Concrete Designs

Concrete has long been used for foundations of buildings, for sidewalks, driveways, playgrounds and a host of other building parts.  However, it has always been the same old thing – gray, drab and boring.

But not any more!  You wouldn’t recognize concrete – literally.  There are stunning colors, textures and so much more.  One of the great things about the “new” concrete is that there are so many innovative ways to apply, pour and install it that you don’t even have to tear out the old concrete that you are upgrading.  In the past you would have to tear out the old concrete which is both costly, time consuming and extremely difficult.  The new concrete has much better options.

There are very durable coatings that can be less than an inch, in fact, down to less than ¼ inch, and can be applied right on top of the original concrete.  Many of the decorative concrete applications will keep the same texture of the original concrete while changing color and sheen.  Some overlays simply add color; others totally change the concrete so that it looks as though it is brand new.

One innovative and beautiful type of decorative concrete is a spray top mixed with polymers and applied with a special paint gun.  This is a product that is not meant to change the existing surface texture; however, it will resurface the concrete so that if it is faded, discolored or stained it will look new.  This type of concrete is also used to spray a thin layer over stamped concrete that has discolored over the years.  Instead of taking the concrete out, the spray – which can be done in any color – brings out the stamps and all their detail, making them look new again.  The stamps are not changed at all, so their unique pattern is preserved, while making the new color look more uniform.

This is just one of the types of decorative cement that are being used today to enhance all areas of homes and other buildings, as well as landscaping, parks, town squares and other areas.

If you are considering or involved in any type of building project that involves the use of concrete, consider using some form of decorative concrete for its durability, cost-effectiveness and long lasting beauty.

It wasn’t too long ago the most driveways were gray, dull, and pretty much the same. It wasn’t much different with sidewalks, patios, pool decks and basically everything outdoors. You would drive through neighborhoods with beautiful homes in rich earthy hues with lush landscaping and they were surrounded by dull concrete.
All that began to change within the last decade or so, and these days, unique and decorative concrete provides the backdrop and the framing that enriches and completes the beauty of homes and the landscape around them. There is no limit to the creative ways that concrete can be used to enhance a home (or library, office building, boutique, airline terminal, and more).
I have been on a mission to discover some of the unique ways that concrete is being used. A few of these have included:
• In basements of new and old homes to provide durability, color, warmth, longevity and ease of care, plus to created atmosphere;
• In entryways to create a mood and atmosphere from rustic to modern to elegant, which sets the tone for the entire home;
• In kitchens – poured directly into custom framing and built on site – to provide a durable, yet creative and colorful centerpiece to decorate the room around. I have even seen some counters with lights in the concrete!
• Around pools and landscaping, often stamped or stained concrete blends right into the outdoor theme and looks like anything from hand laid Spanish tile to hand carved rocks – which set off a pool, waterfall and lush plants in a stunning, yet economic way;
• In garages – where different colors and styles not only add a different look to a workshop or storage area but also provide durability and a long-term easy clean and upkeep area for cars and everything else that goes inside;
• To color and texture walls creating looks that range from pueblo and southwest styles to stunning Italian terrazzo and inlaid tile, in muted and earthy colors that relax visitors to bright colors that excite and stimulate both he décor and the mind.
These are just a few of the decorative concrete presentations I have seen, but there are many more. Decorative concrete is easily available, extremely versatile and affordable. It will maintain its durability for years and add value to your home or any other property it is used to enhance.
If you are looking for a unique way to create a distinctive look to a home that you are remodeling or to a home, office or other structure you are building or landscaping, explore the variety of ways concrete can be used to create a style and an ambiance that shows your creativity and your personality.

My family and I live in a small town in the western United States.  It’s one of those proverbial one-horse towns.  Main Street is five miles long at best.  Traffic stops at our main intersection several times per year when, in the middle of the day, ranchers move their sheep from the highlands to the lowlands and vice-versa, so they can be in the right place as the seasons change.  Because there is no exact time that this is done, we often find ourselves sitting at a stoplight or top sign on Main Street while waiting for the sheep to get where they’re going.  We don’t have a mall, a Costco or a Target, and we just got a Starbucks a few months ago!

Even in a pretty small town like mine, where horses live next door, or down the street and cows graze in the fields around the corner from us, there are modern and beautiful methods of decorative concrete used in a lot of areas.  I hadn’t really noticed before starting to research for articles, but as I became more aware of decorative concrete hot shots free download

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I have been to the library numerous times on quests for a particular book my son needed for an assignment.  It’s a nice looking library, but I didn’t realize until lately, that the entryway and foyer are done in beautiful jade green color concrete overlay. The walls are a pale grayish-green stamped concrete that are textured to look like oversized bricks.  The general décor is finished off with oak shelves, oak beams from floor to ceiling and areas of carpet.  Without the use of decorative concrete, the library would be nice, but would not be enticing and creative in the way that it does.  It would simply be a large room with bookshelves and carpet. 

Then there is the main bank in town.  The polished concrete used in the entryway and near the teller area, creates an interesting and elegant area that meshes with the carpet quite seamlessly.  The textured concrete

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walls – inside and out in rich buttery colors – draws people in by the warmth the walls project due to the combination of color and texture.

These are just a couple of examples of the use of decorative concrete in a tiny western town.  As I explored town, stopping by places I visit regularly, I found other stunning examples at two hotels I stopped at, the Visitors Center, my doctor’s office and the building he and other doctors practice in, and more.

If you are thinking of building or renovating, think about decorative concrete, and look into the ideas of how it can be used in beautiful and affordable ways. free lost city the

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In Nebraska City, Nebraska, the city council just had a very important vote. In addition to a number of improvement items for the area including walking and bike trails and other issues, approval was granted to construct concrete overlaid crosswalks.

Lately, the use of various forms of decorative concrete, such a stamped and polished concrete, have come to the fore and are being used more and more Nebraska City is no exception. Their vote to create the concrete overlaid crosswalks was based on aesthetics and beauty, practicality and durability.
In trying to beautify the area in a creative way, using decorative concrete overlay on top of the old crosswalks.

The new crosswalks, because of the concrete overlay, will be durable, since it will be overlaid, colored and sealed in such a way that it will be easy to maintained. Plus, if need be, it can be easily re-colored or textured if the wear and tear begins to show after a few years.

The fact that a city feels that the beauty and durability of decorative concrete overlay will withstand the elements and the daily wear and tear of people, bicycles and cars, shows that this same treatment or a similar one in your backyard around flowerbeds, a pool or a Jacuzzi, and it will stand up to he elements and wear and tear at your home.

In addition, there are so many versatile ways to use decorative concrete, and versatile colors and textures to enhance your home inside or out. Entryway walls textured with colored concrete and enhanced by polished concrete floors can be both exquisite and welcoming. Stamped concrete surrounding a fireplace creates an elegant yet earthy feel. We could go on and on from herre.

Instead, take a look at information and photos showing what decorative concrete is, how versatile it is, how it can be used to enhance your home, both inside and out.

At Concrete Ideas we are committed to giving our clients and potential clients the most accurate and up-to-date information and ideas about decorative concrete.  We want you to have the most innovative tools at your disposal including the best products and services provided by the best companies.

To that end, we have started to feature short articles providing information on people, companies and products that deliver the best results for you.  We will continue to feature this information about products and services throughout the country – and beyond – so that wherever you are, you will be able to research the availability of everything “decorative concrete” in your area, complete with photos.

We decided to do this because concrete is no longer the simple, gray, basic cement that it used to be not long ago.  Today’s concrete is part of the decor – in fact; it is often the foundation or the centerpiece of the décor.  Today’s concrete includes specialized textures, colors, washes and more.  Instead of digging up old concrete and re-pouring it especially if it has cracks, stains or severe discolorations, special finishes can be put right on top of the old concrete making it look completely new and different.  Many of the finishes and “toppings” are razor thin, but all are durable and cost much less than pouring new concrete.

Our articles featuring decorative concrete specialists will not only provide names and locations of these businesses, but will also discuss their specialty and how it can work for you.  Take the time to look through our site and find the right specialists for you.  Feel free to contact us with information about any new or exciting products, services or companies that we can add to our membership.

We appreciate you exploring Concrete Ideas website and hope you find it creative and helpful.  We are excited to be able to provide this information to you, and we know that you will be, too! 

When you walk into a restaurant one of the first things you see is the floor.  You may not notice it at first because of the decorations, booths and tables, and lighting, but eventually you will notice how the flooring in a nice restaurant enhances everything else and helps to create the atmosphere and ambience.

There are some older restaurants that you might dine at where the food is incredible, but the atmosphere isn’t as warm and inviting as it could be.  Sometimes, you only need look at the floor to see why.
It may be older, dull, needing an upgrade or just plain needing another look.

This is where the trend in decorative concrete comes in.  It can be a huge expense to tear out flooring and put in new flooring.  If you have ever seen a restaurant just after the frame has gone up, you usually see steel beams, maybe some wood as part of the frame, and cement where the floor will go.  There are a lot of ways that the cement can be used becoming a stunning and artistic part of the décor.

Stained concrete, for instance, can take the bare concrete you have and change the look and color of it to blend with your design.  There are numerous types of treatments that can change the texture and color, make the concrete look new, make the concrete look hand carved or overlaid.  There are ways to stencil the concrete and processes that will also make the concrete look like various types of rock.

The great thing about these treatments is that they can be sealed, they wear and clean well – especially important in a restaurant – and, as we’ve discussed, they will enhance any décor.

If you own a restaurant or manage one and are considering remodeling or upgrading, don’t forget the floors.  Just as a woman buying a gown would purchase matching shoes and purse to enhance the outfit, if you are re-decorating anything from a restaurant to a room, the flooring is like the shoes – the ensemble is not complete without attention to those details.

If you are looking for decorative concrete supplies and products, especially if you are in the state of Texas – especially near San Antonio – and you are looking for decorative concrete products and services, Texas Color Crete is the place to look. 

Just looking at their colorful, product-packed website makes you want to explore their products and services further.  Texas Color Crete carries everything that you need that has anything to do with decorative concrete. 

Whether you are looking for top quality overlays, concrete stains, countertops, stamps, seals and polishes or the most advanced tools and specialty supplies, Texas Color Crete has it.  If this isn’t enough for you, Texas Color Crete also offers training that will help you make every job spectacular.

The concrete stains that Texas Color Crete carries range from deep earthy hues to bright colors that are taken from and bring to mind the sky and sea, the mid day sun and the lush trees of the Amazon.

Texas Color Crete offers high quality training and workshops at a reasonable price.  The trainings are unique and cover a multitude of topics including pre-cast, pour-in-place countertops, acid staining and stamping. 

Texas Color Crete carries the best products available.  These include Prism Pigments, Proline Concrete tools, SP Systems, Marshalltown Arizona Polymer Flooring and more.  The Texas Color Crete website not only offers information on all these products, but also offers special product calculators to help you figure out how much product you need for a particular job, and thy also have gift certificates and discount coupons on the site as well.