My Adventure With DIY Concrete Foundations

Water’s definitely the sneaky culprit—cracks are almost inevitable, but if they’re minor, you’re winning.

Couldn’t agree more about drainage making or breaking a slab. I’ve seen folks pour beautiful patios, skip the mesh, and still get great results just by sloping things right. That said, did you add any decorative finish or stain to the concrete? Sometimes a broom finish is enough, but I’ve found adding color or texture can really elevate a basic slab—especially for backyard spaces where you want it to feel inviting. Curious what you went with!

That said, did you add any decorative finish or stain to the concrete?

I’ve got to admit, I was a little skeptical about skipping mesh, but I’ve seen it work out fine if the drainage is dialed in—like you said, “drainage making or breaking a slab” is spot on. When I did my own backyard patio, I agonized over the finish. At first, I was convinced I needed some fancy stamped pattern or acid stain to make it “luxury,” but after a lot of back and forth, I landed on a simple broom finish with a subtle charcoal tint mixed into the pour.

Funny thing is, the texture and color ended up being way more inviting than I expected—almost soft on the eyes, if that makes sense. I did try a small test patch with a glossy sealer, but it made the surface slippery after a rain, so I nixed that idea fast. Sometimes less is more, especially if you want the space to blend with landscaping instead of screaming “look at me.” Still, I get the appeal of going all out with patterns—just depends on the vibe you’re after.

Honestly, I get where you’re coming from with “less is more.” I went down the Pinterest rabbit hole thinking I needed some wild stamped design or faux stone look, but after seeing a neighbor’s plain broom finish, I started rethinking things.

“the texture and color ended up being way more inviting than I expected—almost soft on the eyes”

MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS

That “less is more” approach really does sneak up on you, doesn’t it? I’ve seen so many over-designed patios and walkways that end up feeling kind of busy or even dated after a few years. There’s something about a simple broom finish that just feels timeless—almost like it lets the rest of your space breathe a little.

About the tint fading: it’s a legit concern, especially if you’re using those surface-applied stains or tints. I’ve noticed that integral color (where the pigment is mixed into the concrete before pouring) tends to hold up way better than anything brushed or sprayed on after. The broom texture actually helps hide minor fading or dirt, too, which is a nice bonus. But if you’re in a spot that gets a ton of sun, even integral color can mellow out a bit over time. Sometimes that’s not a bad thing, though—it can look more natural, less “freshly poured driveway.”

One thing I’ve seen people regret is skipping the sealer. Even with a basic finish, a good breathable sealer can help keep the color more even and prevent that patchy look you’re worried about. It’s not a magic fix, but it does buy you some time before you have to think about touch-ups.

Funny enough, I once worked with a client who was dead set on a stamped cobblestone pattern, but after seeing a neighbor’s plain slab, she switched gears at the last minute. Now, years later, her patio still looks fresh, while the stamped ones nearby are showing their age with weird cracks and faded spots. Sometimes the simplest choice really does age the best.

Are you leaning toward a specific color, or just sticking with the natural gray? I’ve always liked those soft charcoal tones—they hide dirt and feel a bit more modern without being harsh. But honestly, even the standard gray can look great if the finish is done well.

MY ADVENTURE WITH DIY CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS

I’ve always been a fan of the understated look too. There’s something about a plain, well-finished slab that just works, especially when you’re thinking long-term. I do wonder, though—have you ever tried any of the newer eco-friendly sealers? I used one last year on a walkway and it seemed to hold up better than the old solvent-based stuff, plus I felt better about runoff into the garden. Curious if anyone’s had luck with those or if it’s just marketing hype...