Call me Concrete
Once upon a time, you were listening to a song. Suddenly a new sound entered the music. It was different. It was distinct. You couldn’t decide at first if you liked it but it captured your attention. And for the life of you, you couldn’t make up your mind about what instrument was making this sound. Was it the result of strings, brass, wood wind, or a synthesizer? The harder you listened the more it seemed to take on aspects of several different instruments. Not being an expert in the business of music production, you really couldn’t know for sure until it was confirmed by the source of the song or some other trustworthy entity.
Maybe you’ve never delved into a song so deeply. This experience, however, doesn’t just happen with music. Often times, outside of our professional sphere, we come across certain art that really strikes us. When we try to discern how that art was made we find ourselves unsure. It could be a truly delicious meal that makes us wonder ‘what is that flavor?’ It could be a painting that we find intriguing…but wait! Is it really paint?! Or it could be, and I’m finally to the point, an architectural design.
This acid stained concrete floor was the work of Decorative Concrete Surfaces based in California.
There are so many people out there that look at another person’s home and they think, “I wish I had that in my home.” But they don’t even know what it is they are looking at. Inevitably, they are forced to use descriptions, but never the proper terms, when conveying the thought to a contractor. Hopefully, the contractor can decipher what it is the client is asking them to implement.
Concrete is probably one of the most versatile products available and unfortunately many people do not even recognize that the floor they are standing on, the wall they are leaning against, the stairs they are ascending, or the counter they are prepping food on, is concrete.
Concrete is truly the master of aliases. If you’re looking for a specific aesthetic but don’t have the budget for higher end materials, call in concrete: alias marble, alias slate, alias wood, alias granite, alias…ok you get it.
Alias Wood
This faux wood floor was created by Myers Decorative Concrete
There is no doubt that wood is a beautiful material for exterior and interior floors, walls, and stairs. It is sometimes cheaper than concrete and as a lightweight product may be more manageable at the beginning. However, concrete would be the better choice if you are looking at sustainability. It is very durable; does not rust, rot, nor burn; absorbs and retains heat; is water and wind resistant; is non-combustable; and is an effective soundproofing material. And I’ve never heard ‘creaky floor’ to describe a concrete surface.
JM Lifestyles created WoodForm Concrete and are experts in the production of concrete wood.
But can you get the look of wood without the actual product? That is absolutely dependent on your concrete contractor or you if you are a DIYer. Some contractors are more practiced in coloring concrete so that it has a realistic wood appearance. Ask your contractor for a sample before moving forward. Even if it costs, it will save you the heavy heartache of an end result that does not meet your expectations.
Alias Stone/Rock
Sinks can be formed right into a concrete countertop making the whole space flow seamlessly. Credit: One Kindesign
There are several variations of stone or rock that homeowners and business owners want to utilize when building. Concrete can mimic quite a few and greatly reduce material costs. There are various stamps that can give the impression of slate in the concretes surface. The edges of countertops, benches, and stairs can be texturized, giving the illusion that they were hued from solid rock. Since concrete can be colored, you can even deviate from realistic rock colorings. And that’s not all. If you prefer a matte look over a gloss, that too is possible to achieve.
Not only can these concrete products start from scratch, but concrete can also be layed overtop of existing material. This is known as a concrete overlay. It saves time and money due to demolition and removal.
Beautiful granite kitchens, sweeping stone terraces, sleek marble staircases, and other rock facades are all attainable via concrete and usually at a much lower price. Once again there are many more color options and rock styles able to be achieved with concrete.
Image Credit: Butterfield Color a manufacturer of decorative concrete products.
Alias Everything Else
This exposed aggregate floor was ground to a high polish by the company All Preparation Equipment
Here’s a fun phrase, exposed concrete aggregate. This is the result of exposing an added material in the concrete mix after it sets. Depending on the aggregate used, the finished product can have a very unique look. It’s similar to the product, Terrazzo. Guess what I write next. That’s right, concrete is much cheaper for the same look. Exposed aggregates are often used for slip resistant surfaces on pool decks and driveways but can also be polished to a smooth finish.
Concrete can also be rather lovely without attempting to make it appear like another product. There are many ways in which simple gray concrete can be a huge asset to a room. On the flip side, concrete can run a far stretch from its gray roots and still not appear like other materials. This is usually achieved by acid staining the concrete in various patterns or colors. Epoxy is a product that is becoming more and more relevant in obtaining this same affect and is often added to concrete contractors services.
The acid stained floor of the Marina Store, located in Charleston, S.C., is an elaborate map of Charleston Harbor that shows channels, marshes and shipwreck sites. It was created by Victoria Simpson Collins
Concrete is a magical product, but it takes a true alchemist to release its potential. Not every concrete company is skilled in every type of concrete art. It would be wise, when scoping out a contractor, to research the look you are trying to achieve. The more you know, the better you will be able to convey your interests to potential hires. And once again, always ask for a sample! Be sure you’re getting exactly what you want.