Decorative Concrete

Decorative concrete is simply the application of decorative concrete as a practical and aesthetic improvement to a building, while serving its primary function of being an essential component of the structure itself including floors, walls, driveways, patios, and floors. A concrete surface is one in which a material is poured over a core material that will form the desired design or concrete imprint. These imprints are generally made from materials like brick, stone, sand, or even ceramic tiles. A concrete surface can be customized to meet the needs and desires of any particular project or individual.

In order to apply decorative concrete, it must first be prepared by clearing, leveling, and then adding a sealer to help protect the surface from the elements, thus eliminating the need to apply paint or stains. Once the concrete has been ready, the color options for using decorative concrete are limitless. Bright colors are available in virtually any shade from neon green to pastel blues to metallic tones and gold. The other popular option for use with decorative concrete is stained concrete, which comes in many different patterns from simple stripes to detailed designs. Stained concrete provides a striking contrast to the stark whiteness of a plain concrete surface and can create an artistic masterpiece on any floor or outdoor space.

Another popular option for decorating with decorative concrete is to build a rock wall. Rock walls are simply a series of vertical columns which are constructed from either concrete or rock chips. Many people choose this method of constructing a rock wall to keep the structure from getting too hot or slippery. Another great feature of rock walls is that they can be built as large as needed to accommodate a job site with limited maneuverability. Rock walls may be used to accent areas such as a walkway or patio and can also be used as a means of shade or a way to anchor a gazebo. Any decorative concrete project should have adequate support, especially if it will be placed on top of a slab of concrete or other material.

Most people are accustomed to thinking that driveways are simply used for vehicle traveling but decorative concrete driveways offer much more than that. These types of driveways are great for creating a unique look that will compliment a wide variety of home styles. In fact, these driveways are a popular choice among many home builders because they provide an easy way to add personality to newly constructed homes. While concrete driveways can be made of nearly any material including concrete, stone, rubber, vinyl and others, concrete remains the most popular option due to its durability, flexibility and variety of styles and colors.

For home improvements around the house there are a few more options beyond just concrete. Brick, for example, comes in a number of different styles and colors so homeowners can easily coordinate the style of their house to match that of their brick. Pavers are also a great option for home improvements and driveways because while they do not provide the permanence of other materials such as concrete, they are a practical way to create a distinct look without marring the area around the driveway. Brick is available in a number of different color choices including gray, white, blue, green and even brown which will match just about any décor.

The benefits of decorative concrete are almost endless when it comes to home improvements. They are affordable, easy to install and extremely durable. There is no limit to the ways in which to use these unique materials and driveways can even be made to mimic other materials such as brick or pavers. When looking for the right decorative driveway for your home, be sure to consider the foot traffic that will be generated by this unique flooring option. Not only will it make for an attractive flooring surface but it will also make for a safe place for children to play.