How To Use Concrete For Home Decor?

by TRP Ready Mix on February 11, 2022

With Ready Mix Concrete, Your Home Décor Options Are Endless!

Can concrete even be a suitable material for projects at home? If you’re thinking that its uses are limited to walkways, driveways, and foundations, you’re missing out on the tremendous potential of this versatile material. You may have considered building your own concrete patio. But, this popular construction material is gaining a new use—home décor.

Designers have transformed this durable building material into durable and attractive home furnishings, decorative pieces, and other housewares. While Ottawa concrete suppliers are accustomed to filling large orders of concrete for use on construction sites, there are no projects too large or too small for concrete.

Here are some of the many uses of concrete throughout the home along with the many benefits of using concrete.

Using Concrete in Projects at Home

There used to be a time when you could only order large amounts of concrete from concrete suppliers, but now, concrete is widely available for projects of all sizes. You can buy small bags of ready-mix concrete from suppliers and home improvement stores.

This makes it much easier for homeowners who wish to complete their own concrete projects, as well as concrete designers who have taken to the art of designing concrete home décor.

What’s A Good Concrete Mixing Ratio?

When mixing your own concrete, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on the concrete bag. Otherwise, use a concrete calculator to determine how much concrete you need, and contact your local ready mix concrete supplier.

Depending on the amount and type of concrete you need, you can have your concrete delivered to your door and ready to pour.

Advantages of Working with Concrete

Challenges of Working with Ready Mixed Concrete

While concrete is waterproof, it is also porous, which means it can stain easily if not sealed properly. So no matter the type of concrete project you take on at home, you should seal the concrete once it has dried using either penetration or a topical sealer.

You will need to reapply the sealer every couple of years, or according to the manufacturer’s instruction

What To Use Concrete For?

Floors

Concrete floors are a homeowner’s dream come true. They are customizable with coloured dyes, stamps, embedded materials, etchings, and polishes to suit any interior décor.

They are incredibly durable, being scratch- and scuff-resistant. And they are easy to clean, requiring a simple sweep and mop. Concrete is also excellent for basement floors and staircases.

Walls

Concrete walls, especially on the exterior walls of your home, are easy to clean and maintain. They are durable enough to withstand harsh elements and extreme weather. And since concrete is fire-resistant, concrete walls will keep you and your home safe.

Concrete walls also prevent pests from burrowing into your home. And these are excellent at blocking outside noise.

Countertops

Concrete countertops are seamless and waterproof, making these ideal for use in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor kitchens. Since these countertops are created with a single pour, there are no joints or cracks for water to seep into.

Concrete countertops are customizable in shape and size, being poured into custom moulds. And you can even have a sink moulded in for a continuous countertop-sink combo. Other parts you can add to the design include a dish drain, soap dish, and trivet.

Sinks

Concrete sinks, whether standalone or continuous with the countertop, are durable, unique, and low-maintenance. With an occasional sealing, these sinks will last for years.

Tabletops

If you want a durable, long-lasting indoor or outdoor tabletop, consider using concrete. You can customize these tabletops to suit your home, and you can use the table with your family for many years to come.

Fireplace Hearth

You can create a modern-looking fireplace hearth and mantle using a solid piece of stained concrete. Or, you can stamp it to look like brick or stone. Concrete is an efficient material for fireplaces since it retains heat. So even after your fire is out, the concrete will slowly release heat into your home.

Shower Walls & Floors

Troweled-on concrete makes for seamless, low-maintenance, and waterproof shower stalls. Concrete shower walls and basins are also much easier to clean than your typical grouted tiles.

Bathtubs

Concrete bathtubs vary in size. There are single-person, standalone soaker tubs that take up minimal floor space. And there are also two-person tubs.

But do keep in mind the strength of your floor if opting for a large concrete tub. Concrete is heavy. So you will need to have a professional inspect your flooring before installing a heavy tub.

Home Accessories

You can make almost anything with concrete. And concrete accessories can certainly enhance your home décor. Some of the many houseware that are now being created with concrete:

The Takeaway

Concrete is a durable material, so why not also turn it into something beautiful that can be admired in the home? Contact us for more information about ordering custom ready-mix concrete for projects both large and small.

 

Published: October 2018

Updated: Ferbuary 2022