This is my guide to concrete. Concrete may not seem like a very sexy subject to write about but I hope that by the time you reach the end of this blog, you will have been inspired to use concrete to improve your home. Concrete isn't just for driveways and walls. You can use concrete in a lot of pretty creative ways around your home. I discovered this when I hired a team of concrete contractors. They were really great guys and while they were completing work around my home they taught me lots of cool things about working with concrete. I hope you enjoy this blog!
Concrete can help to create a lovely patio on which you can unwind with a drink and a book, or enjoy with family and friends. In a matter of days, you can have a whole new haven to appreciate. Adding beauty and function, concrete lets you personalise the deck to your needs. Here are several benefits in further detail.
Offers Design Options
Concrete is one of the most versatile materials around, offering a vast array of colour and texture options. You can achieve any hue using integral mixed-in pigments, stains or dyes. Each method gives a different look. Stains react with the cement itself, displaying organic swashes and tones, while dyes can provide even vibrant hues. Take inspiration from your home's facade or natural scenery when selecting shades.
If you want to add spice to your concrete with texture and pattern, choose from techniques such as stamping or stencilling. A combination of methods produces concrete that mimics natural stone, brick or timber. Another option, exposed aggregate, provides a pebble-like finish, filled with an array of colourful natural stones, including granite, quartz and limestone. Rocks range from dusky pinks to metallic blues, and you can combine them within the surface to add visual interest.
Instead of harmonising your patio with what's outside, you could turn to your home's interior decor, and design a space that connects to that. Doing this will create a flow between your indoor and outdoor living areas, and such unity gives an impression of spaciousness. Your home will feel larger and more expansive as a result.
Helps Organise Your Patio
Because of the design possibilities, concrete can help you to organise the entire hardscape. For instance, you could delineate a dining area on the patio, using a border of stamped faux-stone pavers. Then, repeat this motif around a pool.
Alternatively, faded, earthy blues and tans could feature across the entire area, with varying textures creating distinct zones. Why not construct a low wall in faux stone around the terrace? Such a feature offers a lovely rustic element on which friends and family can sit when enjoying the space. Your local concrete services can advise you on options.
Combines Durability With Easy Maintenance
Concrete is an extremely tough and durable surface that requires little maintenance. Apart from regular resealing to protect its vibrancy and resilience, it requires little upkeep. Use a leaf blower or broom and give it an occasional hose. Because concrete forms a solid surface, you won't need to endure hours of weeding. Nor will it rot and warp in the rain.
Share29 August 2019
