Summer in London, Ontario is the perfect time to work on your outdoor projects at home, like concrete decks. 

Warm weather is when you can comfortably implement those big improvement projects, and of course, enjoy them right away.

If you’re looking to upgrade your deck, driveway, or backyard, concrete is your best friend!

Excited yet?

In this post, we’ll explore some exciting residential concrete projects suitable for summer in London: stylish concrete decks and patios, modern driveways, and creative outdoor living spaces.

We’ll also sprinkle in design inspiration and a few technical tips (like stamped vs. exposed aggregate finishes and durability in our Southwestern Ontario climate) so you can plan with confidence. 

Let’s dive in and see how Brosco Concrete – a local concrete expert in London – can help make your summer project a reality.

Stylish Concrete Decks and Patios for Summer

A modern concrete pool deck can become the centerpiece of your summer backyard. This London backyard project features a sleek concrete pool and patio area, perfect for hosting your family and friends.

With the right concrete design, it can turn your plain backyard into a personal outdoor oasis.

A well-finished concrete deck or patio offers elegance and easy maintenance throughout the year, unlike traditional wood decks that would need your constant TLC,

For instance, if you choose stamped concrete, it can mimic the look of high-end stone or even wood planks. They can give you a stylish deck surface without the expense of real wood or masonry.

You could also choose an ashlar slate pattern for a classic stone look or a wood plank stamp for a rustic deck vibe, all using durable concrete. 

Brosco Concrete has experience building outdoor kitchens, pool decks, and patios in London. They always come up with innovative concrete design ideas and finishes to suit your style. 

They’ve helped homeowners like you add features such as built-in concrete BBQ counters and cozy fire pit areas on patios. 

If you like a main centerpiece, a fire pit is a great choice. It’s a great addition that creates a cozy gathering spot for cool summer evenings with friends and family. 

With concrete, you can even form curved bench seating for better aesthetics or raised planters as part of the patio design. The concrete material is incredibly versatile for creative landscaping elements.

From a technical standpoint, concrete patios are ideal for Southwestern Ontario’s summers and winters. Just make sure to use the right concrete mix and techniques so your patio can handle freeze-thaw cycles.

Brosco addresses this by using high-quality mixes and reinforcing the slab as needed, so your patio stands up to temperature swings. 

They also apply durable sealants on decorative concrete, which not only enriches the color but protects the surface from summer sun and winter ice.

Today’s concrete sealers significantly improve longevity – a well-sealed patio or pool deck can be just as durable as traditional plain concrete.

And don’t worry about slippery surfaces around the pool; finishes like exposed aggregate or a light broom texture can add slip-resistance while still looking great.

We’ll talk more about these finish options later, but keep in mind that a textured concrete pool deck can be both safe and stunning for those barefoot summer days.

Popular options now blend style, sustainability, and practicality. 

Ideas for Cool Concrete Decks in London:

• Multi-Level Decks: A recent project in Masonville featured a stunning multi-tier deck with built-in seating and stylish lighting. If you have multi-level decks, you’ll have additional areas for dining and relaxing.
• Covered Decks & Pergolas: Wortley Village, known as the most charming neighborhood in London, is popular for covered decks or pergolas for additional shade and protection from rain. These features help you enjoy your outdoor space year-round, especially if you own a local restaurant in your front yard.
• Eco-Friendly Decking: Homeowners in Hyde Park and Byron use eco-friendly materials like bamboo and recycled composites. These materials are durable, stylish, and environmentally friendly.

Local Tip: Leading London deck builders say adding a deck can give you a return on investment (ROI) of up to 85%.

Concrete Driveways That Impress: Durable and Beautiful

A driveway does more than guide cars.

It makes a first impression. 

In London, stamped concrete, interlocking pavers, and exposed aggregate are popular driveway choices. They’re durable and look fantastic.

Brosco Concrete has redone many driveways in the London area, turning basic driveways into head-turners. 

One local homeowner was thrilled after Brosco redid their long driveway with a decorative concrete pattern, sharing that it “looks absolutely amazing” and neighbors asked who did the work.

Freshly poured concrete driveway by a professional crew. A smooth, modern driveway like this not only boosts curb appeal but also promises decades of durable service with minimal upkeep.

Stamped concrete driveways are a popular choice for adding character. 

With stamping, your driveway can be textured and colored to resemble cobblestone, brick, natural slate, or other high-end materials.

Popular Concrete Driveway Styles:

• Stamped Concrete: Lambeth homeowners love stamped concrete. It looks like expensive stone or brick, but needs less upkeep. Plus, it comes in many colors and patterns.
• Interlocking Pavers: Neighborhoods like Westmount and White Oaks feature stylish interlocking pavers. You can customize colors and patterns. If one gets damaged, it’s easy to replace.
• Exposed Aggregate: Near Fanshawe Lake, exposed aggregate driveways are popular. They offer great texture, slip resistance, and traction in snowy weather.

The patterns and textures available are nearly endless—you could create a European fan pattern, a herringbone brick look, or even a sleek large tile design. 

Stamped concrete gives you this custom look at a fraction of the cost of laying real stone without the maintenance hassles of individual pavers. 

Alternatively, exposed aggregate is another trendy finish for driveways. This technique exposes the pebbles and stones within the concrete, creating a textured, pebble-like surface. 

The result is a natural, speckled look that pairs beautifully with both contemporary and traditional home styles.

Expert Advice: Concrete pros in London recommend sealing driveways every few years. This protects against harsh winters and keeps your driveway looking great.

Creative Concrete Projects for Outdoor Living

Concrete projects today are way beyond basic patios. In London, homeowners are adding concrete features to dramatically enhance outdoor living spaces.

Exciting Concrete Projects:

• Concrete Fire Pits and Outdoor Kitchens: In Old North and Oakridge, concrete fire pits and outdoor kitchens are favorites. They’re practical, stylish, and perfect for entertaining.
• Polished Concrete Patios: Summerside homeowners love polished concrete patios. They’re sleek, modern, easy to maintain, and can include heating for chilly months.
• Decorative Concrete Walkways and Steps: Downtown homes often feature colored or stamped concrete walkways and steps. These small projects make a big visual impact and provide safer footing.

Local Highlight: In Riverbend, a recent makeover included a stunning concrete patio with built-in seating, a fire pit, and a stylish walkway. It transformed the yard into an entertainment hotspot.

Stamped vs. Exposed Aggregate: Choosing Your Finish

By now, we’ve mentioned a few different concrete finishes – notably stamped concrete and exposed aggregate. 

These are popular options for decorative concrete in residential projects. How do you choose between them? 

Let’s break down what each is, and the pros and cons, so you can decide which might suit your project best.

Stamped Concrete

This is sometimes called patterned concrete or imprinted concrete. 

Essentially, stamped concrete is poured like regular concrete, but then, while it’s still wet, the surface is imprinted with large rubber stamps that create a texture and pattern. 

The concrete can also be colored (either integrally mixed in or with surface stains/release powders) to enhance the realistic look of the pattern. 

Stamped concrete can mimic stone, brick, tile, or even wood planks convincingly.

One thing to note: because of the textured surface, stamped concrete can be slightly trickier to shovel in winter (the shovel might catch the pattern edges), and it must be sealed before winter to protect against salt damage.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete

This finish is quite different in look and technique. With exposed aggregate, the concrete is poured, and then the top layer of cement paste is washed or brushed away to expose the gravel/stone aggregate mixed inside. 

Instead of a smooth surface, you get a visible layer of small stones and pebbles, which can be truly beautiful.

One reason homeowners choose exposed aggregate is for its slip resistance – that texture is not just for show, it provides extra grip even when wet, which is why it’s common around pools. 

The surface is also very durable; you’ve essentially got the hard stone aggregate as the wear layer. It can handle vehicular traffic fine (just make sure the base and thickness are appropriate for a driveway).

Tips for Successful Concrete Projects: Concrete Decks and More

Before you start your concrete makeover, keep these tips handy:

• Permits & Regulations: Check with London’s City Hall for necessary permits to avoid delays or fines.
• Best Timing: Plan concrete projects from late spring to early fall for best results.
• Hire Pros: Expert installers ensure projects withstand London’s climate and prevent costly issues later.

Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?

London, Ontario, is filled with inspiration for amazing decks, driveways, and concrete projects. Summer is the ideal time to upgrade your outdoor areas into beautiful, functional spaces.

Let London’s best designers and builders at Brosci make your dream outdoor space a reality! Request a free quote today.