Exposed aggregate

• Add pattern with stamped concrete

• Add a design with stenciling and engraving

• Add texture with exposed aggregate

• Add interest with a rock salt finish

Natural gray bartop with a satin finish

Associated with aging, gloomy skies, and industrial coldness, the color gray often gets a bad rap. While that certainly accounts for much of the appeal of colored concrete, not all concrete warrants decorative coloring. The natural gray tones of concrete work beautifully with a wide variety of color schemes, blending well with neutral earth tones while complementing bright primary colors, such as red and blue. Some of the most stunning concrete projects we've seen on The Concrete Network have embraced the beauty of gray, whether for reasons of economy or a desire for a functional, unadulterated surface with a timeless appearance. See these examples of gray concrete in all its glory.

COUNTERTOPS

"I have made concrete countertops in some wild colors, from chartreuse to bright blue to cranberry red," says Jeff Girard of the Concrete Countertop Institute. "However, these bright colors are a rarity. By far the most popular color is natural gray concrete. Close seconds are light cool gray and dark charcoal gray."  

ENTRYWAYS

The front porch and steps of this home feature an ashlar slate pattern in gray tones that match the stone-clad posts and porch walls while serving as a neutral backdrop to the bright red door. See more concrete entryways.   

FLOORS 

Despite the unlimited color options and patterns possible with concrete floors, many people still prefer classic gray. What these floors lack in boldness, they more than make up for with their unassuming charisma and ability to blend with any décor and color scheme.

DRIVEWAYS

The patterns and varying shades of gray in this driveway help to differentiate the vehicular and pedestrian uses. The ashlar slate pattern and gray tones also complement the home's stone facade.

PATIOS 

This inviting residential patio features a Roman ashlar slate pattern with hand-cut borders. The Dolphin gray base color is accented by Neptune gray highlights.

POOL DECKS 

Different patterns and shades of gray make this concrete pool deck a real stand-out.  The main fields of the deck were stamped in an ashlar slate pattern. Then a seamless slate pattern in a darker shade of gray was used to outline the pool and create design contrast. See more concrete pool deck photos.

FIREPLACES 

This fireplace and mantle have a modern appeal. They were created using precast concrete in a soft twilight gray that works well with bright accent colors.