Today we are sharing how to repair a cracked and old cement patio that we completed at our old house. Â
This post was updated April 2020 to reflect an updated version of this product. The product link is towards the bottom of this post. This post was not sponsored, we just really liked the outcome of the space so we shared with you!
The patio had been neglected and seriously damaged through the winter storms. My dad completely ruined it (he says he didn’t, but he did) when he put down some kind of a rock salt during the winter that ate through the cement like it was a little scooby snack.
TIP: If you have deep cracks or large concrete pieces missing, you will need to use a filler product prior to fix them. Read the directions on the back of the product to ensure you are applying properly.
How to Fix an Old Concrete Patio
Here is the before:
The patio was a mix of old red paint, gray original cement, cracks and holes. Can you say, mess?! After a good power washing and removing any loose cement, we added 23 gallons of the Concrete RESTORE.
The space is about 400 sq.ft. We bought the large 4 gallon buckets as well as the RESTORE roller.
Attach the roller with a long handled paint roller and simply dump the concrete/paint mixture and roll it on. It is SO easy!
How to repair a cracked and old cement patio
We picked the color Cape Cod Gray to have the RESTORE cement tinted to. There are so many colors available. I spread this entire 450 square foot area in about 2.5 hours. One important tip, do not roll it on like you would when painting a wall (back and forth).
The directions say to use a paint tray ect. I simply dumped 1/4 – 1/2 of the bucket on the cement and worked in sections. When you spread the cement, simply pull it towards you or push away from you. Do not roll over back and forth. This stuff is very thick but easy to spread.
I highly recommend the special RESTORE roller.
Do not use a regular paint roller.
If you take a break in between, just wrap your roller in a plastic grocery bag. That’s what I did 🙂
Ok, now for the good part, here is how my mom’s patio is looking now!
Concrete Patio Resurfacing Ideas
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My gramps made these DIY adirondack chairs and couch. Â Isn’t he talented? I told him we are going to make some more for “my side” of the yard and I’ll be taking pictures of him to post on the blog. I think we need a tutorial on these, don’t you?
We gave them a fresh coat of water-based stain and I think they are looking pretty snazzy!
What do you think of that DIY lattice privacy screen to hide the air compressor units? My dad and I recently made it one Saturday afternoon, I will post the tutorial soon!
My mom loves black and sand colors together so we used her existing cushions along with some DIY bolster pillows from the fabric I had left over from our dining room makeover.
My mom is loving her new space! Especially the Cape Cod Gray cement color.
Learning how to repair a cracked and old cement patio can seem overwhelming. One of the biggest tips I can offer no matter what product you use is to prep your surface properly.
This is where my mom drinks her coffee every morning. It’s a pretty cozy spot!
RELATED: How to spruce up your patio with a Solar SpeakerÂ
There are many concrete covering ideas out there. So what do you think? Would you be daring enough to dump tinted cement and resurface an old worn cement patio or even a deck? This stuff can be used on a deck also. I had no idea how to repair a cracked and old cement patio prior to using this product and I’m happy I gave it a try.
The patio isn’t perfect but it’s certainly better than it was.
You can view the DIY lattice privacy screen  tutorial here.
If you would like to see our other outdoor makeovers, check out our patio at our new house.
This patio was at our old house and we completed our patio a few years back. Since then a newer version of RESTORE has been produced so visit their site to find what best suits your needs.
PS. Total cost = under $275 (cost of cement product + lattice for privacy screen)
Danielle says
Jessica, it looks amazing! I don’t know how you do all you do! The patio with the cape cod gray looks excellent. Please, please, please post a tutorial on the chairs. I’d love to make some.
Heather says
Looks great! I know your mom is really enjoying her “new” spot. 🙂
Jessica says
Thank you Heather!
Miss Kitty says
This is a great makeover, Jessica! You are brave to spread concrete…and strong. I need to resurface my driveway (had to have a section re-poured…of course it doesn’t match)…I wonder if this would work? Thanks for sharing your project.
Jessica says
Thankyou! I would NOT use this on your driveway. I believe the directions say not to use it in the garage b/c the tires will wreck it. They make an epoxy specific for garage floors though so you could certainly check to see if there is a product compatible for driveways. Our driveway is a mess also and I really think re-tarring it is the best solution or rip it up and lay brick. Not in my lifetime though 🙂 hehe.
Nancy @ Sea Rose Cottage says
What a fabulous transformation–your Mom must be thrilled! I love how you don’t shy away from projects others may find intimidating. The privacy screen is brilliant and the whole space just looks beautiful and very inviting.
Jessica says
Hey Nancy! Thanks so much, hope you are enjoying your summer!
Kim @ Sand & Sisal says
The patio is so pretty! What an inviting space to relax! I love all your flowering planters! The are overflowing! We’ve been so hot I can barely keep any of mine alive. It turned out beautiful Jess!
Jessica says
Thank you Kim 🙂
Cathy says
Hi Jessica, I just found your blog through Sand and Sisal and love your patio makeover. But, what really caught my eye was the 4 generations living under one roof. We are 3 generations living under one roof and I can totally relate with you on the craziness that can occur. I am so loving reading your blog…….
Jessica says
Thanks Cathy! That is fantastic you are three generations living together. Isn’t it crazy!? My son really loves it and we do as well……most of the time 🙂 hehe.
Erin says
Oh my goodness, can I come over right now? So lovely! Hope you’re getting lots of use out of this gorgeous project.
Jessica says
Thank you Erin!
Deb says
Hi, for cost you put $275 for lattice and Restore. I find Restore in 4 gallon buckets is $90 and you mentioned you used 23 gallons, so that would mean you used 6 buckets. According to my calculations that puts this project around $540 just for the product, not including the roller and price of lattice. My guess is project is more like $600, still not bad price but more than double what you listed. Am I missing something?
Jessica Bruno says
Hi Deb! I take my gramp with me for purchases because he gets a discount being a veteran 🙂 My dad also had some product left over from the basement project so that helped with the cost. So no, you are not missing anything 🙂 Good luck with your project!
Michelle McKane says
You have a gorgeous porch. I’m so jealous.
Jessica Bruno says
Thanks Michelle! I wish this was my porch. It’s a model home at my dads work that we are building 🙂
Lisa says
You’ve inspired me to redo my patio myself! But the numbers don’t seem to be adding up. From what I can see, each 4-gallon bucket is about $80 and if you needed 23 gallons, that’s about 6 buckets, or $480, yet you said the total cost of this project plus the lattice privacy screen was about $275. Am I missing something?
Lisa says
Never mind…I missed some of the comments that said the same thing!
Lisa says
Jessica,
We are considering using this product on our concrete deck, looks like it has been nearly 1 year sine you completed the project. How is the Restore product holding up? Any advice or recommendations?
Thanks
Jessica Bruno says
It’s held up well actually. We have a couple spots I need to touch up but that is because the patio gets shoveled in the winter from all the snow so it got a little scratched. Do more than one coat. I really am happy with how it survived. We have tough winters and I expect a little touch up each spring. Make sure you clean your surface really good prior as well. Good luck!
Lisa says
Thanks so much, one more question…does it seem hotter on the feet in the sun than your concrete was? Thanks again…