There is no doubt that the courtyard is now an integral part of the family, not just a concrete mat sitting in the backyard. But as terraces are increasingly used for outdoor dining, barbecues or just a place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities, the old, monotonous and possibly broken concrete mats are likely to require bold modifications to meet changing requirements. . Transforming your outdoor entertainment area can be one of the most cost-effective home improvement tasks you can take to enhance the value of your home.
Depending on the condition of the concrete, the budget, the level of damage you can tolerate and the material preferences, you can make multiple choices for rebuilding or retrofitting existing concrete mats. For example, if the concrete is in good condition, the concrete surface can simply be contaminated with the application of a textured or template brick pattern. These choices involve only minimal disruptions and are applied by professional contractors.
If the concrete surface is basically reasonable and sometimes there are only hairline cracks, then consider re-laying with tiles or stone tiles. Tiles are available in a variety of colors, styles and sizes. Textured finishes are often applied to exterior tiles to reduce the risk of sliding under wet conditions. Check that the tiles are suitable for local conditions, as tiles with high water absorption properties may rupture under freezing conditions. Please note that any cracks in the concrete that are present throughout the liner may open further, occasionally causing any tiles on the floor to crack.
Natural stone products such as sandstone, limestone, slate or granite may also be considered, but may need to be sealed against moisture or to prevent contamination. Another option that is not a problem with extra height is the use of new or recycled brick or clay pavers.
However, perhaps one of the easiest, most cost-effective and attractive options is to install modular wood deck tiles. Such tiles can withstand a certain degree of cracking of the concrete and will not cause problems if the cracks in the concrete mat may expand. These DIY decorative tiles are usually 12' x 12' you can easily install squares by simply clicking on the module [see for example, http://www.swiftdeck.com]. The tiles have special tabs on the sides of the plastic base that hold them securely in place and do not require any special surface treatment, adhesive or other fixtures. The plastic base is designed to allow water to pass freely under the tiles and keep the wood away from the underlying surface. The typical courtyard area can be fully laid out in about an hour and can be used immediately.
Most manufacturers produce several different designs of wooden deck tiles, so you can create borders, centerpieces, feature areas, etc. to suit your personal preferences. Check to make sure that the type of wood used is a highly natural endurance species such as Jarrah, Ipe, Bangkirai, etc. Most tiles are pre-coated with permeable deck oil, but if necessary, it is recommended to re-oil the regular wood color as long as possible every 12 months or so.
In addition to interlocking wooden deck tiles, a range of ceramic interlocking bricks are now available to give your patio more personal opportunities. These tiles are designed to interlock with the shingles, so for example, you can lay tiles in the central patio area, with tables and chairs around the wooden floor. With some large basins, attractive plants and possibly the most favorite sculptures, this dull courtyard will soon be a place where you can truly be proud again.
Orignal From: How to transform a monotonous concrete courtyard
No comments:
Post a Comment