Concrete Deck Enhancement -- Suggestions?

[Swampwoman]

Hi all. I'm whiling away the time before I can open here in Michigan but thought this year I might consider enhancing the concrete deck on my formerly foreclosed and neglected haven

The concrete is not bad, one small crack/lift area. I've ordered a new powerwasher and brush to get it clean for likely the first time in a decade this season.

But I'm looking at Cool Deck, as a DIY, acid wash stain as a DIY or maybe a thin decorative layer of that acrylic rehab stuff (contractor here charges 3.25 per SF...I have 600 SF of concrete.

I'd love to hear from folks who've done something to dress up an existing concrete surround and am open to all ideas. I especially welcome product suggestions, caveats about wear, longevity, etc.

While I'd love to rip It all out and just put in kentucky bluestone, a very large metal roof project in my future means that's not likely to happen.

I'll try to dig up a pic to give you an idea of the area - thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Here are some pics from last spring...you will notice I get a ton of debris from the terrace, which to some degree plays in in terms of choices

 

[kimkats]

SO pretty! I love the look you have going on there---relaxing and pretty!

I bet the power washer and some bleach will do a world of good for it overall. I have no input on the other stuff.

Kim

 

[smforte]

Very pretty....we have the same pool and trees. I pressure wash each year. It really makes a difference. After you do the pressure washing you may reconsider upgrading...although it's a dream of mine too.

 

[pooldv]

That's a nice place you got there!

I have no direct experience with concrete resurfacing. But this Encore product has always looked interesting.
Cool Pool Deck Paint | Concrete Cooling Finish | Encore Coatings

more here, Pool deck choices

And here, Concrete pool deck paint/sealant question

 

[nlindelldc]

That's a nice place you got there!

I have no direct experience with concrete resurfacing. But this Encore product has always looked interesting.
Cool Pool Deck Paint | Concrete Cooling Finish | Encore Coatings

more here, Pool deck choices

And here, Concrete pool deck paint/sealant question

I just put this Cool! product on a couple of weeks ago and I love how it turned out. You can pick your own color! (warning, it's not cheap though).

 

[Swampwoman]

That cool deck looks pretty sweet. Was your coping already cement, or did you paint over regular coping?

 

[nlindelldc]

That cool deck looks pretty sweet. Was your coping already cement, or did you paint over regular coping?

It was already cement. I have no idea how the stuff would take to another material such as a different coping material but someone else asked me the same thing and he said he was gonna try it. If I hear back I'll let you know!

 

[Swampwoman]

Does anyone know if exposed aggregate can be added in a thin coat to existing concrete?