Concrete has come a long way.
It seems in years past, the only concrete customization you may have seen was either an accidental footprint or a little memorial etching of a date or name. Now with staining, etching, stamping, and a variety of different finishing techniques, you can customize your landscape and your home beyond belief, and can match it to any architectural style.
While it may not seem workable, concrete is a medium that can be mixed into just about any color. This endless palette is created with chemical stains and concrete dyes and proves to be incredibly durable and lasting. Just because you create vibrant blues, yellows, oranges, or greens, doesn’t mean you have to be stuck with monochromatic walkways or driveways. Dyed concrete can be used in elaborate and intricate patterns.
If color isn’t your thing, consider embellishing your concrete with a pattern or stamp. The options are almost as limitless. Concrete stamps can create the illusion of cobblestone, wood planks, and even tiles such as slate. Stamps provide the consistency in your pattern as well as a texture conducive to your space. They can be used inside or outside and can enhance an otherwise drab area with eye-catching patterns and an organic feel.
You may be looking at each of these projects and may be disappointed that the concrete in your driveway and walkways is already in place. You may think this puts you out of the running for a fresh look, without a great deal of concrete excavation. Fortunately, there are even options for you.
Concrete overlays can permanently update boring old concrete slabs or spaces with a new finish. Overlays can address many concrete breaks and imperfections and can provide you with an even more durable finished product with the inclusion of different sealants, polymers, and sand blends. Overlays can also be applied to either indoor or outdoor concrete and can be customized with stamps, a variety of finishes, and even many color options.
If you’ve ever battled with the dings of a hardwood floor, a cracked tile, or the warping of linoleum flooring, you may want to consider a polished concrete floor in your home. This relatively new option provides a lustrous no-wax flooring option that was typically something used commercially. Fortunately, homeowners have caught on to the durability and almost polished-stone like finish and have begun incorporating it into their home design.
Perhaps your mind is racing with the large number of concrete projects you’re looking to tackle. Before you dive in, consider our last little tip. In order to maintain the greatest curb appeal of your home, consider your surroundings. Be sure to factor in your location, your historical character, and your home’s overall feel and style when mapping out any home remodel or renovation.