Many people now use their patio as the center of their home entertaining. But for some homes, the patio is still simply a concrete pad in the back yard. If you want to start using your patio for barbecues, outdoor dining or just as somewhere to sit and relax, then maybe the time has come to do something about the drab, old, and perhaps cracked concrete slab. Why not give it a makeover, and improve the value of your home at the same time?

There are a number of ways you can remodel or transform a concrete pad. Some factors you need to consider include your budget, the condition of the existing concrete, and how much disruption you’re willing to tolerate. If the concrete is in excellent condition, for example, then you may want to simply stain the surface, or perhaps give it a textured coating. These options are quickly and easily performed by a specialized contractor.

Perhaps the concrete is basically sound, but has a few hairline cracks. In that case you can lay porcelain or stone tiles over the top, to give an elegant finish to your patio. It's a good idea to use tiles with a textured finish, to reduce the risk of slipping when the tiles are wet. You can use other materials such as sandstone, limestone, granite or slate, as long as they are properly sealed. If you often have freezing conditions over winter, then ensure the tiles don't absorb high levels of water, or they might crack. Be aware, too, that existing cracks in the concrete may expand and cause the tiles on top to crack as well.

If you're looking for a simple solution, then perhaps modular wood deck tiles would work well. These can cope with a certain amount of cracking in the underlying concrete, without being affected. They’re easy to install by just clicking them into place. Once laid, they stay firmly in place and don't need any special surface preparation, adhesives or other fixings. They have a plastic base to allow water to pass easily underneath, and to keep the wood away from the sub-surface. You can tile your whole patio area in only an hour or two.

Recently, a ceramic version of the interlocking tile design has been developed, so you have even more options for cheering up your patio. You can intermingle the ceramic tiles with wooden ones, to create interesting designs. For example, you might like to have ceramic tiles underneath your table and chairs, with a wood surround. Add a few plants in pots, and your boring old concrete patio will be totally transformed.