- Stamped Concrete
- Stained Concrete
- Decorative Concrete Overlays
- Colored Concrete
- Concrete Polishing
- Concrete Countertops
- Concrete Resurfacing
- Design Ideas for Decorative Concrete
- Concrete Designs: Decorative concrete ideas for patios, floors, driveways, pool decks, countertops, and more
- Six Hot Decorative Concrete Design Ideas on a Budget
- What Is Decorative Concrete?
- Glossary of Decorative Concrete Terms: What is a band? What is a field?
- Types of Textured Finishes: Float and trowel textures, broom finishes, rock salt
- Decorative Concrete Mix Design
- Decorative Concrete Cost
- Maintaining Decorative Concrete
- Cleaning Decorative Concrete
- Concrete Sealers
- Other Resources
- Going Green with Concrete Floors and Countertops: An overview of concrete's eco-friendly benefits
- Concrete Contractors: Find A Concrete Product Supplier or Distributor
Exterior Concrete Planning Checklist
Four steps to take now for a spring concrete projectIn most areas of the country, outdoor decorative concrete work has ground to a halt because of frozen ground and wintry weather conditions. However, right now is the perfect time of year for you to get a head-start and plan the outdoor concrete projects you'd like installed in the spring, whether it's a concrete driveway, patio, sidewalk or an outdoor kitchen with concrete countertops. We have an abundance of resources to help you put your plan into motion, from locating a concrete contractor to coming up with design ideas. Here is a checklist to get you started, so you'll be ready to enjoy your newly installed concrete as soon as the warm weather returns.
1. Determine your budget
The extent of concrete work you have done will all depend on how much you have available to spend. If you're on a tight budget, consider doing your project in stages or use a budget-friendly finish that will give you a high-end look at an economical cost.
See these ideas:Five Budget-Friendly Stamped Concrete IdeasThree Budget-Friendly Decorative Finishes for Exterior Concrete
2. Hire a concrete contractor
Once your budget is established, it's time to contact several contractors in your area to come out and give you written estimates for the work you want done. Be sure to ask for references, and choose a contractor based on reputation and work quality rather than the lowest price.
Texian Concrete in Houston, TX
3. Discuss your design options
Even if your budget is limited, your decorative options for exterior concrete pavements and outdoor kitchens aren't. Most concrete contractors have portfolios of their work you can browse through for design inspiration. We also recommend checking out these resources on ConcreteNetwork.com.
Where to Get Design Ideas for Stamped Concrete
Patio Designs & IdeasDriveway Design IdeasDecorative Options for a New Concrete WalkwayHow to Design a Trendy Outdoor Kitchen
4. Schedule your project
After you've finalized all the design details, the last step is to schedule the start of your project, which will largely be dictated by weather conditions. To help determine the optimal time for placing outdoor concrete in your area,
see our guidelines for placing concrete by region and season throughout the U.S.
