The most practical ways to cover cement are pavers, composite decking, outdoor rugs, and paint
A bare cement patio works, but it cracks, stains, and gets slippery when wet. Covering it improves how it looks and how it performs. Your choice depends on budget, how much work you want to do yourself, and whether you need the cover to be permanent or removable.
Pavers sit on top of the cement and need no adhesive — you can pull them up later. Composite decking boards bolt down and last 20+ years without rotting. Outdoor rugs hide stains and add color but need to be brought in during winter in cold climates. Paint is the cheapest option but wears thin in high-traffic areas within a few years. Each method has a different cost, lifespan, and installation difficulty.
Key Takeaways
- Pavers and composite decking are permanent-looking but removable, while paint and rugs are temporary and easier to change later.
- Pavers cost $3 to $15 per square foot installed and require no special tools, but composite decking costs $8 to $20 per square foot and needs a drill and level.
- Paint is the cheapest option at under $1 per square foot but needs recoating every 2 to 3 years in areas with foot traffic.
- Outdoor rugs hide stains and are portable, but they trap moisture and mold if the cement underneath stays damp.
Pavers: the removable option that looks built-in
Pavers are individual tiles or stones that sit loose on top of your cement. You lay them in a pattern, and they stay in place through weight and friction. Because they are not glued down, you can remove them anytime without damaging the patio underneath.
Concrete pavers cost $0.50 to $3 per piece, depending on size and finish. A 10-by-12-foot patio needs roughly 120 pavers if each is 12 inches square. Stone pavers (slate, bluestone, travertine) cost more — $2 to $8 per piece — but look more finished. Installation is straightforward: sweep the cement clean, lay landscape fabric to prevent weeds, and arrange pavers in your chosen pattern. No mortar, no adhesive, no special tools needed.
The downside is that pavers shift under heavy foot traffic and can develop uneven spots. You will need to reset them occasionally. Water can pool underneath and freeze in winter, cracking the cement below. Laying landscape fabric helps, but it is not a complete fix. Pavers also create a tripping hazard if they settle unevenly, so check them twice a year.
Composite decking: the low-maintenance permanent cover
Composite decking boards are made from wood fibers and plastic. They bolt or screw directly to the cement patio, creating a deck-like surface. Unlike wood, they do not rot, splinter, or need staining. They come in colors that mimic wood grain or stone.
Composite boards cost $8 to $20 per square foot installed. A 10-by-12-foot patio runs $960 to $2,400 in materials alone. You will need a drill, a level, concrete anchors, and fasteners rated for outdoor use. The installation process is: measure and mark where joists will go, drill holes into the cement, install concrete anchors, bolt down pressure-treated lumber or composite joists, then screw boards to the joists. This takes a weekend for a small patio if you have basic carpentry skills.
Composite decking lasts 20 to 30 years with almost no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. It does not need sealing or staining. The trade-off is that it is permanent — removing it later means drilling out anchors and patching holes in the cement. It also gets hot in direct sun and can be slippery when wet, though textured finishes help.
Outdoor rugs: the temporary, portable choice
An outdoor rug is the fastest way to change how your patio looks. Rugs made from polypropylene or solution-dyed acrylic resist fading and moisture better than indoor rugs. They come in dozens of colors and patterns and cost $100 to $500 for a 5-by-8-foot size.
Installation is zero: unroll the rug and place it. You can move it, flip it, or swap it out whenever you want. Rugs hide stains and cracks and add warmth underfoot. They also reduce glare and make the space feel more like a room than a bare slab.
The catch is that outdoor rugs trap moisture. If your cement does not drain well or if you live in a humid climate, mold and mildew grow underneath. The rug itself can rot if it stays damp for weeks. In cold climates, you need to roll up and store the rug during winter. Rugs also shift and bunch under foot traffic, especially on smooth cement. Use a non-slip rug pad underneath to reduce movement, but expect to adjust it regularly.
Concrete paint: the cheapest short-term solution
Concrete paint is formulated to stick to cement and withstand foot traffic and weather. It costs $20 to $60 per gallon, and one gallon covers 250 to 400 square feet depending on the product and how porous your cement is. A 10-by-12-foot patio needs one gallon.
Preparation is the hard part. Sweep and hose down the patio, let it dry completely, then scrub any mold or algae with a stiff brush and diluted bleach. Fill cracks with concrete caulk and let it cure. Sand the surface lightly so the paint adheres. Then explore two coats with a roller, waiting 24 hours between coats. The whole job takes a weekend.
Paint makes a patio look new and costs under $100 for materials. The problem is durability. In areas with heavy foot traffic — near the door, around a grill, along a path — paint wears through in 2 to 3 years. You will need to recoat every few years. Paint also becomes slippery when wet unless you use a textured or anti-slip formula. Darker colors absorb heat and can be uncomfortable underfoot in summer.
Comparing cost and lifespan across methods
| Method | Cost per sq ft | Lifespan | Installation difficulty | Removable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pavers | $3–$15 | 10–15 years | straightforward | Yes |
| Composite decking | $8–$20 | 20–30 years | Moderate | No |
| Outdoor rugs | $2–$8 | 3–5 years | None | Yes |
| Concrete paint | $0.50–$1 | 2–3 years | straightforward | Yes |
Pavers and composite decking are the middle ground: they cost more upfront but last longer and look more polished than paint or rugs. Pavers are cheaper and easier to install but need occasional resetting. Composite decking is more expensive and requires basic carpentry but needs almost no maintenance. Paint is the fastest and cheapest way to refresh a patio if you do not mind recoating every few years. Rugs are best if you want to test a look before committing or if you rent and cannot make permanent changes.
Preparing the cement before you cover it
Whatever method you choose, start with a clean, dry patio. Sweep away dirt and debris. Hose it down and let it dry for at least 24 hours. If there is mold or algae, scrub with a stiff brush and a 1:10 bleach-to-water solution, then rinse thoroughly.
Check for cracks wider than a quarter-inch. Fill them with concrete caulk or a concrete patching compound. For pavers and rugs, small cracks do not matter much — they will be hidden. For paint or composite decking, fill them so water does not pool underneath. If the patio is very uneven or has large sunken areas, you may need to grind down high spots or fill low spots with a self-leveling concrete overlay before covering.
Make sure water drains away from your house. If the patio slopes toward the foundation, water will pool under whatever cover you choose. If drainage is poor, consider adding a thin layer of gravel under pavers or ensuring composite joists are elevated enough to allow airflow underneath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use multiple methods together?
Yes. Many people paint the cement first, then add a large outdoor rug on top. Or they lay pavers in high-traffic areas and paint the rest. Composite decking can sit on top of painted cement without any problem. Mix and match based on which areas need the most protection or the most visual impact.
What if my cement is already cracked or uneven?
Pavers and rugs hide cracks and unevenness well. Composite decking works over uneven cement as long as you shim the joists level. Paint will crack again in the same spots unless you fill and seal the cracks first. If the patio is severely damaged, a concrete overlay (a thin layer of new cement poured on top) is an option, but it costs $3 to $8 per square foot and requires professional installation.
Do I need to remove the old cement to install pavers or decking?
No. Both pavers and composite decking sit on top of existing cement. You do not need to break up or remove anything. This is one reason they are popular — they work over whatever is already there.
Which option is best for a shaded patio?
Shaded patios stay damp longer, which favors composite decking and paint over pavers and rugs. Pavers and rugs trap moisture underneath and are prone to mold in shade. Composite decking allows airflow underneath and resists mold. Paint also dries faster in shade than pavers do.
Can I install composite decking myself?
Yes, if you have basic carpentry skills and tools — a drill, level, circular saw, and tape measure. The hardest part is getting the joists level and ensuring all fasteners are tight. If you are not comfortable with those tasks, hire a contractor. A professional installation costs $15 to $30 per square foot, but it comes with a warranty and is done right the first time.