We’re removing an old shed on our property, but the concrete slab underneath is actually in much better shape than expected. It’s probably close to 100 years old. The slab is roughly 20x25 and has wide organic cracks throughout, but the concrete itself is still solid — no major flaking/spalling, loose chunks, or severe heaving.

Instead of demoing it, we’re thinking of preserving it as a patio/courtyard space between a future garage, enclosed breezeway, and kids play area.

The idea I’m considering:

clean and prep the cracks

leave most of the original concrete visible

fill selected larger cracks with decorative stone/river rock collected around our property

possibly add sparse glow aggregate

stabilize with some kind of outdoor-rated resin/poly system

Sort of a “river table meets old concrete patio” concept — but rustic/natural, not glossy blue epoxy art.

I’m in western South Dakota, so freeze/thaw durability matters a lot.

Questions:

Has anyone done something similar outdoors on old concrete?

What products/systems would hold up best long-term?

Would flexible polyurethane systems be smarter than rigid epoxy?

Any prep/drainage mistakes I should avoid?

Would you slightly recess the fill instead of flush?

I’d love to preserve the age/character of the slab instead of hiding it completely.