Minnesota Homeowners want to enjoy an outdoor living space throughout the year.
During the the shortened midwest summer months, a backyard garden or a concrete patio may serve as a gathering place for friends and family.
In the winter, a spacious patio with a built-in fire pit can provide a cozy place for adults to watch children when they play in the snow. As families and homeowners spend more time outdoors and in the garden, it is important to consider the aesthetic features of the space.
Enhancing these spaces with decorative and stamped concrete options can give these landscaped areas a boost and improve the usability, durability and design of these spaces.
A decorative concrete patio or veranda could be just the ticket.
What is Decorative Concrete?
As the name implies, decorative concrete is any concrete material that is stained, stamped or colored to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The concrete is used to create attractive spaces. Depending on the specific application, the design elements and the method of creating the space may vary.
Applications of Decorative Concrete
Depending on the project and the preferred end result, decorative concrete may have a variety of applications around the home.
The applications may include:
- Decorative concrete patios & decking
- Custom concrete stone or brick walkway designs
- Custom decorative driveways
- Decorative concrete flooring
The potential applications of decorative concrete can vary based on the preferences of the homeowner. We can create attractive floors, patios and outdoor spaces that are appropriate for a variety of activities and aesthetic preferences.
Decorative Concrete Options
Decorative concrete is available in three main categories: stained, stamped and colored.
- Stained concrete uses chemical reactions within the concrete to create a specific color and appearance. It can help create an attractive design with alternative color choices.
- Stamped concrete creates a textured appearance. For example, it may look like natural stones or bricks when the stamp is completed. Stamped concrete is appropriate for projects that require a textured appearance, but may not require unique or interesting color choices.
- Colored concrete may also be called dyed concrete. Although it provides a colorful appearance, it does not obtain the color through a chemical reaction. Instead, a dye is used to create the colorful appearance.
Putting in a new patio does not mean the space needs to look like boring, everyday slab.
Stamped concrete is a beautiful, durable and affordable alternative for your patios, pool decks and interior flooring. It is a surface that can be customized to look like slate, stone, brick or even hardwood, at a fraction of the price. It is a perfect surface for providing traction on public walkways, making your outdoor areas safer.
The process starts with the addition of a liquid color to the concrete base. The coloring can be customized to perfectly complement features in the the surrounding area. An accent color is added to add texture and visual appeal. Then, a stamp is applied to create the surface texture. Stamped concrete can be made to resemble a wide range of natural materials. It can blend naturally to become a pleasing part of any area’s architecture.
Installation of stamped concrete is much quicker than installation of pavers and other materials. It is long-lasting, meaning you can go years longer without having to refurbish or reinstall. And, the day to day maintenance is easier, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Attractive concrete is available to develop an interesting outdoor design. Our professionals can help you make a decision about the best use of your outdoor space. Give us a call to set up a consultation appointment. We create each concrete project with the client’s unique setting and needs in mind.
You can see additional examples of Lehmicke Construction’s quality work by visiting one of our photo galleries like our stamped concrete gallery.
When you’re ready, contact us at 651-351-7440 for a free estimate on your next residential hardscaping needs. We’ll help you make your project come to life.