DIY CHECKERED PATIO TUTORIAL ✨
STEP ONE: CLEAN with 3-in-1 etching solution— think of this like sanding before you paint, it roughs up the surface so the paint has something to grip. Let it dry for 24 hours before moving on to step two! ⏳
STEP TWO: PRIME with Behr Concrete & Masonry Bonding Primer DON’T SKIP THIS STEP IF YOU WANT THE PAINT TO LAST‼️ This seals the concrete, protects from moisture, and primes the surface for paint.
STEP THREE: BASE LAYER is Behr concrete stain in the color Icy White *pro tip* use an extendable roller to save your back 😅
STEP FOUR: TRACE peel and stick tiles to create a template! Measure to find the center of your patio and work your way out from there. Use a laser level keep everything straight and plumb with the walls. Once you’ve traced each tile, use frogtape to tape each square. *IMPORTANT* mark the squares you don’t want to paint so you don’t accidentally mess up the pattern while painting!
STEP FIVE: PAINT with an exterior paint, I used the color Noble Gray by Behr ✨
STEP SIX: PEEL the tape— preferably while the paint is still wet (IYKYK 🫣)
STEP SEVEN: PROTECT all of your hard work with Behr Low Luster Concrete, Brick & Tile sealer!
What do you think!? Would you paint your patio?! 👀
Follow along comestayawhile for more DIY projects + home inspo!
When I first tackled my own patio makeover, I was amazed at how transformative a simple checkered pattern could be for an outdoor space. One key takeaway I want to share is the importance of the surface preparation. Using a 3-in-1 concrete etching solution not only cleans the surface but also creates the necessary texture for paint adhesion, which some people might overlook. I let mine dry fully for 24 hours, which made sure the primer would stick properly. Speaking of primer, using a concrete and masonry bonding primer is a game-changer. Skipping this step really compromises durability, as concrete is porous and can hold moisture, which can cause paint to peel off quickly. The Behr primer recommended works fantastically to seal the surface and prepare it. For the base layer, I followed the tip to use an extendable roller—trust me, it saves your back and ensures smooth, even coverage with less effort. The choice of a light color like Icy White helps create a crisp contrast for the checkered pattern. One trick that helped me immensely was using peel-and-stick tiles as templates for painting. Aligning them with a laser level guaranteed every square was straight and the overall pattern looked professional. Marking tiles that won’t be painted avoided accidental overlaps. Frog tape is essential here because it prevents bleeding and makes peeling off the tape super satisfying, especially if done while the paint is still wet! Finishing with a low-luster concrete sealer sealed the deal, protecting the paint from weather and foot traffic. This step ensures your hard work stays fresh and vibrant longer, whether you have an interior or exterior patio. Overall, this project was practical and fun, and it totally transformed my patio into a space I enjoy spending time in. It’s budget-friendly and can be completed in a few days with patience. If you love DIY home improvement projects, painting your patio with this checkered design is a rewarding weekend task that packs a visual punch!
