Decorative Ideas: Explore The Concrete Network

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Where do I find general information about concrete?

Where do I learn more about the hottest trends in decorative concrete?

What can I do to resurface or rejuvenate existing concrete?

How can I use decorative concrete as an interior design element?

Where are your free catalogs with concrete design ideas?

How can I infuse my concrete with color?

How can I give my concrete pattern and texture either to mimic natural materials, such as stone or brick, or to add visual interest?

Where can I find ideas for landscaping with concrete?

Where can I find solutions to problems with a leaky, cracked, or unstable foundation?

Where can I find information about building with concrete?

What information is available about conserving energy and natural resources?

Other Design Ideas and Useful Links

Concrete Pool Decks brown concrete tile Davis Colors Los Angeles, CA
Davis Colors

Let us help you get the most from your visit by steering you directly to where you need to go for answers. From the list of questions to the left, choose those most relevant to your project and then click on the appropriate links that follow to fast-track to the information you need.

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Kemiko Concrete Staining		 Concrete Driveways brown stained with grass cutaways Kemiko Concrete Stain Leonard, TX
Kemiko Concrete Staining
Where do I find general information about concrete?

Start by browsing through the categories in the column at the left to explore all the topics and resources available on The Concrete Network.

Research concrete and find concrete and cement facts.

IWhere do I learn more about the hottest trends in decorative concrete?

Check out the topics other visitors are excited about. The top five categories, based on user traffic, are:

What can I do to resurface or rejuvenate existing concrete?

Learn how to add color and design by resurfacing your concrete with an overlay.

Find out how to use an epoxy coating to transform a grungy garage floor.

Discover seven reasons why you should enhance rather than cover up concrete basement floors.

See how polishing can add a mirror-like sheen to dull, lackluster interior floors.

How can I use decorative concrete as an interior design element?

Concrete countertops and sinks are an emerging design trend in today's kitchens and baths. Concrete, unlike manufactured materials such as laminates and Corian, permits youto express your individuality and design preferences through the use of color, shape, and other enhancements.

Interior concrete floors offer unlimited design versatility while being durable, economical, and easy to maintain.

Fireplace surrounds, mantels, and hearths cast from concrete combine the qualities of fire resistance, heat retention, and design versatility. Artisans can replicate virtually any look, ranging from ornate to classic.

Concrete furniture offers the same attributes of beauty, durability, and customization that make concrete countertops and bathroom vanities so popular. Skilled fabricators are using concrete to create one-of-a-kind tables, benches, bookcases, and even chairs.

Get more concrete ideas! See how other homeowners are using concrete to enhance and distinguish their interior design schemes by downloading these free catalogs:

How can I infuse my concrete with color?

You have a multitude of options, and a vast palette of color choices. Two of the most popular methods for coloring newly poured concrete are integral pigments and dry-shake color hardeners. Both provide long-lasting, fade-resistant color, and in the case of color hardeners, even improve surface hardness and durability.

For hardened concrete (both new and existing), you can impart rich earth-tone shades using chemical stains or more vibrant tones using concrete dyes.

For help choosing the best coloring product for your next project, read these guides from our Shop Smart series:

How can I give my concrete pattern and texture either to mimic natural materials, such as stone or brick, or to add visual interest.

Here are some of the most popular options. By combining these methods with various coloring techniques (above), the decorative possibilities are endless:

  • Stamping is ideal for imprinting patterns in concrete that precisely replicate brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, wood, or other materials. See how stamped concrete can be used to beautify new concrete patios, driveways, pool decks, and walkways. You can even use stamped overlays on walls and other vertical surfaces.

  • Stenciling is an economical way to add simple or complex designs to concrete, including borders, medallions, logos, and other motifs.

  • Engraving uses special tools and equipment to cut permanentpatterns and graphic designs into existing concrete.

  • Polishing gives floor surfaces whether new or old a high-gloss marble-like finish that never needs waxes or coatings.

  • Exposing aggregate in concrete is a simple yet dramatic way to add flair to plain exterior flatwork. It involves lightly stripping away the surface of the concrete to reveal embedded decorative aggregates, such as richly colored natural stones, recycled colored glass, seashells, or other interesting objects.

Where can I find ideas for landscaping with concrete?

Concrete is often more economical and versatile than natural stone or brick. Create beautiful patios and meandering garden pathways using concrete pavers. Build spectacular water features using artificial concrete rocks molded, textured, and colored to duplicate the look and feel of real rock formations. Give your flower beds a decorative edge with concrete borders.

For other landscaping ideas, download our Concrete Hardscapes catalog

Where can I find solutions to problems with a leaky, cracked, or unstable foundation?

Proper foundation waterproofing will prevent most of your water woes.

For major cracks and leaks in basement walls, crack injection can provide a permanent fix.

For structural issues, learn how to diagnose and repair foundation settlement problems and bowed basement walls.

Where can I find information about building with concrete?

Whatever you have in mind, we can help. Get general information on pouring concrete slabs, driveways, patios, walkways, retaining walls, basements, and even building an energy-efficient concrete home.

If you're a do-it-yourselfer, we offer tips on buying and ordering concrete and determining how much concrete you need. If you need the services of a pro, use our contractornetwork to find experienced contractors in your area.

Download these free catalogs for great designs, concrete ideas, photos, and other information:

What information is available about conserving energy and natural resources?

Learn about the environmental benefits of building with concrete. Concrete is a friend of the environment in all stages of its life span, from raw material production to demolition,making it a natural choice for sustainable home construction. Homes built with concrete walls, foundations, and floors are also highly energy efficient.

Other Design Ideas and Useful Links:

  • Find a Local Concrete Contractor: Search the largest database of decorative concrete contractors throughout the U.S. and Canada. You can find listings of contractors in your local area, along with descriptions of their specialties and complete contact information.

  • Photo Gallery: Browse through hundreds of decorative concrete photos for patios, outdoor kitchens, pool decks, driveways, interior floors, countertops, concrete furniture, and more.

  • Free Catalogs: Learn all the ways concrete is being used in and around the home. We offer 11 catalogs filled with photos, design information, ideas, and insights into the latest industry trends in concrete, ideas abound! All are in PDF format for downloading onto your computer and sharing with others.

  • Decorative Concrete Glossary

  • Concrete Countertop Terms Glossary

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