em>Decorative concrete is the logical choice when it comes to reducing your costs, improving sustainability, and contributing to your project’s overall quality and aesthetics.
One thing that stands out in our economy is the fact that everyone is looking for a value, a way or means of making their dollars go further. This rings true whether you’re purchasing daily consumables for the home or planning a construction project. Those of us in the decorative concrete industry have known for years that on a construction project, the value of decorative concrete presents itself over and over again, a simple concept called “value engineering.”
A primary tenet of value engineering is that basic functions be preserved and not reduced as a consequence of pursuing value improvements, such as reduced costs, an improved final product, and easier maintenance. Decorative concrete has become the logical choice for many construction projects because it delivers great value. Consider these popular applications where decorative concrete offers real benefits in terms of performance, cost savings, and aesthetics:
Theme Parks
Instead of traditional masonry pavers for flatwork and pedestrian areas, more theme parks are using stamped concrete because of reduced long-term maintenance and care. Over time, pavers often become loose or they settle, resulting in tripping hazards. Replacing existing pavers with new ones can create undesirable aesthetics because the colors rarely match.
Interior Flooring
The decorative concrete advantage:
- No more loose or settled pavers that require resetting or replacement.
- The elimination of tripping hazards that increase liability for parks and resorts.
- Stamped concrete is safe, easy to maintain, and has a long service life.
Green Building
More big-box retailers are choosing decorative concrete as a finished floor as opposed to high-maintenance floor coverings or coverings that can fail due to moisture exposure. Many smaller retailers find that stained concrete floors are not only attractive but also very cost-effective. Polished Concrete is another popular choice for interior floors, especially in educational and medical facilities, because they create an attractive, light-reflective, easy-to-maintain durable surface.
The decorative concrete advantage:
- Cost savings by eliminating traditional floor coverings and using the slab on grade as the finished floor.
- Reduced maintenance and longer service life.
- Better resistance to moisture and heavy foot traffic.
- Great light reflectivity.
Driveways, Patios, Porches & Entries, Pools and Stairs & Steps
It wasn’t long ago when deciding on a driveway material was easy: asphalt or concrete. Today, the “concrete” choice has expanded to include an astounding array of decorative options. Sometimes referred to as a cement driveway or as painted concrete, decorative concrete is one of the most reasonable ways to spruce up the entrance to your home. If you already have a concrete driveway, you can still give it a decorative makeover. The concrete industry has introduced many products and methods that can rejuvenate or resurface existing plain-gray driveways. As an investment, concrete patios typically cost less than patios made of brick or natural stone because they are less labor-intensive to install. The lower price tag combined with the wide array of patterns and colors available makes concrete an economical choice for most budgets. Plus, concrete is easily formed into any shape to accommodate backyard space restrictions. Upgrading your backyard with a decorative concrete patio is also an investment that will provide many years of enjoyment while improving the look of your landscape. Concrete is easy to maintain and can stand up to the harshest of weather conditions. Unlike paving stones, you won’t have joints between units where grass and weeds can sprout. And unlike wood, concrete won’t warp, rot or require periodic staining.
A decorative concrete porch can be part of a stunning entryway to a residence. In some cases, the entry or front porch is built larger than normal to create places to sit or gather to talk. Steps can be stamped concrete and raised flowerbeds can be tooled to match the flatwork’s stamped pattern.
One of the biggest trends in outdoor design today is a decorative concrete pool deck, a colored, textured and inviting area surrounding the pool that does more than provide a safe, slip-resistant deck for sunbathing and barbecuing. Inground pool decks are now given nearly as much attention as the interior design of the home.
Decorative concrete has opened the doors to creating pool decks that complement the exterior of the home, meld with the outdoor environment, and replicate exotic and traditionally expensive materials such as slate, stone or even wood.
Concrete steps or terraced stairways are the most prominent feature at the entryway of many homes and public buildings, yet too often they get relegated to purely utilitarian status. Elevating concrete stairs from bland to grand makes them the dramatic focal point of any entrance. The even greater visual impact is possible by combining decorative stairways with stamped or stained concrete walkways and landings that incorporate coordinating colors and patterns.
Concrete steps can be poured right along with your walkways or entryway, so they can be colored and textured to match. Precast concrete steps and precast concrete stairs are also an option. If you know just where they are needed, you can have the steps built off-site and installed later on your project.
At Kelowna Concrete we believe your dollar should go further. So when you’re ready for your next project we’re here to help. We will meet or BEAT any competitors price – GUARANTEED!! Call us today – 250-448-6366 and see why our clients call us first!
