What's New
Find out what's new in the concrete world.
Photo Gallery
View a portfolio of decorative concrete work.
Find Concrete Contractors
Search our database to find a contractor in your area.
Get Notified About New Projects
Stay up to date with the latest trends.
 Follow Us on Facebook
 Follow Us on Twitter
|
 |
Outdoor Living
Design Videos
|
|
|
 |
Before you put pen to paper and beginning planning your outdoor room, be sure to watch this series of 35 videos on how to use decorative concrete to design and build spectacular outdoor living spaces. Award-winning landscape designer Scott Cohen of The Green Scene will give you design ideas for patios, pool decks, outdoor
kitchens and countertops, fireplaces, garden pathways, and more.
| |
|
|
|
|
Do's and Don'ts for Designing a
Successful Outdoor Room
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
Concrete offers endless possibilities for creating spectacular outdoor living environments. But with so many options, it's essential for you to establish some goals, stick with a plan, and stay within your budget. You also need to consider important basics that often get overlooked, like good traffic flow, the architectural style of your home, space requirements, providing for privacy, and the placement of trees and other landscape plantings. To avoid some common mistakes in outdoor room design and to create a functional, comfortable space that takes full advantage of everything decorative concrete has to offer, pay attention to these do's and don'ts.
Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network
|
DESIGN DON'TS
DON'T start without a plan. Determine the size and layout of your outdoor space, and create zones to separate various activities, such as cooking, conversation and relaxation. When situating your outdoor room, also consider the natural elements, such as prevailing winds and sun exposure. Read more about dimensions for outdoor rooms.
 DON'T be one-dimensional. The most appealing and functional outdoor rooms take advantage of terracing and steps, which can help maximize a small space, create visual drama, and provide separate levels for various activities.
 DON'T forget to add greenery to provide balance and shading for your concrete hardscape. Trees are the best option for providing natural shade, but they can take years to mature. Another option is to install a vine-covered pergola. See these tips for using greenery effectively.
 DON'T assume that bigger is always better, especially if you have a small space to work with and you're on a tight budget. A small concrete patio can still make a big impact, and you can always add more elements later, as your budget allows.
|
DESIGN DO'S
DO complement your home's architectural style. Choose a hardscaping design scheme that harmonizes with your home and landscape and echoes the design of your indoor rooms. See these ideas for complementing various home styles.
 DO improve traffic flow by installing attractive concrete paths and
walkways that guide people throughout your space and lead to various
zones and focal points. For great walkway and garden path ideas, watch this video
from designer Scott Cohen.
DO create a room with a view by orienting seating areas to overlook flowerbeds, water features and other attractive scenery. Get tips for proper orientation and layout.
DO add concrete statuary and other architectural accents, such as fountains, garden bridges, and bird baths. These pieces will help to balance the lush floral beauty of your garden, and provide structure, contrast and decorative interest -- even after the blooms fade.
DO get help pulling it all together. Work with a landscape architect and decorative concrete contractor to make your design ideas reality. These professionals can help you plan an outdoor room that matches your budget and your aesthetic and functional requirements.
|
|
|
|
|
