Concrete has come a long way from the plain gray slabs most people imagine. Today, decorative concrete is one of the most versatile and customizable materials for outdoor living spaces. Whether you're building a patio, walkway, or full backyard transformation, concrete gives you endless options for color, texture, and design — all while remaining strong, durable, and low-maintenance.
At Vicente Outdoor Living, we help homeowners upgrade their outdoor spaces using high-quality, beautifully finished concrete. If you want a surface that looks high-end but holds up to everyday use, decorative concrete may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Here are some creative, stylish, and practical ways to use decorative concrete in your outdoor space.
Stamped concrete is one of the most popular decorative options because it offers the look of premium materials at a more affordable price.
Popular stamped patterns include:
Stamped concrete gives you the beauty of natural stone or wood, but without the maintenance. It’s perfect for patios, walkways, pool decks, and outdoor kitchens.
Color can completely transform concrete. From warm browns to cool grays to rich terra cottas, colored concrete gives your outdoor space a polished, cohesive look.
There are two main coloring methods:
Pigment is mixed directly into the concrete for consistent, long-lasting color.
Applied to the top layer for deeper tones and shading.
Colored concrete pairs beautifully with:
It brings warmth and personality to any patio or walkway.
Exposed aggregate is a technique where the top layer of concrete is washed away to reveal the stones inside. It gives the surface a natural, textured look.
It works beautifully for walkways, steps, and patios — especially in decorative landscapes.
If your home has a modern or minimalist style, smooth or polished concrete offers a clean, sleek look.
This style is becoming increasingly popular for outdoor dining areas and open-concept patios.
Sometimes the most understated options are the most practical. A broom finish creates a lightly textured surface by running a broom over fresh concrete.
It’s especially useful in high-traffic areas or places that get wet often.
Borders instantly elevate the look of a concrete patio or walkway. They add shape, contrast, and dimension.
Common border options include:
Borders help define your outdoor space and give it a custom, high-end appearance.
Concrete steps can be designed to blend naturally with patios, walkways, and sloped areas.
Options include:
Concrete steps provide stable, durable access while contributing to the overall design.
Seating walls made from poured concrete or stone-faced concrete add comfort and structure to outdoor living spaces.
They work especially well around:
Seating walls eliminate the need for excess furniture and create permanent gathering areas.
Concrete expansion joints aren’t just practical — they can be used creatively as part of the design.
They can be:
Thoughtfully designed joints create clean patterns that look intentional instead of structural.
Concrete pairs beautifully with other outdoor materials. Blending concrete with additional elements adds depth and character.
Great combinations include:
Mixing materials creates visual contrast and makes your outdoor space feel layered and cohesive.
Lighting adds a dramatic touch to decorative concrete.
Options include:
Lighting brings out the texture and pattern of stamped or exposed concrete at night.
Tell us what style you're drawn to, and we’ll help you choose the perfect concrete design for your yard.
