrete blocks embedded with grass joints allow rain and water to soak into the ground rather than sit on top of the concrete. Unlike wood-built outdoor structures, concrete never splinters or gets destroyed by storms or rainfall. Concrete structures fail to attract bugs, termites, and other critters. Grass and other weeds do not grow out through the concrete, which means you spend less time doing yard work.
Cost-effective
Concrete costs less than stone and other materials that people choose for their outdoor areas. Its extreme durability means it lasts longer and looks new longer. Using concrete pads frees you from constantly paying people to replace or reinstall structures.
Easy to clean
Pads formed with concrete clean up quickly and continue to look new when appropriately washed and given adequate care. They need to be sprayed down with a hose first. Then, soap and a broom get all the dirt off, followed by washing with the hose again to ensure no soap residue remains. Many lawn companies charge a minimal fee for cleaning concrete slabs if you lack time to do it yourself.
How to get concrete pads installed
Some people choose to buy the supplies and pour the concrete themselves. Precast concrete pavers come ready to install. Homeowners sometimes buy these to be used in place of concrete pads. In the end, they achieve the same luxurious look.Always contact a local building company or hardware store for help and advice on what to buy. Also, some companies make the slabs for you. Keep in mind that you must design the layout and frame up before the preparations for pouring the new slab begins. However, the extra time spent gives you an end product with an elegant design. Modern concrete pads present a focal point that adds curb appeal and expresses your sense of style.
