Decorative Paving

Published: 04/08/2010 by Susan I. Shiber

Surfaces beneath our feet are no longer something to be ignored. The genius of advanced technology is complemented by artistic soul to produce decorative concrete masterpieces. Exquisite in color, texture and pattern, ideas and installations are sought by homeowners to make statements in style.

According to the Concrete Network, an informational source for consumers, builders and contractors, the top five decorative concrete trends last year were patios, stained, stamped, interior floors and resurfacing.

“Decorative concrete is one of the hottest building trends today,” says Jim Peterson, CEO, Concrete Network. “Homeowners from around the country embrace concrete and are incorporating these applications into many aspects of their lives.”

Stamp It
Todd Turner, vice president, Concrete Impressions LLC, agrees. “Concrete is one of the most durable, yet drab, building substances. With so many new techniques in the industry, homeowners can have the best of both worlds: strength and aesthetics.”

He calls his company’s stamped concrete the look for less. “For a savings of 35 to 50 percent over natural materials, a patio or walkway can take on the personality of a cobblestone street in London or an Italian villa,” says Turner.

Concrete Impressions offers a process that incorporates colors, textures and patterns into freshly poured concrete. When dry, the surface boasts a natural façade of brick, slate, stone, tile and even wood. It is sealed with ultra-violet (UV) protection that guards against color fading and features an acrylic surface product that prevents chips and scratches. There are no individual units involved, thus grass and weed problems are non-existent.

Architectural Concrete Design is also a stamping specialist. Joseph A. Smith, director of sales and marketing, Concrete Impressions LLC, points out that decorative stamped concrete is a thrifty way to spruce up homes. “Even though decorative concrete is a less expensive alternative, its quality and appeal are second to none,” he says. “Concrete surfaces can be replicated to mimic bluestone, flagstone, cobblestone brick and more.

“When the work is performed by an experienced professional, it’s difficult to tell the concrete isn’t natural stone,” continues Smith. “Pouring decorative concrete isn’t the same as laying regular concrete and it takes many years of experience to reach the skill level necessary for quality work. When properly laid, it will not crack, will not appear to be uneven and should last a lifetime,” he says.

Color It
Color is another concrete design option. Larry Vogel, store manager, Landis Block and Concrete, recommends Kemiko stain for high-traffic areas. Kemiko, which is available in 10 colors, is composed of hydrochloric acid. It is sprayed on concrete for a clean attractive look. “The chemical reaction between the acid and the free lime in concrete is what produces color,” explains Vogel. “Hues vary depending on the amount of free lime. You can create a mottled effect with very unique character. It doesn’t look like paint, but is more reminiscent of old-fashioned streets and European byways.”

Vogel promises that with proper maintenance, Kemiko acid stain should last for the life of the homeowner and beyond. “It’s great, too, for basements where water damage may occur,” he says. “Homeowners, who hesitate to put down carpet, can have any number of designs.”

Erik Wagner, president, Enhanced Concrete Design, praises the virtue and versatility of color, including acid stain. Other processes are integral concrete covering, color hardening and colored systems.

Integral concrete is a mix-in color, not a topping. Notes Wagner, “The concrete is physically colored as it comes out of the truck. This process features a concentrated color admixture that transforms ordinary concrete into something that stands out for immediate notice or blends in with surroundings.”

Wagner suggests that for a more vibrant quality, choose color hardening, which is applied to the top of wet concrete. Enhanced Concrete Design’s colored concrete system can be used in conjunction with surfaces that have already been color hardened or integrally colored. This deep penetrating stain is designed to form a rich and variegated finish that won’t peel, chip or fade. Effects range from marbled to translucent, much like natural stone.

Green It
Green building is catching on at a phenomenal pace in the housing industry. Constructing and renovating homes without depleting resources for future generations is an important goal among environmentally-conscious Americans.

Concrete is a friend of the environment in all stages of its lifespan, states the Concrete Network. From raw material production to demolition, it is a natural choice for sustainable home construction and improvement projects. The predominant raw material for the cement in concrete is limestone, the most abundant mineral on earth.

Lifespans for concrete building products can be double or triple those of other common construction materials. Concrete paved areas absorb less heat and reflect more solar radiation. Surfaces retain storm water and can block natural water infiltration into the soil.

Imagine It
Wagner isn’t excited by color alone. New products from Enhanced Concrete Design include vertical stamping, which is hand-finished and emulates cultured stone. “You can have the look of the Great Wall of China right in your backyard,” he says. “It’s easy to match a home exterior, too.”

The most dramatic new product in Wagner’s line boggles the mind and dazzles the viewer. “Fiber optics are now being placed in concrete and imaginative possibilities are amazing,” he says. “A design is set prior to pouring the concrete. Fiber optics are connected after finishing. Colors can change, lights can dance, sports fans can light up patios with team logos. When you turn off the light source, you never know the image exists. It is incredible.”

As the season for making changes to driveways, patios or walkways approaches, consider decorative concrete. Before making a final decision on method, evaluate use and size of the area and determine your vision, product longevity and budget. Visit concrete educational Web sites and ask questions of potential contractors and decorative concrete customers. Taking more time upfront will ensure lasting satisfaction and enjoyment.

“Concrete surfaces can be replicated to mimic bluestone, flagstone, cobblestone brick and more.” Joseph A. Smith, director of sales and marketing, Concrete Impressions LLC

“Fiber optics are now being placed in concrete and imaginative possibilities are amazing.” Erik Wagner, president, Enhanced Concrete Design