10 Concrete Patio Floor Ideas for Texas Backyards

Apr 2, 2025 | Artificial Grass

Almost two-thirds of new homes in the U.S. have patios as they increasingly replacing decking in homes across the South.

Many of these patios are concrete-based—but concrete patio floors needn’t be bare, plain, and simply practical. A few creative ideas can revamp concrete patios in Texan backyards, transforming your flooring from a purely utilitarian space into a beautiful area that enhances curb appeal and increases property value.

Whether your concrete patio area is a space for you and the family to relax, enjoy a firepit on cooler evenings or entertain guests, the following patio floor ideas can enhance a plain concrete appearance…

10 Top Concrete Patio Floor Ideas

Concrete Patio Floor Ideas

Various design options exist with simple concrete patio floors like the one pictured above:

  • Cover the concrete
  • Resurface or stain the concrete
  • Paint the concrete
  • Add texture and natural elements
  • Add functional features

The following ideas embrace these approaches, with stylish, affordable solutions for covering concrete patios in Texas… 

1. Artificial Grass Flooring

Artificial grass is an extremely versatile ground covering that can replace a grass lawn, provide a picture-perfect backyard putting green or play area for the kids—or be used to cover a concrete patio.

Advancements in the turf manufacturing process mean that highly realistic, durable, low-maintenance artificial grass is widely available in Texas—ready to beautify back or front yards.

Artificial Grass Patio

To add a dash of evergreen to your patio, have a turf professional install high-quality artificial grass. It feels soft underfoot and is easy to clean should you or your guests spill anything. 


SAVE TIME, MONEY & WATER WITH ARTIFICIAL GRASS 

The experienced team at Artificial Grass Pros will provide a free estimate and help you make the switch. Contact us here.


2. Stone Paving with Greenery

Rather than drab slabs of concrete for your patio, use contemporary and stylish concrete paving stones for your seating area—with some carefully positioned greenery to add some color.

Stone Pavers With Greenery

Having paving stones professionally installed will allow good drainage for your patio. Whether you choose potted plants, shrubs or native Texan plants as greenery around the concrete, the contrast should be eye-catching.

3. Artificial Grass with Stone Paving Blocks

If you don’t like the idea of covering your concrete patio with artificial grass, turf can also be used between solid stone paving blocks or around them to add softness and texture. Here are a few ideas for combining artificial grass with pavers.

Artifical Grass Stone - Paving Patio

Combining natural-looking elements with the hardscaping of stone adds style and practicality to your yard. Remember, artificial grass is very low maintenance and, alongside the concrete patio, you will have a durable space that lasts the distance with minimal upkeep.

4. Terracotta Tiles 

Terracotta tiles have a timeless appeal and make an attractive addition to plain concrete patio floors if you’re looking for a more rustic, earthy appearance in your yard.

Terracotta tiling is durable, cost-effective, and low maintenance, looking equally wonderful when combined with potted plants, rustic benches, modern furniture, etc.

Patio Terracotta Tiles

Like with artificial grass, terracotta tiles usually require professional installation to prevent costly errors and problems down the line. The main downside of terracotta tiles is that they may become slippery when wet.

5. Composite Decking

Composite materials that mix wood fibers and plastic are widely used in home design projects as a replacement for wooden flooring,

Composite decking is very low maintenance, pest-resistant, and highly durable—and it can be installed over a concrete patio floor if you build a system that allows for proper drainage and ventilation.

Composite Decking Patio

With composite materials, you get the best of both worlds: beauty and longevity. Just make sure that your decking is non-slip to avoid accidents.

6. Textured Stamped Concrete Overlay

Stamped concrete overlays are a creative twist on standard patio designs, helping concrete mimic the appearance of stone, porcelain, brick, terracotta tiles or even wood textures at a fraction of the cost.

Textured Stamped Concrete Patio

This smart design idea can transform a plain concrete patio into something more decorative and eye-catching. The more textured the stamped concrete is, the more non-slip its surface and the safer it is.

7. Staining or Coating the Concrete

Another cost-effective concrete patio floor idea is simply to stain the existing concrete. This can give tired-looking patios a new lease of life for a small investment.

Acid staining creates a rich, variegated color effect while epoxy coating provides a durable, slip-resistant finish.

Concrete Patio Epoxy Coating

Another strategy for plain concrete flooring on patios is micro-topping, which is a thin, cement-based overlay providing a new surface that can be stained or textured. Pebble or river rock coating also creates a rustic, slip-resistant surface for patios.

8. Painting and Patterning

Simply painting or adding some patterning to the concrete is another inexpensive outdoor flooring idea that can rejuvenate concrete patios.

Painted Concrete Patio Stenciled

Choose a bold-colored concrete paint or a stenciled pattern to create tile-like designs or use geometric or striped designs for a modern touch with minimal effort.

9. Add Natural and Decorative Elements

A great way to “soften” the hardness and solidity of concrete patio flooring is to use natural elements for a more organic appearance.

Concrete Patio Natural Elements

This can include dotting potted plants, small shrubs or planter boxes around the patio. You could also add some wooden furniture and experiment with different finishes. Another decorative design idea is to introduce a few colorful outdoor rugs to brighten up the scene.

10. Build a Firepit or Arbor

Why not convert your plain concrete patio into a firepit area to sit around and enjoy the winter evenings as well as the summer ones? There are plenty of creative backyard firepit ideas to get you started.

Concrete Patio Floor Ideas Firepit

If escaping from the summer heat is your priority, a patio can be turned into an arbor or pergola. Adding a trellis structure is a simple way to create a shaded space in your yard.

What’s the Best Concrete Patio Flooring Idea for Your Yard?

Before deciding on the best concrete flooring idea for your yard, consider the following factors to make an informed, balanced decision:

  • Budget restraints and costs
  • Durability
  • Safety and practicality
  • Patio maintenance requirements
  • Appearance and style

The following table compares the 10 concrete patio flooring ideas in these categories:

OPTION

COST

DURABILITY

SAFETY

MAINTENANCE

APPEARANCE

Artificial Grass Cover

Moderate

Moderate

Soft and very safe

Very low

Verdant and lush

Paving Stones

High

High

Slippery when wet

Very low

Elegant

Artificial Grass & Stone Paving

High

High

Safe although stone paving can be slippery when wet

Very low

Verdant, lush, and elegant

Terracotta Tiles

Moderate

High

Slippery when wet

Very low

Rustic

Composite

Moderate

High

Safe

Very low

Modern

Stamped Concrete

High

High

Safe if textured (non-slip) finish 

Very low

Modern

Concrete Staining or Coating

Moderate to Low

High

Depends on the finish

Low

Modern

Painting or Patterning

Low

Low

May be slippery 

Moderate – may need touching up

Depends on designs

Natural & Decorative Elements

Moderate

Moderate

Safe

Moderate – may need watering, pruning, etc.

Natural

Firepit or Arbor

High

High

Can be unsafe if poorly designed or built

Low

Depends on the materials used

FAQs

Concrete is the best option for patio flooring because it is more stable and durable for outdoor use than pure cement, which is more suitable for small areas.

Concrete patios range from $6 to $12 per square foot for basic installation and up to $15 to $25 with decorative options. A 400-square-foot concrete patio costs $2,000 to $6,000 as a benchmark. 

Concrete patio flooring can look better by covering it with artificial grass or rugs, adding plants, installing tiles or pavers, staining or painting it or adding mood lighting.

Concrete flooring can get hot under direct sunlight. This can make it uncomfortable for the family and guests in summer. One of the best ways to alleviate this is to consider the concrete patio flooring ideas outlined above.

Artificial grass is more expensive to install than real grass but pays itself back in 5-6 years with low maintenance costs—and it is very affordable compared to other concrete patio flooring ideas outlined in this post.

Concrete Patio Artificial Grass

Spruce Up Your Concrete Patio Floor with Artificial Grass

Artificial grass is one of the most sustainable backyard landscaping ideas for Texas homeowners and contrasts well with plain concrete patios.

We’ve helped thousands of homeowners enjoy the verdant look and lush feel of artificial turf in many different forms across Texas in the past decade and more.

Speak to our experienced team of turf professionals to discuss your options.

Related Posts