Decorative concrete offers a massive number of design choices. This kind of paving can take on any colour, and it can be shaped and textured to mimic timber and stone. Such flexibility makes it easy to harmonise concrete with your home's front and back yards. But so many alternatives can make choosing a specific design challenging. So here are some tips to help.
Colours
Concrete can be coloured in various ways, which are not mutually exclusive. Actually, contractors often combine methods to create a naturalistic look. They can mix pigments into the cement before pouring it, called integrally coloured concrete. These pigments are often earthy hues like sands, blues, browns, and greens.
Natural stones and timbers aren't a consistent colour like a piece of laminate. They often blend hues, and a concrete contractor can replicate this. Over integrally coloured paving, they can add dry shake colours, stains, and dyes. Stains produce mottles and patterns like rock, whereas dyes often come in more consistent, vivid hues. Start thinking about whether you want bright or earthy colours for your paving.
Getting Inspiration
You may wonder how to get inspiration and choose the colours for your concrete. First, look at your home and notice the hues on the roof, trim, and external walls. You can repeat one of these colours or choose something to create contrast while maintaining harmony.
For ideas, search online for beautiful pictures. Or else, go for a walk. Parks, gardens, and shopping centres often feature decorative concrete. Or have you noticed an attractive driveway in your neighbourhood? Even if it uses bricks or pavers, you can emulate the look with concrete. Contractors can push moulds or stamps into the paving before it completely hardens to generate textures and faux grout joins.
Simple or Complex Designs
Bear in mind that complicated designs will take more work, thus increasing installation costs. Consider this when looking at paving examples. If the concrete uses one or two hues and holds the same pattern throughout, this simplicity will keep expenses down.
On the other hand, more colours will add to the paving's complexity. For example, concrete services may imitate slate pavers with a blend of tan, orange, blue, purple, and beige tones. And they might put down a contrasting border with a distinct pattern. Or they could lay bands of smooth concrete that contrast with textured stamped concrete. These varied arrangements will take longer and cost more.
Share9 May 2022
Hello! I am so pleased you have found my blog. Welcome. My name is Randi. I have been an artist since I figured out how to hold a crayon. Over the years, I have found many creative ways to integrate my passion for art into my life, and that includes the concrete outside my house. I love to come up with innovative and beautiful designs for concrete walkways, patios, stepping stones and other outside elements. I also love exploring the potential of precast concrete planters, retaining walls and other cool creations. If you need concrete inspiration, you have come to the right place. Please explore and enjoy reading!
