Several years ago, decorative concrete was found primarily in high-end homes, but that’s all changed. Projects of all sizes and budgets are getting decorative concrete treatments. Andrea Cochran, who owns a landscape architecture firm in San Francisco, says, “People often view concrete as plain and horrible. But when you add color or texture or special scoring details, they get excited. Regardless of money constraints, I first design artistic appeal into my plans; then I specify decorative finishes the client can afford.”
Integrally colored concrete is the largest segment of the decorative market. Stamped concrete patterns and textures are next followed by a wide variety of popular finishes, including chemical stains, overlay cement products, spray overlays, stenciled patterned finishes, sandblasted stencil patterning, diamond-cut patterns, and decorative sealers and coatings, to name a few.
Kevin Crehan, a landscape architect with Nuszer Kopatz in Denver, designs hardscape areas for housing and retail developers. His firm uses decorative pavement and vertical elements to create themes that say “this is a special area.”
For residential projects, Crehan specifies different pavements and treatments to designate outdoor “rooms,” such as pool decks, picnic areas, and shade areas.
Decorative concrete can be an effective marketing tool, Crehan claims. A builder can justify the additional cost, he says, because colorful concrete can speed up sales and elevate the builder’s reputation.
With so many colors and designs to fit any budget, decorative concrete will continue to gain fans among professionals who want to wow clients and boost sales.
This story first appeared in CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION magazine. Jim Camillo contributed to this report.
Increte Systems Paver Sealer is a clear coating that protects all types of surfaces—including decorative concrete—from soils, grease, oil, acids, and alkali, according to the firm. In addition to sealing the surface so it’s non-porous, the formula also imparts a natural wet look and inhibits harmful UV rays from discoloring the surface. The sealer is non-yellowing and will not peel, chip, or flake, says the maker.800.752.4626.www.increte.com.Circle 11.
Oscoda Plastics Because they can accept a color stain, ProFlex expansion joints blend in well with decorative concrete, giving the surface a seamless look, the company says. The product can be used with any concrete work requiring expansion or isolation joints such as driveways, curbs, pools, spas, and drains.800.544.9538.www.oscodaplastics.com.Circle 12.
L.M. Scofield The colored, textured, and performance architectural concrete systems this firm manufactures can be used in exterior projects. Texturetop comes in two “just add water” varieties, both of which provide concrete overlays that can be imprinted, textured, or chemically stained. Also available are a range of related products and tools. 800.800.9900.www.scofield.com.Circle 13.
