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A concrete patio lasts an average of 30 years, but the length of life you’ll get from yours depends largely on the climate. In harsh conditions, including excessive rainfall and snowfall, a concrete patio may only last for 15 years. In a moderate climate and with non-expansive, supportive soil below, a concrete patio could last for up to 50 years.

If there is standing liquid on your concrete, remove it before attempting any of the above cleaning methods. For small amounts of water, use rags, a bucket, and a mop. For larger areas of liquid, lay down cat litter or baking soda to soak up the water first. If you have extremely large pools of water sitting on your concrete, break out the wet vac and get to work.

To remove solvent-based sealer, you can pressure wash the surface and wait for the concrete to dry. You may need a special remover product if you have a water-based concrete sealer. Another option is to etch and neutralize the concrete. 

On average, concrete costs less than pavers for the same project. Standard broom-finished concrete costs from $2 to $15 per square foot. Stamped concrete costs between $8 to $28 per square foot. On the other hand, pavers cost from $8 to $50 per square foot. For any of these materials, the cost depends on which concrete finish or paver you choose. Keep in mind that the layout complexity, amount of site preparation, and location factor into the cost, too.