There’s something magical about summer in Wisconsin. The long-awaited sunshine, warm evenings, and backyard gatherings all bring life to outdoor spaces in a way that no other season can. For many homeowners, the patio becomes the heart of the home during these months—whether it’s for cookouts, cocktails, reading in the sun, or watching fireflies after dark.
But let’s be honest: concrete patios don’t always hold up to that summer magic. Between the stains, surface cracks, fading, and slippery spots after rain, plain concrete leaves a lot to be desired—both in looks and performance.
That’s where quartz coating systems come in.
At Polzin Epoxy Designs, we’ve transformed patios across Wisconsin using our quartz broadcast coating systems, and time and again, we hear the same thing: “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
In this blog, we’re diving deep into why quartz-coated patios are one of the smartest—and best-looking—upgrades you can make for your outdoor space this summer.
Quartz Broadcast Coatings: What Are They?
Let’s start with the basics.
A quartz coating system is a multi-layer floor system typically made from a high-flex epoxy or polyurea base, a full broadcast of colored quartz granules, and a topcoat of polyaspartic or urethane. The result is a decorative, highly durable, and textured surface that holds up beautifully in outdoor environments.
Quartz granules themselves are incredibly hard—think silica sand that’s been colored and graded for performance. Once embedded into resin and sealed, they create a surface that’s not only slip-resistant but also visually striking and long-lasting.
Why Are Quartz Coatings Ideal for Outdoor Patios?
1. They’re Built for Wisconsin Weather
We live in a state where a patio may be baked in sun, soaked in rain, and covered in snow—all within a few weeks. Quartz systems are built to handle these fluctuations without peeling, fading, or breaking down.
-
UV-resistant topcoats (like polyaspartic) prevent yellowing or chalking over time.
-
Thermal shock tolerance means the system won’t crack or delaminate when temperatures shift suddenly.
-
Sealed surfaces resist freeze/thaw damage—one of the top enemies of unsealed concrete.
In short: Mother Nature doesn’t stand a chance.
2. They Offer Serious Slip Resistance
You’ve likely stepped on a wet concrete patio and felt that familiar slip risk—especially with smooth broom-finished or sealed concrete.
Quartz coatings shine in this department.
Because of their textured broadcast, they offer one of the best anti-slip finishes in the coatings world. Whether you’re hosting pool parties, barbecues, or just coming out barefoot in the morning dew, a quartz patio gives you peace of mind.
Even better? The level of texture is customizable. Want a smoother finish for bare feet or more grip for safety? We tailor each install to the client’s needs.
3. They Look Incredible
Patios are where we entertain, relax, and enjoy the outdoors—you want it to look good too.
Quartz coatings come in dozens of natural color blends—think sandy neutrals, cool greys, rich charcoals, or even bold modern hues. Whether your style is rustic, contemporary, or coastal, we can match your patio to your home’s design.
And unlike paint or stain, this finish has depth and dimension. The quartz granules create subtle movement and variation while maintaining a clean, uniform surface.
Bonus: it’s incredibly easy to keep clean, so it stays looking great all season long.
The Real-World Benefits Homeowners Love
We’ve talked about performance and beauty, but what do homeowners actually say once they’ve had a quartz patio for a full season—or a few years?
Let’s break it down:
-
“I don’t have to power wash every week.” The sealed, non-porous surface resists algae, mildew, and dirt. Just sweep or rinse as needed.
-
“The surface doesn’t feel hot underfoot.” Compared to dark-stained concrete or composite decking, quartz has a more comfortable surface temperature—even in direct sun.
-
“It feels safe when the kids are running around.” That texture matters when water balloons and pool towels start flying.
-
“We actually want to spend time out there now.” A beautiful surface can totally change how you use your space.
How Quartz Compares to Other Patio Options
You might be wondering: how does quartz stack up against other popular outdoor surfaces?
Here’s what we hear most often:
-
Stained or Painted Concrete: Looks great for the first year, but starts fading or peeling quickly under UV exposure or moisture. Quartz lasts far longer with less maintenance.
-
Pavers or Brick: Attractive but uneven, can shift over time, and requires weeding between joints. Quartz creates a seamless surface with no maintenance gaps.
-
Wood Decking: Classic look, but prone to rot, splintering, and constant re-staining. Quartz doesn’t need sealing every season.
-
Stamped Concrete: Beautiful but slippery and cracks easily with freeze-thaw cycles. Quartz handles cold climates far better.
The Installation Process (And Why It Matters)
One of the reasons our quartz patios outperform others is because we don’t skip steps. Surface preparation, resin selection, and climate considerations all play a role in longevity and appearance.
Here’s a quick look at how we do it:
1. Prep and Grinding
We start by mechanically grinding the surface to open the pores of the concrete. This allows our coatings to chemically bond to the substrate—not just sit on top like paint.
We also check for:
-
Moisture levels (to determine if a vapor barrier is needed)
-
Existing cracks (which we repair with flexible fillers)
-
Slab movement or structural concerns
2. Base Coat Application
We use high-flex epoxies or polyureas that can handle thermal expansion and movement. This creates a strong, flexible foundation.
3. Quartz Broadcast
Quartz granules are broadcast to rejection—meaning the floor is completely saturated with granules. This ensures even coverage and maximum texture.
4. Topcoat
Once cured, the excess quartz is scraped and vacuumed, and a high-performance polyaspartic topcoat is applied. It seals the surface, adds UV resistance, and locks in durability.
This process creates a surface that’s not only beautiful and safe, but incredibly long-lasting.
Can Quartz Coatings Go Beyond the Patio?
Absolutely. We’ve used quartz coatings for:
-
Sidewalks and pool decks
-
Outdoor stairs and landings
-
Covered porches and breezeways
-
Even garage floors for clients who want consistent texture
One of the things we love most about quartz systems is their versatility. Indoors or out, residential or commercial—they’re a reliable solution that delivers on both looks and performance.
How Long Will It Last?
With proper prep and top-tier materials, a professionally installed quartz coating can last 10–20 years or more, even in harsh outdoor environments.
Factors that extend lifespan:
-
Surface prep (we grind and clean, never acid etch)
-
Moisture protection (we test and use vapor barriers when needed)
-
UV-stable topcoats (like polyaspartic)
-
Routine sweeping or rinsing (that’s really all you need)
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Upgrade—Transform
Your patio isn’t just a slab of concrete—it’s an extension of your home. It’s where summer memories are made. Where you sip coffee in the morning and gather around the firepit at night.
A quartz broadcast patio coating is one of the smartest ways to enhance that space—adding durability, beauty, and value for years to come.
At Polzin Epoxy Designs, we’ve helped Wisconsin homeowners make the most of patio season with custom coating solutions built to last. Whether you’re resurfacing an old slab or designing your dream backyard from scratch, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.
Ready to transform your outdoor space?
We’d love to walk you through your options and help you build a patio that’s as functional as it is stunning.
📍 Based in Appleton, WI – Serving all of Wisconsin
🛠️ Epoxy | Polyaspartic | Quartz | Custom Installations
📞 Contact us at www.quote.polzindesigns.com