Concrete not only for high-rise buildings and prisons - its hip!

10/13/2005

One would suppose that considering her recent residence in Alderson, West Virginia, Martha Stewart would not choose concrete as a material to enhance her home, but as reported in "Upstate House" magazine, she calls concrete "the next big thing" and she plans to use it when decorating her large Bedford estate.

Apart from the other versatile applications of decorative concrete, like counters, sinks, fireplace surrounds, and barbeques to name just a few, the new generation of concrete flooring has completely changed ones perception of this amazing material.

Internal domestic concrete floors can be made with smooth finishes, in every conceivable color, that literally glow. However, add textures to those colors and you have a totally new breed of flooring.

Internally you have a choice of smooth, cobble stone, mosaic, even faux wood slats that give a real old world appearance as a feature. Add a vast selection of color to that and the magic of decorative concrete starts to happen.

Take the same material outside and other attractive features begin to appear and appreciate the real estate value at an exponential rate. Drive ways in a cobblestone finish (excellent for steep driveways that gives extra traction for the family SUV). Other alternative finishes to driveways are mosaic, patterned brick, slate or stone, or plain square slabs. Add a novelty color to it and it comes alive and becomes the talking point of the neighborhood.

These finishes are done with processes known as staining, stenciling and overlays and in the hands of an expert, can create effects limited only by ones imagination.

"We are very fortunate," said Blayde Penza, owner and designer of Ace Concrete from his Sun Valley studio and workshop in Southern California, "in that we have a well balanced and experienced creative team that allows us to specialize in both indoor or outdoor applications of concrete." He was referring to his partner Todd Mazer who specializes in the flooring and flatwork division of the business. "We have worked together for many years and have had a lot of fun in developing this incredibly versatile material, with new ideas being created all the time. The popularity of decorative concrete keeps us on our toes as more and more people recognize it as the 'in thing' and start to develop their own ideas and applications" he added.