Hardscaping Design With Concrete

Hardscaping Design with Concrete

Concrete is one of the most popularly used building materials in the world because of its strength and durability. For professional landscapers, it offers additional benefits as one of the most extensive materials available for improving outdoor space, as it offers unlimited design flexibility in terms of shape, color, and texture. Concrete is also very cost-effective compared to other paving materials. Here is a general description of the advantages and limitations of using concrete to improve your outdoor space.

An attractive hardscape is not an accident. It is the culmination of previous planning and design that works in accordance with the surrounding structure. Hardscape should never stand out and should not be so insignificant that it can easily be ignored. Nailing this balance project after project takes great effort, but the award is far more than monetary. Concrete hardscapes last for decades, as well as the reputation of concrete craftsmen who successfully pave their way into decorative history.

Why Choose Concrete for Your Project:

Durability

Concrete is durable and last longer than many other construction materials and endures extreme weather conditions and heavy traffic. It is also resistant to abrasion of heavy outdoor furniture.

Versatility

Concrete can be used for many applications in and around the home. It is often thought as the material for paving the terraces, sidewalks, and walkways in general. However, you can also use concrete for making countertops, sinks, fireplaces, outdoor waterscapes and even furniture.

Flexibility of Design

Concrete offers unlimited design flexibility. It can be formatted in almost any form or shape and has the ability to be imprinted, colored, stained or dyed.

Easy maintenance

Concrete is a solid surface that is easy to clean and free of residues and weed growth. Regular washing and resealing every few years will keep it good looking for decades.

Economy

Compared to other paving materials, such as brick and natural stone, concrete is generally more cost-effective because it is easier to install.

Limitations

One of the disadvantages of concrete is its ability to crack due to expansion and contraction. However, cracks can be minimized by installing control joints when laying concrete. Concrete should also be sealed every two or three years to protect it from staining and wear. Concrete installation is not a project that can be done by homeowners. Always call a professional concrete contractor to do the job.

Decorative Concrete

Gone are the days of when concrete used to be boring and gray. Today, concrete can be modified with various colors, textures and surface treatments. For outdoor concrete work, stamping and staining are very popular. If you pour a new concrete, the surface can be stamped by the texture that reproduces natural stone, brick, wood and more. If you have existing concrete that you are not happy with, the appearance can be changed by applying stains. Color options for concrete coloring include rich earth tones that fit well with outdoor environments.

Many homeowners decide on decorative concrete for their yard, track or driveways, because they can get a high view for a reasonable price. If materials like natural stone or bricks are outside your budget, but you like their appearance, it is very likely that concrete can be used to achieve a similar effect.

Conclusion

If you plan to make your living space by using decorative concrete, you will need to capture the combination of natural colors and hardscape designs fully. Please do not underestimate this concept because if you do not understand the need for pleasant combinations, it often results in an unnatural blend of hardscape and structures that will result in unattractive results. For more information and Free Consultation please contact us at 408-206-0832