Painting concrete surface & concrete landscaping edging

April 24, 2007


Q: We are in the process of fixing up our back yard for our daughter’s wedding which will be taking place this summer. I have a few quick questions that I hope you can help us with. What would be the best way to paint our concrete patio a terrra cotta color? The next question is we are looking for an edging to raise the flower beds to keep the dirt from running on to the patio and give it a more finished and clean look. I am in the South Surrey area and I quite often see a concrete edging that looks like a brick or stone curb that border garden beds. I was hoping you could let me know who I can contact to get this done and most importantly get done quickly. Last question we are looking into awnings for the patio do you have anyone that you can refer us to?

Sincerely,

Veronica & Wil
White Rock

A: To begin, the concrete edging can be done by a company called Kwik Kerb and it sounds to me like that would be ideal for your timeline and what you are describing. They have several styles and colours to choose from for decorative edging and would be more than happy to come to your home and offer some suggestions.

As for your concrete patio, I would suggest you stain your concrete rather than paint it. To begin, wash the surface with muriatic acid; mixing 1/3 acid to 2/3 water. (Add acid to water not water to acid. Wear safety clothing and rubber gloves.) Puddle out on the surface and spread with a broom. Allow to sit for 5 to 15 minutes. A foaming action will occur. Then scrub with a stiff bristle brush. Rinse well with a hose. Once dry you can then apply a concrete stain or you can use an alkyd based wood stain. Do not do this project in direct sunshine.

You do not specify what type of awning that you are looking for. Please contact our HouseSmart office at 604-542-2236 to let us know if you are looking for an aluminum or retractable fabric awning and we will be happy to help you out.

Good luck and Congratulations on your daughter’s upcoming big day.

Shell Busey