Smart Concrete Overlay Options for Outdoor Living

You want a transformative solution for your backyard renovation or driveway repair project, without tearing out your existing space. Concrete overlay is the right answer for you.

Overlays provide a wide range of customizable design options for color, texture and pattern. They also pack the strength and durability of concrete to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Use our decades of experience to guide you through this introduction to smart concrete overlay use in your backyard or driveway renovation:

• Concrete overlays are applied over existing surfaces. Transform your patio, pool deck or driveway with a fresh design without the high cost of full outdoor renovation.
• Carvestone is our top pick for concrete overlay material. It’s rated to withstand 5,000 PSI of pressure, offers unmatched design versatility, and every stone is troweled, carved, colored, and grouted by hand.
• Concrete refinishing creates seamless outdoor living spaces. Use custom overlays throughout your outdoor living design for a cohesive style that lasts for decades.
• Get inspired by our concrete patio, pool deck and driveway refinishing photos! 

Allied Outdoor Solutions has transformed over 20,000 backyards and driveways into dream outdoor living spaces throughout Texas. We use premium concrete overlay and blended concrete materials to elevate the style, durability and function of your outdoor space.

Understanding Concrete Overlays: What Are They?

A concrete overlay is a thin layer of modified concrete, applied over an existing surface. 

Most overlays are applied to an existing concrete slab. The modified layer adheres to the slab, creating a strong bond and a durable surface. Some premium options can be applied to multiple types of underlying material.

Concrete overlays have some great interior applications — especially strengthened garage floors and attractive Carvestone entryways. But most overlay projects are utilized outdoors.

Why Are Concrete Overlays Beneficial?

Think about how much time and money it would cost you to tear out your entire patio, pool deck, driveway or outdoor walkway. Wouldn’t you rather give your outdoor space a fresh start without wasting all that energy and ruining your budget?

You can, thanks to the cost-effectiveness of concrete overlay work. 

Using premium overlay products is simply more affordable than concrete removal and replacement. And it’s a better long-term solution than constant repairs every 2-3 years.

In addition, modern concrete overlays are formulated with polymers and other additives that enhance their strength. They’re designed to resist inclement weather, heavy foot traffic, and general wear and tear.

Expert engineering research proves this combination of value and durability makes concrete resurfacing an ideal solution.

How Concrete Overlays Transform Your Outdoor Space

Overlays offer a complete transformation of outdated or damaged outdoor surfaces and hardscaping..

They offer remarkable design versatility in terms of color, texture and patterns. Concrete overlay products can mimic the appearance of various other materials, like brick, natural stone and tile.

This versatility makes overlays applicable to virtually any premium outdoor renovation or design refresh. You’ll achieve a cohesive look and style throughout your outdoor living space.

The Quest for Premium: Evaluating Top Concrete Overlay Materials

It’s important to assess your concrete overlay material options for durability, aesthetics and maintenance requirement. This ensures you’ll make the best decision for your specific renovation project — and for your location.

Let’s look at the properties, benefits and drawbacks of 3 highly-requested concrete overlay materials. We’ll start with Carvestone — which we think is the best option available for most homeowners.

Carvestone: The Pinnacle of Elegance, Customization and Durability

Carvestone is a premium, hand-crafted concrete overlay product. We’ve used it in tens of thousands of driveway and backyard renovations, thanks to its ability to create seamless, high-end outdoor living spaces.

We prefer Carvestone over other resurfacing products due to its aesthetic versatility. Every stone is troweled, carved, colored, and grouted by hand to ensure it matches your exact preferences. Mimic flagstone, travertine, brick, pavers and more with ease.

An added benefit — you can overlay Carvestone over more existing materials than just slab concrete. We confidently install it over pea gravel, pool coping, decorative concrete and pool decking. 

These 4 core benefits set Carvestone apart from other concrete overlay material options:

1. Strength. Carvestone is lab tested to withstand 5,000 PSI of pressure — that’s nearly double the durability of concrete.
2. Customization. Carvestone customers have more control over design options and features than with other overlay materials.
3. Slip resistance. Our Carvestone installation process provides two layers of slip protection. We work a natural grain to the surface, then blend a non-skid agent into our sealer for maximum slip resistance.
4. Comfort. Carvestone’s unique formulation is tough against heat. Walk barefoot on your patio, pool deck or driveway in the summer without worry.

Stamped Concrete: Aesthetic, Patterned Overlay Design

Stamped concrete is created when traditional concrete is colored and imprinted with patterns while still wet. This process allows for a wide array of style options — emulate your favorite luxury material at a lower price point.

Patios, walkways and pergolas are popular locations for stamped concrete use. It’s a particularly smart choice for homeowners who want the look of outdoor wood flooring, without the concerns of warping, cracking and splinters.

We prefer Carvestone to stamped concrete for its added strength and greater customization options. Stamped concrete is also slightly more prone to fading over time.

Spray-On Overlays: Quick Application (and a Few Major Drawbacks)

Some homeowners express interest in spray-on concrete overlays for their fast, cost-effective appeal. After thoroughly washing the existing surface and repairing any cracks or damage, a new modified concrete mix is applied using a spray gun or hopper.

If you want a quick, time-sensitive refinishing option, spray-on overlays fit the bill. However, they do have inherent drawbacks and shortcomings compared to higher quality options.

If the existing concrete surface isn’t thoroughly cleaned, your spray-on layer won’t adhere properly. You also don’t have the depth of color, texture and design options available with Carvestone or stamped concrete.

The biggest drawback of spray-on concrete refinishing is its extremely thin layer. They’re far less durable in heavy foot traffic areas, and certainly aren’t ideal for driveways. They’re also prone to appear uneven and blotchy.

Functional, Stylish Concrete Patio Overlay Options

Why spend time and money tearing out your existing patio entirely? Concrete overlays are a more affordable — and more stylish — solution to the problem.

See how we used Carvestone and other premium concrete overlay materials to transform 4 backyard patios into exquisite outdoor living spaces.

Backyard River Walk

Our customers in San Antonio and Austin, TX love patio dining. This homeowner brought a slice of the famous River Walk home with a smart Carvestone overlay that’s a much sturdier alternative to outdoor tile.

Modern Outdoor Living Room

Premium concrete overlay transformed a rustic patio into a truly modern outdoor living room. The subtle texture in its surface complements the cozy brick outdoor fireplace in the corner.

Cedar & Carvestone Kitchen

Carvestone’s durability makes it an ideal choice for patios with outdoor kitchens. Splash sauces, host your whole neighborhood, go crazy — this overlay handles it all. 

Seamless Oasis

Carvestone overlays allow homeowners to create a seamless transition from patio to pool deck, like in this Texas backyard retreat. The light-colored material doesn’t trap heat, providing a comfortable, heavy-duty walking surface for dozens of backyard guests.

Read more about our concrete patio overlay and refinishing process.

Concrete Pool Deck Overlays Provide Style and Safety

Pool deck resurfacing requires extra safety precautions — non-slip surfaces are a must, and heat-resistant materials are ideal.

This makes concrete overlay an excellent choice for pool deck renovation. You’ll gain excellent texture and traction, plus the increased durability to protect against chlorine and chemical damage from pool water. 

Discover how we used Carvestone to transform 4 Texas pool decks into strong, safe and stunning backyard retreats. 

Spanish Villa 

The terra cotta color of this overlay blends seamlessly with the textured Spanish-style roof of this home. The durable pool deck extends through white archways to the covered patio.

Backyard Island Oasis

Believe it or not, this island paradise is in a Houston, Texas backyard. And that’s not flagstone you see — it’s Carvestone showing off its ability to transform in the hands of an expert installer. The rich, reddish-brown overlay warms up this tropical oasis.

Modern Curves

Sweeping curves and crisp white lines define this stunning transitional pool deck overlay. The light Carvestone material complements the home’s existing color and style perfectly, while the rich dark brown pergola matches its roof.

Elevated Ranch

This pool deck design showcases the adaptability of Carvestone — here, it emulates rugged, high-texture natural stone. The result: an elevated ranch backyard space.

Discover even more about our concrete and Carvestone pool deck design process.

Driveway Overlays Create Durable Curb Appeal

Carvestone is the best premium overlay material for driveway refinishing. It’s ability to handle 5,000 PSI of pressure makes it one of the few overlay options that can take the weight of vehicle traffic.

We’ve checked back in on Carvestone driveway overlay projects more than a decade after installation, and they’re still as gorgeous (and damage-free) as ever.

Whether you want an elegant entrance for your estate, a sporty play space, or a bold executive statement, here’s some premium concrete driveway overlay design for inspiration.

Grand Estate Entrance

The compass always points home on this sweeping grand estate entrance. Light, elegant Carvestone radiates outward from the compass design feature.

Hoop Dreams

Four unique colors and textures of Carvestone concrete overlay transformed this driveway refinishing project into a premium half-court basketball setup.

Country Elegance

We added texture and earth-toned rustic charm to this driveway’s Carvestone overlay to deliver elevated country glamour. The circular fountain feature is a final, elegant touch.

Modern Executive

This bold, black Carvestone driveway makes a high-class statement in front of this estate. Textured brick borders and accent lines elevate the design to executive status.

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Learn more about how we use concrete overlays to elevate and transform your driveway.

5 Smart Enhancements for Your Concrete Overlay Design

Concrete resurfacing materials have the versatility and customizable nature to elevate your outdoor design to even greater heights!

Here are 5 smart enhancements that will take your overlay installation to the next level:

1. Custom design accents. Make your patio, pool deck or driveway a true signature piece with a custom design accent. Carvestone and stamped concrete make personalized overlays a breeze.
2. Integrated lighting. Integrate recessed LED lights into your overlay — especially driveways and walkways. No more tripping over stake lights or navigating a dark driveway at night. Install outdoor lighting with smart app integration to control timing and brightness from anywhere.
3. Drainage solutions. Ask your concrete contractor to properly grade your new overlay for maximum drainage capabilities. 
4. Heated overlays. Cold weather properties benefit from heated concrete overlays, which utilize radiant heat through cables or tubing beneath the surface layer. 
5. UV protection. Our clients in San Antonio know all about excessive UV exposure. Protect your overlay investment with a concrete sealer formulated with UV inhibitors.

Elevate Your Outdoor Living Space With Premium Concrete

Premium concrete overlay materials like Carvestone elevate your outdoor living space with versatile, custom design options and exceptional durability.

Avoid the unnecessary labor and costs of tearing out your existing materials. Concrete refinishing offers a fresh start without the stress on your property (and your budget).

If you’re in Texas, we’d love to share our concrete overlay expertise. Let’s talk about why premium concrete refinishing might be perfect for your home.