Which Exterior Concrete Overlay Is Best for Your Outdoor Project?

Learn about the various outdoor concrete overlays available and discover which is right for your project.
Posted on February 10, 2026 in Blog

When it comes to upgrading outdoor concrete, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Concrete patios, pool decks, walkways, entryways, and commercial spaces all have different demands—slip resistance, durability, comfort, aesthetics, and budget all play a role. That’s why choosing the right concrete overlay isn’t about picking the “best” product overall, but the best product for your specific project.

With today’s wide range of SUNDEK overlay systems, you can refresh existing concrete surfaces instead of tearing them out, while achieving everything from subtle texture to dramatic, stone-like finishes. Below is a breakdown of the most popular overlay options and what each one brings to the table, so you can better understand which system fits your needs.

Classic Texture: Original Spray Texture Overlay

SUNDEK’s Classic Texture is the system that helped define decorative concrete—and there’s a good chance you’ve walked on it before. Frequently used on pool decks, patios, and walkways, this spray-applied overlay is known for its comfort, safety, and versatility.

SUNDEK of Nashville used Classic Texture in two colors to create this chic patio at the Brookstone Stockyards in Nashville, TN.

Classic Texture creates a slip-resistant surface that performs well in wet conditions, making it ideal for outdoor living spaces. Its acrylic finish coat is non-porous, helping resist dirt, oils, and chemicals while keeping maintenance simple. Another standout benefit is comfort: the varying texture stays cooler and more forgiving underfoot than bare concrete, brick, or tile.

Because it’s a multi-step system, Classic Texture also pairs well with design enhancements like custom scorelines, masonry effects, aggregate effects, or stamped accents—making it both economical and highly customizable.

Best for: Pool decks, patios, walkways, high-traffic outdoor areas where safety and comfort matter most.

SunStone: Architectural Limestone Coating

If you love the look of natural stone but not the cost or demolition, SunStone delivers. This architectural limestone overlay is designed to look and feel like real quarried stone—without tearing out your existing surfaces.

At their pool deck in Houston, TX, homeowners wanted the look of slate, but they wanted the durability comfort that decorative concrete coatings provide. SUNDEK of Houston used SunStone to resurface their pool deck, providing the owners with exactly what they were looking for. See more of this project.

SunStone can be applied to far more than just concrete. Brick, walls, stucco, cinder block, and even foam or drywall can be transformed into elegant, stone-like finishes. Hand-carved textures and custom coloring give each installation a high-end, artisanal feel that’s nearly indistinguishable from real limestone.

By resurfacing instead of replacing, SunStone reduces both costs and disruption while delivering a dramatic visual upgrade.

Best for: Statement patios, entryways, vertical surfaces, and projects seeking a high-end stone aesthetic.

SunStamp: Stamped Concrete Overlay

SunStamp brings the timeless appeal of stamped concrete together with modern overlay technology. This system allows installers to recreate the look of stone, brick, slate, tile, and other materials—often so convincingly that most people never realize the surface is concrete.

SUNDEK of Nashville used SunStamp to create the look of wood on the surface of this outdoor patio space.

With SunStamp, design flexibility is the star. Stamps, templates, scoring patterns, and freeform carving combine with integral color, stains, and acrylic finishes to create a truly customized surface. This makes it an excellent option for homeowners or businesses looking to make a bold design statement.

Best for: Patios, walkways, courtyards, and outdoor spaces where custom design and visual impact are top priorities.

Tuscan: Hand-Crafted Custom Overlay

Tuscan delivers Old World European charm with a more economical approach. Instead of using thick stamped layers, Tuscan is hand-troweled by skilled artisans to create natural texture with highs and lows—resulting in a softer, more organic look.

For this backyard patio, the homeowner wanted an elegant, ranch-style courtyard with a Spanish flare. To create that look, SUNDEK of San Antonio used Tuscan with a two-tone water-based stain: Bone White for the base and fogged highlights in Pewter Gray. See more of this project.

Because it’s thinner than traditional stamped overlays, Tuscan achieves the appearance of a stamped surface with less material, which can mean cost savings. Additional SUNDEK effects like flagstone patterns, masonry designs, and custom scorelines can be incorporated, then finished with stains or color systems to bring the surface to life.

Tuscan can also be applied to a wide range of surfaces beyond concrete, making it extremely versatile.

Best for: Porches, walkways, patios, and projects that want a custom, artisan-crafted look without the cost of thicker stamped systems.

SunCanvas: Architectural Micro Topping

SunCanvas is a polymer-rich microtopping system that creates a smooth, seamless, modern surface. While often used indoors, it’s also a great solution for covered outdoor areas or spaces where a refined, minimalist look is desired.

SUNDEK of San Antonio used SunCanvas to transform this covered outdoor living area.

This system is ideal for refreshing worn or imperfect concrete without removal. With infinite color options, marbled effects, stained looks, and even a resurfaced polished appearance, SunCanvas acts as a blank canvas for creative design.

It’s also easy to maintain, extremely durable, and hypoallergenic—making it a smart option for both residential and commercial settings.

Best for: Covered patios, modern outdoor living areas, and spaces needing a sleek, seamless finish.

SunSplash: Acrylic Spray Texture Coating

SunSplash is an economical spray-applied overlay designed for both vertical and horizontal surfaces. It provides durable protection against weather, salts, and environmental pollutants while creating a skid-resistant texture ideal for high-traffic outdoor areas.

At the Hopkins House Apartments in Baltimore, MD, SUNDEK of Washington restored a failing pool deck using a combination of SunLastic (a waterproofing solution) with SunSplash. See more of this project.

Like Classic Texture, SunSplash can be enhanced with SUNDEK effects such as aggregate, masonry, or custom scorelines. Its acrylic finish allows for a wide range of color options and keeps ongoing maintenance simple and cost-effective.

Best for: Walkways, patios, vertical surfaces, and budget-conscious projects needing durability and slip resistance.

SunWash: Lightweight Architectural Coating

SunWash is a modern finishing system designed to rejuvenate both new and existing concrete. Lightweight yet durable, it works on vertical and horizontal surfaces and performs exceptionally well in all climates—including freeze-thaw conditions.

SunWash applied on a pool deck and surrounding surfaces creates a clean finish for this outdoor space.

This system offers impressive design versatility, from sleek sanded finishes to exposed aggregate looks using materials like natural stone, glass, or seashells. SunWash is also eco-friendly, made with recycled aggregates and low-VOC materials, and it installs quickly—often allowing foot traffic within 24 hours.

Slip resistance and durability make it a strong choice for both residential and commercial outdoor spaces.

Best for: Patios, walkways, commercial spaces, and projects needing fast turnaround and modern aesthetics.

SunPlay: Soft, Multi-Layer Coating System

SunPlay is designed with comfort and safety in mind. Unlike hard concrete, this soft, cushioned surface is ideal for pool decks, splash pads, and play areas where barefoot comfort and slip resistance are essential.

SunPlay used in this play area creates a comfortable spot for kids to run and play safely.

With vibrant color options and excellent resistance to UV rays, chlorine, and chemicals, SunPlay maintains its appearance while standing up to heavy use. It also offers quick installation times and low maintenance, making it practical as well as playful.

Best for: Pool decks, splash pads, playgrounds, and family-friendly outdoor spaces.

Choosing the overlay that’s right for you

With so many overlay options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—but that variety is also what makes decorative concrete so powerful. Whether you want subtle texture, bold stamped patterns, stone-like elegance, or a soft, safe surface, there’s a system designed to meet your goals.

The key is matching the right product to your space, usage, and design vision—and working with an experienced installer who can guide you through the options and bring the final result to life.

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At SUNDEK, we have installers around the country trained to install high-quality decorative surfaces.

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