Ready Mix Concrete And Its Decorative Uses

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You might think of ready mix concrete as just a grey hard slab that goes on a driveway or patio, but this is not the case for concrete contractors. Concrete, and its applications around the home or business, can be seen as both a craft and an art form when done well. Concrete can be used decoratively in stamped concrete, stained concrete and in other ways for adorning your new home or remodel, as well as for parking lots, patios, roadways, foundations, patios and more.

Decorative concrete made from ready mix concrete consists of sand, gravel, Portland cement, water and other additives. For stained concrete, caustic materials such as metallic salts, diluted hydrochloric acid, dyes and hydrated lime are used to produce gorgeous colors, but this also requires the use of these dangerous chemicals, meaning that it is always safest and best to allow professional contractors of concrete to handle these types of jobs around the home. They are trained in their appropriate use, and can achieve reliable results in the safest manner possible. Stamped concrete uses specialty molds and other techniques to create concrete surfaces that resemble flagstone, cobblestone, brick and even hardwood floors. Many patterns are available, so you have a broad range of choices when it comes to ready mix concrete flooring for your patio, walkways or driveway.

If you are planning on doing any entertaining during the upcoming summer months, it makes sense to plan and then install your outdoor living areas so that they will be ready to go when your guests arrive. In a garden setting, the walks, patios, seating areas and retaining walls are known as hardscape, which will ideally complement and contrast your lovely landscape. This is a spot where decorative concrete designs can liven up the outdoor areas so that they become living areas and are seen as an extension of your home.

Would you enjoy a barbecue out on your stained concrete patio? Chances are you will have an even better experience if you have a built-in concrete area to hold the barbecue itself, but that also offers convenient counter space for plates of food. It is also more comfortable to have a very flat and even surface for your patio furniture, and this can be easily accomplished though the used of beautiful stamped concrete. Your contractor can create distinctive retaining walls that will not only provide extra seating for large parties, but will also give you raised garden beds very suitable for growing your flowers, shrubs and trees.

Stamped concrete is a very heavy material with which to work, and it dries quickly, so the work must be done speedily as well. It is for these reasons, plus the savings that can be garnered over using expensive rock and brick materials, that many home and business owners turn to professional ready mix concrete contractors for adding this stylish look to their homes.