Easy Concrete Patio Coverup Ideas • The Garden Glove

I pretty much hate a plain concrete patios. They are boring and just plain…well, plain. No amount of awesome outdoor furniture, potted plants or cute throw pillows will disguise that ugly cement patio glaring you in the face. 

But let’s face it, a lot of us have ’em. Short of tearing it out – a costly and time-intensive endeavor to be sure – what can you do to add some flair to your ugly concrete patio without breaking the bank? Thankfully, there are several inexpensive solutions to upgrading your concrete patio.

Check out these DIY concrete patio upgrade ideas!

I pretty much hate a plain concrete patio. But let’s face it, most of us have ’em. They are boring and just plain… well, plain. A couple of seasons ago we , and that was a good solution.

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Concrete Patio Upgrade Idea #1: Use an Outdoor Rug

Let’s start with the easiest way you can upgrade your patio in a flash: buy an outdoor rug to cover up that ugly concrete!

There are so many colors, patterns, sizes, and options available, so not only can you give your patio a makeover quickly, but you can also match your unique style. Plus, it requires hardly any effort, making it easy to do if you are pinched for time or getting ready to entertain guests. My favorite option is to go with something fun and tropical, like . Because why cover up your boring patio with something that’s also boring, you know?

It’s so simple, yet it totally transforms your outdoor space from blah to fabulous!

Concrete Patio Upgrade Idea #2: Use Paint or Stain

Taking it one level up from the rug idea: refresh your concrete patio with paint or stain. I know what you’re thinking: “Can you use paint or stain on concrete?” Well, the answer is yes!

You might remember how I a while ago. It was so simple and easy, and the stain held up wonderfully season after season with minimal touchups. But there are many more ways to use paint, stain, and even spray paint to cover up your patio.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Use Concrete Stain to Upgrade Your Patio

Using concrete stain to upgrade your patio will yield gorgeous results – and it’s so much easier than you think! You just need a few materials, know-how, and some time and patience.

The first thing you need to do is research how to stain a concrete patio. These expert tips from are a great place to start. They break it down step-by-step and provide pictures and great advice to make your DIY project look like you hired a pro.

And if a simple stain is still too boring for you, fear not: here are a couple creative ideas to use for your patio makeover:

Create a Tile Floor for Your Concrete Patio Using Concrete Stain

This fake tile floor from is absolutely stunning – and she did so much of it while entertaining her busy kids. Talk about a DIY Champ! This is another great tutorial to learn how to stain concrete.

Create a Concrete Patio “Rug” Using Concrete Stain

Like the idea of the outdoor rug but don’t want to worry about cleaning it (or possibly tripping over an edge – ouch!)? Or maybe you just haven’t found one that’s quite your style? We’ve got you covered.

Paint your concrete patio to look like a rug instead!

This tutorial from makes it easy and fast (and super cute!). Plus, they include a pattern template so you can dive into this DIY project right away, even if you don’t think you’ve got the skills it takes to do it.

This is a great option to get creative and use colors and patterns you like.  

Use Paint to Upgrade Your Patio

Well…not just any paint. If you want to paint concrete, you’ll need to use concrete paint. Like the stain, this is a great upgrade option for your patio. We love this tutorial from . They do a great job breaking down the project. Plus, they create a fake tile floor like the tutorial above, only using paint instead!

Use Spray Paint to Upgrade Your Patio

Finally, you can use spray paint to give your concrete patio a facelift. We love the way Chrissi at   updated her front entry with a stepping stone mold and spray paint. This is such an easy alternative to stamping concrete, and you gotta love that price.

Concrete Patio Upgrade Idea #3: Cover It Up

Sometimes your concrete patio is beyond a rug placement or a paint job. We get it.

If you really want to take your patio space to the next level – or you just like a great DIY challenge (we see you!), it’s time to get out your tools and cover your concrete patio up.

Here are our favorite ways to cover up your concrete patio:

Build a Deck Over Your Patio

I love a gorgeous deck, and it’s an awesome solution to all your patio problems. Kelly at ‘‘ shows you how to build a deck over concrete. She gives you great how-to instructions, plus all the tools you’ll need to get this done. This is a perfect solution for an outdoor patio that needs updating but is beyond trying to save with a few cosmetic upgrades.

Use Tile to Upgrade Your Patio

No stains or paints are used here! This is the real deal. Upgrade your concrete patio with tile. The feasibility of this project will largely depend on the materials you use and your climate, but the effect is stunning.  has a full tutorial on how to properly cover your concrete patio with tile.

Use Pavers to Cover Your Concrete Patio

Another permanent cover up idea for your patio is using concrete pavers to cover it up. For this option, we once again return to ‘‘ for a complete step by step for you on how to cover a concrete patio with pavers. No jackhammer here!

Use Renter Friendly Temporary Tile

I have always loved these interlocking wooden deck tiles. These are such a great option if you are looking to dress up a rental apartment or house’s plain concrete patio with a bit more than a rug. And they are so easy to install! These are from , but I’ve seen the same or similar tiles carried at other retailers including , too!

We hope you loved these DIY patio upgrade ideas! Check out our for more great ideas, projects and tutorials for your outdoor space! You also may love our post on .

Enjoy your new patio!

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