Apr 17 2007
Imagine; images of relaxing with the sun or moon beaming down in an environment that has all the comforts of home. A view of the sky, the stars and a subtle refreshing breeze echoing with sounds of nature, only possible when you're outside; this is outdoor living at it's finest.
Last year, 48% of 600 residential architecture firms surveyed reported that upscale landscaping is on the increase, as is the popularity of outdoor living spaces such as decks, porches, patios and small courtyards instead of the traditional large backyards, according to the American Institute of Architects' first Home Design Trends Survey.
How important are these spaces? According to an NAHB survey of home- buyers, an outdoor living space such as a deck or patio is a "must have." If you build a deck, the average return on your investment is about 75%. And if return on investment is not of interest, then the pure enjoyment of a beautiful backyard retreat may be.
The obvious durability and functionally of concrete makes it a popular material of choice when creating the ultimate outdoor living environment, but what about design? For many people, concrete has been thought of as a dull, boring and drab finish. Others see little hope if any, in reviving the old concrete that they already have surrounding their dwellings.
Www.concreteideas.com, an online resource for everything Decorative Concrete, allows the consumer to explore the exciting options for using decorative concrete for their outdoor living spaces.
Whether the idea is to revive an existing patio, walkway, pathway, or to start fresh with a newly poured concrete slab, technology in the world of concrete offers up many exciting design options. The idea of ripping out the ugly existing concrete is a thing of the past and cost effective decorative concrete resurfacing systems and overlayments can be used to beautify an existing surface.
Informative articles, inspiring photos and thousands of ideas are all available at concreteideas.com.
Great information is available on ideas such as stamped concrete, exposed aggregate finish, chemical acid stain, (often referred to as acid etched concrete), engraved concrete, painted concrete, broom finish, concrete paving or patio stones, concrete fireplace surrounds, concrete countertops, furniture and more.
Another free resource available to visitors of the site is the "find a local contractor section', which immediately links consumers with professional contractors in their area.
Mark Donaldson, Executive Director of concreteideas.com says, " All of the premium installers who are featured on concreteideas offer a range of decorative concrete services. Most of them specialize in a variety of decorative concrete systems and have design ideas that could help in making anyone's outdoor living space dream a reality!"
Contractors listed on the site each have a detailed feature profile with images, services and their specialties. The feature makes it easy for the consumer to shop around and find the local contractor that suits their individual needs.
Architects, Designers, Builders, and Homeowners alike, will find inspiration, innovative new finishes and creative new design trends that use concrete as a finished product. The site will help to educate the user and make decorative concrete an easy to choose option for any outdoor living space.