With Mother & Father’s Day around the corner,

I thought now would be a great time to share a “DIY gift” I received from one of my sons a few month’s ago.

It’s an easy update that almost anyone can tackle and will give something old a fresh update.

Only one requirement:  ugly, naked concrete, somewhere around your home –

like a walkway, patio or front porch.

If this is something you have, I hope you will be inspired to consider this easy project.

But first, let me show you the problem –

The Seasonal Home’s front porch a few months ago, warts & all…

YIKES, right?!!!! I know. 🙁

And check out this crumbling corner & huge gap, that were right near the front door… ugh

Hopefully, you’ve never noticed the stains, separation & settlement cracks in my seasonal photos.

Issues are expected when your home is 54 years old

but, I grew REALLY tired of trying to photograph around it all

so it was finally time to do something about it!

There was no room in the budget to replace or resurface the porch,

so I searched for a simpler, more cost-effective solution.

And here was my inspiration photo that Behr posted on the internet…

I loved how clean and neat this looked after being stained! 🙂

So, the DIY project was on and here’s how it went:

STEP ONE

Pressure wash or clean the concrete and allow a couple of days drying time before applying any of these products to the concrete surface.

STEP TWO

If cracks, crumbling or separation are present, do some patching.

My son used this –

Follow the product directions for curing & drying time.

STEP THREE

Purchase (solid color) Concrete Stain.

We chose the Behr product, in the “Washed Khaki” color

because it seemed to blend but didn’t compete with the house’s brick front.

Isn’t this the hardest part?  I can’t stand choosing colors, except during the holidays of course! LOL

My son used an extension paint handle so he didn’t have to stoop to paint and paired it with a thick nap paint roller (for rough surfaces).

I’ve waited a while to take these AFTER photos because I don’t like to recommend anything until it has been time-tested by me!

These photos were taken this week, 6 months after applying the paint….

It may not be the most dramatic makeover but without any experience,

I think my son did a great job patching the cracks & filling in where the concrete had separated from the brick

and I just love the cleaner look!

Here’s that same corner by the front door, but AFTER…

And here’s a less basic version of this paint project (that I found on-line) to inspire you even further…

I will still have to clean it once or twice a year, but I think it turned out great for a budget-friendly project.

TOTAL COST: $40.00

Speaking of inexpensive makeovers, do you remember my spring project from a few years ago… the plaid table?

Well, the original table top finally began to look pretty weather-worn,

so my son found a few lengths of scrap lumber to replace it and painted it green.

And guess what?  I love it just as much.. it’s a little rustic and just my style!

Hopefully my timing is good and you’re on the hunt for a gift idea.

If so, consider giving the gift of “time” to Mom, Dad OR Yourself by tackling a past-due project.

It can be something small or large, it really doesn’t matter

because gifts that involve lending a hand and the gift of “time”

are the most appreciated by anyone.

I hope this project inspired you! 🙂

ENJOY THE CREATIVITY