Architecture / Engineers |
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Architectural & Decorative Concrete |
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Concrete is extremely versatile— it can be formed, shaped, textured and colored in any way imaginable. Architectural and decorative concrete refers to a substance that combines an aesthetic finish and structural capabilities. Interior floors, exterior flatwork, and building design elements can all be enhanced with color and texture to add visual value to any project. Achieving an architectural or decorative appearance usually requires distinctive processing or handling of the concrete. Whether that involves special forms, special finishing techniques, or special ingredients, the variety of effects is almost unlimited. Coloring ConcreteConcrete can be cast in a wide variety of colors. Prairie has color systems in place to produce integral-colored ready mixed in an extensive palette of color choices. Stamped Concrete Semi-hardened color concrete can be pattern-stamped with special tools to create the custom look and feel of slate, cobblestone, brick, tile granite and other materials but with superior durability and longer service life. For exterior patios, driveways and walkways, adding color and texture can help scale down large expanses of paving. Traditionally, these features have been limited to flatwork, but with new overlay mixes and finishing techniques, patterns can be used on vertical surfaces as well. Interior Concrete ApplicationsToday's colorful concrete can be used in counters, sinks, bathtubs, furniture, fireplace surrounds, and floors. In overall performance and cost, concrete competes with both solid-surface synthetics (such as Corian and Avonite) and stone (granite, marble, and limestone), but is not as limited on color, thickness or natural patterning. Creating decorative concrete floors usually involves either staining the original concrete or applying a decorative, self-leveling overlay on top of existing concrete or even wood or tile. Brilliant finishes and effects can be achieved with extended durability and a minimum of maintenance.
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