Border Ideas for a Cement Patio
Cement can be rather ordinary and boring by itself, but a border of contrasting texture or color can turn ho-hum to stunning. You can also apply color in the form of stains or paints to a solid cement surface for additional interest, or use a masonry saw to partially cut through the slab in a flagstone or other pattern and then grout seams using a contrasting colored cement before finishing with a border.
Cement
Use cement paving slabs, available in several earthy colors and textures (pea gravel is one choice) to make an easy-to-lay border. Pavers come in a variety of shapes, so use your imagination to create a narrow ribbon or something more elaborate around the perimeter. Alternatively, pour a continuous border using any of an assortment of pigmented cement colors. Give it an interesting texture or a high polish for further contrast. A knowledgeable guide to a variety of surface types is available through Aldon Chem.
Brick
Place bricks end to end or side by side (depending upon your desired width) around the edge of your patio. If you feel artistic, try creating a herringbone pattern in a wider border or alternate different colored bricks in interesting patterns. Another possibility is to use coarse bricks of the type that have holes in them-arranged with holes up. Put potting soil in the holes and plant them with a low ground cover such as creeping thyme, or moss. Greenery will soften the edge and add living color to your patio.
Stone
Fieldstone or flagstone-it makes little difference which stone you use as long as you find the color and texture pleasing. Make a casual border, leaving planting spaces between stones (perhaps even creating a rock garden) or lay a formal border of finished slate flagstones carefully fitted and mortared together. If you live in an area with abundant natural stone, or if your home is stone, it is usually best to match that for a harmonious look.
Architectural
As an alternative to masonry borders, build low seating or flower boxes directly along the edge of the cement patio. You can even combine the two, creating seats that alternate with or attach to box planters. Giving your patio a vertical dimension creates a room-like feel and distracts from the dull appearance of the cement. As a bonus, you will have space for entertaining and the benefit of planting areas.
Living
Perhaps the easiest border for a cement patio is a living one. Plant a small ornamental tree close enough to shade a south-facing patio for relief from summer sun (cement can get extremely hot in direct sunlight) or try a low, neatly trimmed box hedge or perennial border of liriope or lavender. If you prefer to change flowers with the seasons or from year to year, plant annuals in slightly mounded beds bordered with angled bricks, or in terra cotta planters of various sizes.
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