Decorative Concrete – Do I Need It or Not? When you imagine concrete, chances are good you picture the same thing as the rest of us – a durable surface that can withstand years of abuse, but one that’s not exactly “eye-catching”. Most of us thing of concrete as boring and drab and, in most instances, that’s a pretty accurate description. However, it doesn’t have to be. Decorative concrete can provide some significant advantages in terms of aesthetics. Do you need it, though?

The Real Answer

For most people, the answer to the question posed above is “it depends”. If all you want is a basic surface that will withstand weathering and offer you a firm surface for pretty much any use, then no, you don’t need to worry about decorative concrete. However, if you want something more than just “the basics”, then yes, you do need to consider it. What should you know about it, though? Where can it be used?

Patios

One of the prime locations for using this type of concrete is on your patio or pool deck. In fact, it’s really an ideal solution for use around swimming pools because the decorative process can also lend itself to making it a nonslip surface, ensuring better safety for your entire family. Of course, it’s a great way to bring your indoor style and design outdoors, or you can create a separate visual theme around the pool or on your patio. From tropical islands to elegant baroque and gothic motifs, virtually anything is possible.

Driveways

Another excellent use of decorative concrete is for driveways. Most concrete drives in the US are gray, boring and utilitarian. However, take a look at some of the higher-end homes and you’ll find something surprising. Many of them incorporate stylistic elements in the driveway, from cobbles to slate and combinations of designs. You can achieve the same look for your own driveway with a new concrete overlay or stamped design.

Myriad Possibilities

If you have decided to consider this option, you’ll need to know a bit more about how concrete is decorated. There are two primary methods here – coloring and stamping. Both offer an incredible range of possibilities, and they can be used in conjunction to help you achieve exactly the look and feel that you want. In terms of colors, concrete can be stained almost any color you might want. This allows you to match the exterior colors of your home, or go for a contrasting color scheme if you want. Stamping is exactly what it sounds like, and allows you to embed designs within the concrete itself.

Design possibilities run the gamut from things like fleur-de-lis to patterning that allows you to make decorative concrete mimic other materials (stone, brick, cobbles and even wood are popular options).

New Pour or Resurface?

You have two choices when it comes to decorating concrete. You can choose to have a new cement surface poured, which will require that any existing concrete be demolished and removed first, or you can go with a resurfacing job. Obviously, resurfacing is going to be the most affordable option, and is usually the better choice for homeowners.