Types of Decorative Concrete

Concrete is a common construction material that can be used in a number of ways. It is often known for its strength and durability, but it can also be decorative.

A variety of techniques can be used to decorate concrete, including acid stains, acrylic stains, concrete dyes and integral colors (color mixed into the concrete before it is poured). Other methods include scoring, etching, chiseling, and polishing.

Pattern Imprinted Concrete

Often called ‘stamp’ or ‘textured concrete’, pattern imprinted concrete is a modern attractive paving method for patios, paths and driveways. It uses a range of pattern mats that imitate different types of stone, slate and cobble. This, combined with a choice of dyes, can give the impression of block, natural stone and flagstone paved surfaces.

Unlike tarmac which looks quite industrial and offers very little in terms of design, an imprinted concrete patio, path or driveway can create a more bespoke look to your property. Moreover, it doesn’t crack as easily in hot and cold weather.

Once the concrete is set it is then colour and printed with a variety of different designs. It’s very important that the colour is laid consistently to avoid a patchy finish. This is especially true if the job requires several concrete deliveries and a colour surface hardener. Once the concrete is cured it’s then sealed with a high-quality sealer that protects against stains, spillages and UV light fading.

Ashlar Stone

Ashlar is a type of finely dressed stone masonry. It can refer to either a single stone that has been worked until it is squared or masonry built from such stones. It may be coursed or stacked, creating continuous vertical joints, or random with discontinuous horizontal and vertical joints.

It is most commonly used in paving and walling projects. It can be finished in a variety of ways, including dry ashlar where all sides are precision-cut with a rough surface. This style was used in the ancient palaces of Knossos and Phaistos.

Another finish for ashlar is quarry faced. In this style, the visible faces of the stones are left natural, displaying their rock-faced texture. The beds and sides of the stones are carefully chiseled to create thin joints. This finish is a great option for areas that need a little extra grip. It is also possible to add exposed aggregate in this pattern. This gives the concrete a more rustic and natural look.

Herringbone

Herringbone is a distinctive weave pattern, sometimes known as “broken twill.” It’s similar to chevron, but differs in that herringbone uses rectangles that are straight across the width of the fabric, while chevron’s corners use angles that are less than ninety degrees.

Herringbone patterns can be seen in a variety of textiles, including tweed cloth. It’s also a common design element in flooring and parquetry, where rows of wood are staggered to create a zigzag pattern.

This elegant and versatile pattern is popping up in flooring, kitchen backsplashes, and other surfaces that can bring interest and energy to a room. When used on a large scale, herringbone can be bold and striking. However, on a smaller scale herringbone can look very subtle and read as solid from a distance. It’s a timeless, classic design option that can be incorporated into any design style. It’s an ideal choice for a kitchen backsplash, but can also accentuate the lines of mid-century modern furniture or complement reclaimed barn wood to create a rustic-chic dining table.

Cobblestone

Cobblestones are beautiful, and they instantly conjure images of winding lanes in misty villages. However, they’re tricky to walk on and a common cause of twisted ankles. They were also one of the first paving materials to be used in streets. Cobblestones are rounded stones, larger than pebbles and smaller than boulders, that were gathered from stream beds and mortared in place. Eventually cobblestones were replaced by quarried granite setts (also known as Belgian blocks), which are more uniform in size and can be installed without mortar.

In addition to being used in roads, reclaimed cobblestones are frequently found in historic buildings, including homes, stores, restaurants, stagecoach taverns and factories. The tumbling action of glaciers during the last Ice Age made abundant supplies of these small, rounded stones available in places like the Finger Lakes region of New York. These cobblestones were used to build many of the towns, villages and cities in this region of the US prior to the Civil War.

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