Colored Borders Add Decorative Touch to Concrete Patio

John Schimmel of John's Cement in Milford, Mich., likes to share with his clients unique and simple ways to personalize their concrete projects. For this new patio and set of steps, the homeowners didn't want a standard square or oval patio design. Schimmel helped create a free-form design suitable to accommodate the client's activities which included installing a fire pit at one end.

In addition, Schimmel knows how to add just the right touch of decorative design. So he suggested to the homeowners that they include a colored border around the patio. Adding a stained border, Schimmel explains, really sets off the patio.

The patio was 600 square feet with a series of steps leading down to it. "We poured the patio and formed and poured the steps," says Schimmel. Brickform's beige with walnut release was used to color the fields. Then Schimmel used Brickform's ebony acid stain to color the borders. Proline's ashlar slate stamp was used for pattern and texture. Schimmel also incorporated a fire pit into the concrete design. The firepit has a 36" steel ring slightly raised and inserted into the cement.

John's Cement
Milford, MI

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