The Once-Trendy Patio Feature That Could Be Lowering Your Home's Curb Appeal

Whether you're getting ready to sell your home or just want to make sure your design choices are all on trend, the exterior is just as important as the interior. After all, it's the first thing that prospective buyers and guests alike will see when they walk up to your home. And if backyard entertaining is important to you, you might be curious about one feature in particular that's starting to feel a little outdated — stamped concrete. While the design was once seen as an inexpensive patio flooring alternative to real stone, it now looks dated and one-dimensional. Depending on the style, it can even draw the eye away from your gorgeous lawn and stylish patio furniture, making your yard seem a little flat and lifeless. 

Even for those who still appreciate the style of stamped concrete, another major downside of this patio design is that it can age and weather significantly over time. You might notice the colors of your faux stone fading or that the tops of each tile have been worn down. While these issues naturally occur over time, they can be especially noticeable with stamped concrete because they tend to expose the color and texture of the concrete beneath the stamped exterior. 

If you've been feeling like it's time to redo your outdoor patio, there are a few things you should know about what patio tiles to replace your stamped concrete with. Not interested in a remodel? There are also some ways you can change the look of your stamped tiles with accessories. 

Wondering where to start when it comes to replacing your stamped concrete patio? One trendy tile option that designers can't help but love right now is a bluestone patio. This type of patio has a similar look to stamped concrete, but with muted color variation that contributes to a sleek yet natural outdoor look. Sandstone and slate will also net you a patio made from real stone with a palette that's similar to what most stamped concrete patios are going for. 

Another option that's easy to DIY is interlocking wood tiles. These will give you the look of natural wood without having to rebuild your deck yourself. While these kinds of tiles can range in price, some of them can be installed straight over the patio you already have as long as it's flat enough. You can save time and money with this inexpensive way to cover up your concrete patio rather than ripping out your existing stamped concrete floor. 

Porcelain and ceramic tiles tend to be on the less expensive side of the outdoor patio tile range, which makes them affordable materials to create a beautiful backyard patio. Just don't forget to evaluate your climate and make sure the tiles are rated for outdoor use before you buy. You'll want to consider how your patio tiles will withstand the temperature, weather, and seasons throughout the years. Also alternative is plain, unstamped concrete, which can give you a smooth finish that looks a little less dated than stamped concrete.

Not all kinds of stamped concrete need to be a thing of the past. If you're still considering stamped concrete for your patio, you might think about leaning in to certain designs to make your yard look more cohesive. For example, a brick style can make your yard look rustic and lived-in, while stamped concrete that mimics terracotta-colored tiles feel earthy and nature-inspired. When in doubt, basic square or rectangular stamped patterns that are both neutral and realistic are probably your best bet when it comes to stamped concrete; they have the benefit of looking like patio tiles purposefully cut from gray stone, which can actually help your patio feel more organic.

If you don't love the look of your stamped concrete patio but aren't able to replace it, never fear. You can modernize it with colorful outdoor rugs that match your existing patio furniture. Woven rugs in neutral colors are also generally inexpensive and can cover an entire patio space. Furniture with organic materials, like wicker, wood, or rope can also help you tie in your patio set with your stamped concrete floors. Adding stone features nearby, like a minimalistic water feature or even an outdoor stone fire pit, will create a better way to blend your stamped patio with the rest of your yard. Don't forget to add plenty of colorful plants and trees near your patio to help draw the eye up and into your garden. There are also beautiful stamped concrete patio ideas to take your design to the next level and avoid a dated look.