The word “concrete” most often conjures images of plain grey slabs. While this is certainly the most common form concrete takes, the creative possibilities of concrete are nearly endless. From stamped concrete driveways to faux hardwood interior floors, concrete can do it all! It’s truly an amazing product.
Concrete’s Real Potential
While plain and grey are most often associated with concrete, texturizing stamps, paint, and epoxy allow for a myriad of creative finishes on otherwise boring concrete installations. Decorative concrete can replicate just about any other flooring material including stone, pavers, brick, tile, and even hardwood. It can be brushed, stamped, dyed, painted and coated. Let’s take a look at some of the popular places creative concrete is being put to use and some of our favorite decorative ideas for each application.
Driveways
Decorative concrete driveways provide a wide variety of creative options not available when other materials are used. Nearly limitless colors and textures can be combined to achieve the desired outcome. Additionally, using decorative concrete instead of plain concrete is sure to boost curb appeal. Stamped concrete driveways make it possible to create more affordable versions of popular materials such as brick, cobblestone, field stone, and slate. Concrete is also more convenient; there’s no need to lift and place individual pieces of (often heavy) material. Furthermore, with the help of paints and dyes, the color can more precisely match your home aesthetic. Here are a few of our favorite design ideas for decorative concrete driveways:
- To simply add a bit of stone-like texture, use seamless texture skins
- If you’re wanting to breathe new life into an existing concrete driveway, you can resurface it with a stamped concrete overlay. Concrete resurfacing is extremely affordable compared to other options.
- Include borders in contrasting colors and/or patterns to add interest.
- For an even more affordable (but still stylish) option, only add stamped stone or brick-like details to the border of your driveway. Keep the rest of surface a simple exposed aggregate or brushed-finish concrete.
- To increase curb appeal, create a driveway design that complements the style and color of your home.
Pool Decks
Decorative concrete pool decks help turn your pool area into a beautiful oasis without compromising the durability and low maintenance that concrete provides. Like stamped concrete driveways, stamped pool decks offer a variety of options other materials simply cannot match. Whether you want a brick, stone, or even wood grain finish, concrete’s got you covered. Additionally, properly sealed concrete is resistant to pool chemicals, water exposure, and fading. To combat slick, wet surfaces a non-skid additive can easily be added to concrete. Here are some of our favorite ideas for using stamped and decorative concrete around your pool:
- Create different steps and levels on your pool deck to break up the space and add visual interest.
- Avoid deep faux grout lines or crevices. They can be uncomfortable to walk on with bare feet and can be difficult to keep clean.
- Use lighter shades of concrete to help keep your pool area cool.
- Use a different pattern, texture and/or color around your pool to create a stand-out border.
Patios and Decks
A stamped concrete patio can offer all the beauty of much more expensive materials with the durability and weather resistance of concrete. Furthermore, concrete can be poured to fit any size and shape of space and can easily be installed around other features such as pergolas and fire pits.
Indoor Flooring
While decorative concrete isn’t ideal for all indoor applications, it can sometimes be a great alternative to traditional flooring options. Some great spaces to consider placing concrete flooring are kitchens, entry ways, bathrooms, and basements. Concrete offers the durability and water resistance these spaces often require. Concrete can also be used in living areas and other spaces. Just like in outdoor applications, decorative concrete offers nearly limitless creative options, is often more affordable, requires very little maintenance, and resists moisture and stains. Indoor concrete will last decades, reduces indoor allergens, is pet friendly, and can be heated with a radiant system.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that concrete flooring will require occasional re-sealing, can become slippery when wet, can develop cracks over time, and can be difficult to patch. It also lacks the warmth and comfort of some other indoor flooring options; this can be easily remedied with area rugs.
Indoor decorative concrete is also a great option for commercial spaces. Businesses can easily replicate the look of hardwoods, tile, or stone at a much lower cost. In addition, concrete offers excellent durability for high-traffic commercial spaces. Decorative concrete flooring will hold up to decades of wear from customers and patrons. Furthermore, concretes gives businesses the opportunity to incorporate their logo into their flooring. Many businesses choose to do this in an entryway or lobby.
Powerblanket and Concrete
No matter what beautiful concrete project you have planned, when temperatures aren’t ideal, concrete won’t cure correctly. It will take significantly longer to cure, adding unnecessary delays to projects. Additionally, It will fail to reach full strength and often easily form chips and cracks.
If you want to take advantage of all the durability concrete has to offer, it needs to be installed in the right conditions. That’s where Powerblanket comes in. Powerblanket concrete blankets can keep cement at the right temperatures as it cures, helping it reach its full strength.
Cure your concrete faster and better in cold weather conditions with Powerblanket.
