If you are a business owner looking to spruce up your current property, or someone who works with other contractors on getting buildings looking up to snuff, then you may be wondering how to design and incorporate decorative concrete surfaces. Given that concrete is enormously cost prohibitive and presents quite the undertaking, any decisions have to be made carefully and with great deliberation. Here are a few things to consider as you decide on various designs that spark your imagination.
For starters, you should take the time to research the kind of design you have in mind and keep a few representative examples handy. Are you interested in something more modern, simple, and streamlined, or are you inspired by a historic structure and would like to borrow some of those elements for your property? Luckily, there is no shortage of magazines and design websites on the internet for you to rifle through, and your local library is bound to have tons of issues of Architectural Digest for your perusal. You can also leaf through all manner of Taschen picture books, browse online, and create a vision board for the sorts of decorative elements that speak to you the most.
Once you have decided upon the type of design, you’ll need to zero in on the kind of material you want to work with – some designs work best in concrete, others with masonry. It really boils down to the shape, size, color, and placement of the decorative element in question. You can call DC Byers in Grand Rapids at (616) 538-7300 for a full analysis of your building’s restoration and get assistance in understanding the limitations of different kinds of materials.
When it comes to masonry, the design elements are open-ended. So, with this material, not only is it easy for you to find the perfect design, but you can also use different laying patterns to help you get the look you want. For example, if you’d like to have a herringbone-pattern brick driveway straight out of a storybook, then you’re in luck. Also, with masonry, you don’t have to limit your options to just one style.
You can easily mix and match materials according to the designs you like, allowing you to unleash your creativity. In this case, the main thing to be aware of is that some forms of masonry do not always stand up too well to the elements. Depending on where you live, constant rain may be an issue – in that case, you need to be aware of potential risks like water damage, mold, and so on, which means that your space will need regular maintenance, so be prepared before the calamity strikes.
Different kinds of designs may not work well when it comes to concrete. In all cases, you will need to check in with a professional for some feedback on the designs you have chosen, and they’ll let you know just how feasible it is. Concrete is not as malleable as most kinds of masonry, so tread lightly.
If you are concerned about your structure’s vulnerability to the environment, concrete can be an excellent choice. It is virtually impermeable from water; it will not get damaged when the weather is very cold because the freeze-thaw cycle doesn’t affect concrete as much. So, you may have slightly limited design options, but you can still work a lot and build a beautiful space that is durable and can stand the test of time. Just make sure that the design you choose is timeless and classic.