Thoughts on Concrete
Who doesn’t enjoy the look of crisp, new, concrete under their feet? Whether it’s from a brand
new paved driveway or a custom patio, residential concrete is a gorgeous addition to any
home. The quality of the work that is needed to make beautiful concrete paths from your home
to the side walk is important, so make sure that if you plan to use concrete that you hire a
contractor who is going to give 110%. There are important steps to be taken to insure your
driveway looks pristine, and will last for years to come, and if the job is done right, you won’t
have to do much to keep the driveway or patio looking gorgeous.
The inexpensive cost of concrete may be one of the largest reasons people use the material for
their residential needs. In recent years, the gray, flat concrete has made way for a more
decorative style that can add class and elegance to your home. Depending on the style of
concrete needed, the price may vary, but typically it is within a reasonable range. Plus, with
concrete, you have the added luxury of long lasting materials, so even if you have to spend a
little more, you’re saving quite a lot of money in the long run because you won’t have to do
maintenance on it as much.
One of the gorgeous styles of patio and pool decks that is popular recently is called exposed
aggregate. This pebble-like finish is perfect for those sunny spots next to the water, where you
can almost imagine you are on a sandy beach. This style of concrete is not as expensive as you
would think, there isn’t much added material needed, so the cost is quite affordable as well.
If you’re looking for something else for your pool, try pool deck pavers. These are concrete
pavers that are slip resistant and most of all durable. They add a gorgeous depth to your patio
but stay cool in the hot summer days.
Do you like the idea of having concrete pavers? What about a concrete paver driveway? Yes!
It’s possible, and it looks gorgeous as well. When installed properly over a well-compacted
subbase, pavers will not crack, shift or settle under normal vehicle traffic. As an added bonus,
the use of darker colored pavers for driveways will help to melt snow faster and hide stains.
This sounds like a win-win to us!
Let’s not forget about walkways and sidewalks, they need attention as well. You don’t have to
settle for boring slabs on concrete anymore, now you can have gorgeous paved walkways, that
require minimal maintenance. It’s also incredible that concrete can be made into different
colors, there’s no need to stick with gray, pick brown or even a reddish tint that can bring out
the color of our home.
If you are looking to spruce up the outside of your home, and update the curb appeal, then the
new ways of residential concrete may be something you want to look into. The gorgeous color
combinations and styles will not disappoint.
new paved driveway or a custom patio, residential concrete is a gorgeous addition to any
home. The quality of the work that is needed to make beautiful concrete paths from your home
to the side walk is important, so make sure that if you plan to use concrete that you hire a
contractor who is going to give 110%. There are important steps to be taken to insure your
driveway looks pristine, and will last for years to come, and if the job is done right, you won’t
have to do much to keep the driveway or patio looking gorgeous.
The inexpensive cost of concrete may be one of the largest reasons people use the material for
their residential needs. In recent years, the gray, flat concrete has made way for a more
decorative style that can add class and elegance to your home. Depending on the style of
concrete needed, the price may vary, but typically it is within a reasonable range. Plus, with
concrete, you have the added luxury of long lasting materials, so even if you have to spend a
little more, you’re saving quite a lot of money in the long run because you won’t have to do
maintenance on it as much.
One of the gorgeous styles of patio and pool decks that is popular recently is called exposed
aggregate. This pebble-like finish is perfect for those sunny spots next to the water, where you
can almost imagine you are on a sandy beach. This style of concrete is not as expensive as you
would think, there isn’t much added material needed, so the cost is quite affordable as well.
If you’re looking for something else for your pool, try pool deck pavers. These are concrete
pavers that are slip resistant and most of all durable. They add a gorgeous depth to your patio
but stay cool in the hot summer days.
Do you like the idea of having concrete pavers? What about a concrete paver driveway? Yes!
It’s possible, and it looks gorgeous as well. When installed properly over a well-compacted
subbase, pavers will not crack, shift or settle under normal vehicle traffic. As an added bonus,
the use of darker colored pavers for driveways will help to melt snow faster and hide stains.
This sounds like a win-win to us!
Let’s not forget about walkways and sidewalks, they need attention as well. You don’t have to
settle for boring slabs on concrete anymore, now you can have gorgeous paved walkways, that
require minimal maintenance. It’s also incredible that concrete can be made into different
colors, there’s no need to stick with gray, pick brown or even a reddish tint that can bring out
the color of our home.
If you are looking to spruce up the outside of your home, and update the curb appeal, then the
new ways of residential concrete may be something you want to look into. The gorgeous color
combinations and styles will not disappoint.
Thinking About Decorative Concrete
When we think of concrete, we typically picture gray slabs of boring sidewalks, walkways, and
patios, but decorative concrete is a whole new trend that is taking off. This type of concrete will
leave you breathless. Not only does it look gorgeous, with different types of imprinting, but it
can look like the floors are made of other materials, and also its cheaper than other types of
flooring. If you haven’t seen decorative concrete floors in person, it’s something that you need
to do! Gone are the days of boring gray flooring, decorative concrete can be mixed into
beautiful brown colors, reddish tints, and even gorgeous white for outdoor countertops.
Decorative concrete comes in a few different styles. First, there is stamped concrete, which can
look like brick, stone, and even tile. With this type of flooring, you don’t have to spend an arm
and a leg to get that classy look around your pool or in your garage. Another style of decorative
concrete is stained concrete. If you didn’t already know the floor was made of concrete, you
honestly would have no idea with the way that stained concrete can look. It’s glossy, smooth,
and can look like brand new flooring, there are no limits when it comes to this design style.
If you are worried about the cost of this type of flooring, think about the longevity of the
alternate floorings you would use. Carpet, tile and hardwood can become worn down and
outdated sooner than a good concrete floor, these concrete floors can last decades and only
need minimal repairs or restaining.
Are you worried about the amount of time it could take to use decorative concrete on your
floor? Well, it’s actually a fairly simple process, one that you could do yourself (though we
would suggest hiring a reliable company), all you have to do is clean and prepare the surface,
apply the stain, clean up and neutralize the stain, and then seal the concrete. That’s it! It
probably takes half the time it would if you were to do carpeting or another type of flooring.
One thing to keep in mind when doing this type of flooring is that it’s permanent, so any type of
mistake made is going to be there forever. Again, this is why we would suggest professionals.
There are all different kinds of sealers as well, acrylic, epoxy, urethane, each one is fine to use,
though urethane is a more expensive product. Acrylic is the most affordable, but this sealer has
the softest surface so may show more scuffs and dings than the other two. Epoxy is harder and
more expensive, but they make it hard for trapped moisture to escape.
Take a look at all of the different styles and stamps that can be used for decorative concrete
floors, and you may be surprised at how elegant and gorgeous they look. Your patio, dining
room, or basement can look brand new with this type of concrete added to your home.
patios, but decorative concrete is a whole new trend that is taking off. This type of concrete will
leave you breathless. Not only does it look gorgeous, with different types of imprinting, but it
can look like the floors are made of other materials, and also its cheaper than other types of
flooring. If you haven’t seen decorative concrete floors in person, it’s something that you need
to do! Gone are the days of boring gray flooring, decorative concrete can be mixed into
beautiful brown colors, reddish tints, and even gorgeous white for outdoor countertops.
Decorative concrete comes in a few different styles. First, there is stamped concrete, which can
look like brick, stone, and even tile. With this type of flooring, you don’t have to spend an arm
and a leg to get that classy look around your pool or in your garage. Another style of decorative
concrete is stained concrete. If you didn’t already know the floor was made of concrete, you
honestly would have no idea with the way that stained concrete can look. It’s glossy, smooth,
and can look like brand new flooring, there are no limits when it comes to this design style.
If you are worried about the cost of this type of flooring, think about the longevity of the
alternate floorings you would use. Carpet, tile and hardwood can become worn down and
outdated sooner than a good concrete floor, these concrete floors can last decades and only
need minimal repairs or restaining.
Are you worried about the amount of time it could take to use decorative concrete on your
floor? Well, it’s actually a fairly simple process, one that you could do yourself (though we
would suggest hiring a reliable company), all you have to do is clean and prepare the surface,
apply the stain, clean up and neutralize the stain, and then seal the concrete. That’s it! It
probably takes half the time it would if you were to do carpeting or another type of flooring.
One thing to keep in mind when doing this type of flooring is that it’s permanent, so any type of
mistake made is going to be there forever. Again, this is why we would suggest professionals.
There are all different kinds of sealers as well, acrylic, epoxy, urethane, each one is fine to use,
though urethane is a more expensive product. Acrylic is the most affordable, but this sealer has
the softest surface so may show more scuffs and dings than the other two. Epoxy is harder and
more expensive, but they make it hard for trapped moisture to escape.
Take a look at all of the different styles and stamps that can be used for decorative concrete
floors, and you may be surprised at how elegant and gorgeous they look. Your patio, dining
room, or basement can look brand new with this type of concrete added to your home.
Driveway Thoughts
The popularity of stamped concrete driveways is growing quickly. It offers the beauty of custom concrete ideas with a pretty great price. With so many options of patterns and colors to choose from, the possibilities really are endless. Take your annoying and ugly dirt or gravel drive to something that is beautiful and durable. Your driveway and walkway can be made to your specifications from the color to the pattern and even the dimensions for the size and shape you want you driveway to take. The decorative concrete stamps that can be offered vary from popular to obscure, to ensure the likability to each different customer. It can easily match your existing sidewalk to your new driveway with no problems. If you have an old concrete driveway that needs updating, there’s surface restoration. This process is done with decorative concrete overlays that put the life back into your worn out concrete surface, as long as it is still structurally sound. Sealing or re-sealing your current concrete driveway is another option for preserving the cement for a long lasting finish. This method is done to maintain and protect the concrete, can be done over stamped, stained or textured concrete, and is recommended to be redone every one to three years. It is sure to be your new favorite part of your home.
Pondering Patios
Plain concrete patios are so 2005. The new and improved way to update your backyard is with stamped concrete patios. With so many new and fun options, stamped concrete is able to turn your backyard patio dreams into a reality. With your vision and decorative concrete ideas, we can together build the perfect barbecue spot or even just a simple sitting area to relax and unwind after a long day. Since patios are mostly for homeowners who love to entertain, I am sure that having a patio with stamped or decorative concrete will take your entertainment to the next level. It is sure to be the talk of your next backyard barbecue or family gathering. When you hire a skilled contractor, they help with figuring out what layout and pattern coordinate best with your home. Or if you want to branch out and go with a space that gives you the feeling of stepping into a retreat away from home, skilled contractors can help design something that transforms your backyard completely. Either way stamped concrete is going to bring your patio visions into reality.
Pool Deck Deets
I know what you are thinking… Is it really necessary to put stamped concrete around my pool? And the answer is absolutely!! Adding a stamped concrete feature to your pool deck area will completely transform the look and feel of your pool area. When the summer comes around and all you want to do is get home from work and check out from the stress and business of the day. You will be even more excited to spend the rest of your evenings and weekends at your very own backyard resort. Having a stamped or decorative concrete pool patio will give you exactly that feeling that you are looking for. Concrete contractor experts have the skill and know how to work cautiously and carefully around your new pool making sure not to leave any trace of unnecessary mess behind. And I’ve seen some pretty awesome pool deck designs that have made quite a splash. It is exactly the extra touch to the design that sets your pool apart from any other.
Interior Floors for Thought
Just when you thought concrete was just a simple thing to drive your car on, they went and took it to the next level. It is so exciting to know that you are able to give your basement bar an exotic renovation to all new levels, and with CONCRETE!! You might think that you are going to have to spend your life savings to get the look you have dreamed of for your new man cave. But with stamped concrete you can basically take any color and pattern combination and create the perfect design for your new updated basement floor. Garage floors are also not to be forgotten. Who wants to have a brand new shiny clean car sitting on a garage floor that is drab and boring? When you could have a garage floor design to really set off the perfect new paint job on your pretty car. And it isn’t only limited to basements and garages. Those concrete guys are also able to do business flooring. Concrete floors are becoming more and more popular in restaurant flooring, hair salons, bars, schools, churches and plenty more. With plenty of options you can customize your business look easily with decorative concrete flooring.
Commercial Concrete on My Mind
For the most part I prefer writing about and thinking about residential concrete. Interior concrete floors seem to be becoming a more and more popular option for homeowners and I can’t help but think it stems from commercial buildings with the majority of the structure being built from concrete. And it’s not just for your regular old industrial plants anymore either. I know it’s always been the case for those large places of work, but I am just now starting to notice just how predominant it is in just about every place of business, not just the big machinery places. Restaurants are one example of awesome concrete work. With advancements in decorative concrete, if restaurant owners are smart they will take full advantage of this. I’ve seen concrete floors with the name of the restaurant etched right in, as well as different colors that are polished to perfection, some with added textures, or glitters, or speckles. Restaurants with outdoor spaces can have fun patterned stamped concrete for their patio. I always love finding a bar that is made out of concrete, because it stands out, and is so uncommon that it makes it a fun change. It’s just so versatile especially for a restaurant there is no wonder why it’s so common. The way you can diversify concrete and make it your own, gives it a special quality that helps make your space all your own. It’s strength and durability is of course it’s best quality for practicality, but what I appreciate most is how it’s able to be as fancy or as plain as you want it to be. Not to mention it’s cost. You would be smart to realize that whether you were thinking of going with wood, or tile, or carpet, or even vinyl, you can make concrete match the look of any one of them and have a much longer life than the others. Okay so concrete is not just about being pretty as well as functional, it is also more commonly known for being the literal foundation for all the biggest buildings in the world. I’d say that’s a pretty admirable trait when it comes to construction. The way those deep floors are poured and the walls that are formed is nothing short of genius. It really makes me proud to be human and realize that people are so smart! If you couldn’t already tell I guess I’m pretty obsessed with concrete and everything about it. And aren’t we lucky to have it!