Marty Baldwin

A wobbly, cracked patio can put a damper onsummer fun.

Reclaim the space and help it look like new with our concrete resurfacing how-to.

Clean the concrete with a power washer and concrete cleaners for really tough stains.

Resurfaced patio with firepit

Credit:Marty Baldwin

The process below is recommended for flat surfaces only.

Using the compound on stamped concrete patios will cover up textures, colors, and seams.

Use a brick chisel to break away cracked or loose mortar in areas that were previously patched.

Using chisel to loose cracked mortar

Credit:Marty Baldwin

Wipe broken pieces into a dustpan and discard.

Step 2: Clean Concrete

Sweep any debris off the patio surface with a broom.

Then thoroughly clean the concrete with a high-strengthpressure washer.

Power washing patio

Credit:Marty Baldwin

The mixture should set up about a quarter-inch.

Allow the repaired areas to harden.

Then section off your patio into work areas that are no larger than 144 square feet.

Filling in patio cracks with concrete

Credit:Marty Baldwin

Use control joints and expansion joints to help you define the work areas.

Mark any areas that will not be covered with concrete resurfacer.

Saturate the patio surface with water, but remove any areas of standing water.

Apply concrete resurfacer

Credit:Marty Baldwin

Pour the patio resurfacing compound onto the patio, and spread with a long-handle squeegee.

The mixture should be 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick.

Use a wallpaper brush to cover corners and edges.

Wait at least six hours after resurfacing concrete before walking on the patio.