Frontyard concrete options

I’m repairing a front of building basement leak and am putting down new concrete in the frontyard (of my brownstone). If I had the cash I’d probably put down bluestone but there is a long list of things to address so I’m wondering if anyone has done a polished, stained concrete finish here in Brookly? I’m thinking of the back patio I had in my Los Angeles home but haven’t ever seen anything smooth like that out here. I’m guessing there is a reason (snow & salt?). Has anyone used concrete in an inventive way that approximates a blue stone look? I’m looking for ideas, cautions and vendor recommendations. Thanks.

Guest User | 6 years and 11 months ago

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anotherposter | 6 years and 11 months ago

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Most polished concrete I’ve been on would be a serious slip hazard with any rain, which may not have been an issues in LA 🙂 I’ve been in a few front yards where they used nice looking tiles and they are all awful with any water on them, so texture is important.

And I’m with the folks who like a front garden area–when we redid ours we left a pretty big cut out for a garden near the sidewalk side and to help with water, we put in a cinder block wall with some roofing membrane on the side of the garden parallel to the house (all under ground of course).

SoSlope | 6 years and 11 months ago

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Our neighbors poured cement and carved grooves to approximate the look of bluestone pavers. It really looks great. In fact, we put down large bluestone pavers (1′ by 2′) and spent all the money to do so. I think our bluestone looks great, but our neighbors’ front yard looks great too.

oliver_nyc | 6 years and 11 months ago

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we did exactly what you are describing… work was also done to address a leak. we used anthony bauer (“anthony the mason”: 347-307-4725‬) who poured new concrete but made it look like blue stone. see attached picture… not perfect but good alternative to boring concrete. [IMG_2358](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s2/:brownstoner:CP26:img_2358.jpg.jpg)

kdix

in Exteriors 6 years and 11 months ago

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If you are paving the front yard with pebbles or rocks, you can make the space more natural and beautiful. It will be easier to harvest the rain water also. Concrete prevents the water from going underneath the soil. Just told you a suggestion to save your money.
Thanks

EJR | 6 years and 11 months ago

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I replaced the concrete with pavers and am very happy with the results. Don’t know how the price compares to blue stone, but it was certainly more expensive than concrete. https://nicolock.com/

RobertGMarvin

in Exteriors 6 years and 11 months ago

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I imagine this is the front areaway that’s intended to be paved. If so, having new pavement sloped away from the house, should help.

mozeeatupu | 6 years and 11 months ago

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Wouldn’t paving over the front yard exasperate water issues?