Concrete is a durable building material. If poured right, a concrete building can last over 100 years. 

There is a lot of room for error when working on a DYI concrete project. Store-bought concrete mixes have vague instructions. This leads to many DYI project fails.

To learn how to avoid common concrete problems, it would take forever. Concrete contractors can be in business for over a decade and still learn new tricks of the trade.

With a concrete professional handling the hard work, you can plan bigger projects. Use these 5 ideas to start brainstorming your next concrete project.

1. Installing Coverage From the Sun

Patios block harmful sunshine and provide cover to watch summer storms. Some homeowners create patios so cozy, they spend most of the day outside. 

To ensure your patio lasts through the years, it needs a strong foundation. The concrete slab and support posts do a lot of heavy lifting. Bad concrete could lead to an accident the first time a serious storm hits the patio.

2. Recreating a Trendy New Concrete Driveway

Long-lasting concrete driveways boost your property value. To get the best return on your investment, don’t make this a DIY concrete project.

Making a reliable driveway means knowing several complicated concrete techniques. You’d have to invest in some expensive equipment, too. 

A concrete contractor has everything they need to do the job. They also know new techniques to liven up your driveway. Ask your contractor about techniques like concrete staining.

3. Creating an Outdoor Living Room

Give your small home a square-footage boost by turning the backyard into a living room. Your friends and family will love the extra entertaining space.

What is the difference between a patio and an outdoor living room? The biggest difference is most outdoor living rooms have fireplaces. They make the space cozy and inviting.

Concrete fireplaces allow you to customize them to fit your decorating style. Sit down with a concrete contractor to plan your ideal fireplace design.

4. Turning the Yard Into a Private Campground

The best part of summer camp is when everyone gathers around the campfire after dinner. Adults don’t get that kind of uplifting bonding experience anymore.

Give yourself the gift of perpetual summer camp fun with a custom firepit. Concrete firepits provide a barrier to prevent the fire from accidentally spreading.

When planning your fire pit, don’t forget to include seating. Make sure the seats are back far enough so guests don’t get too hot.

5. Building Walls to Make New Flower Beds

Retaining walls are an easy way to build up a one-dimensional garden. If you use a series of walls, it creates a terraced garden effect. 

The walls need to hold back a lot of weight and handle extra moisture. Commercial concretes can’t handle this kind of project.

Talk to your concrete contractor about the moisture problem. This way you know the retaining walls will last a lifetime.

Concrete Contractors Make Your Dream Projects a Reality

There are few limits to what concrete can do to liven up your yard. You can make a DYI birdbath or stepping stones.

When it comes to major backyard projects, use concrete contractors. Their expertise will ensure your dream project lasts as long as your home.

Are you looking for ways to liven up your backyard? Browse our Home Advice section.