6 Tips to Help You Choose the Best Concrete Colors

The Best Concrete Colors                                         

You’ve finally decided on your new decorative concrete enhancement for your home, or perhaps your business. You’ve chosen the design and the pattern. It’s going to look great!   Now the only decision remaining to be made is the color. But just how do you choose the best concrete colors for your project?

Color a big decision

It’s true; the decision can be daunting. You want to get it right, because concrete coloring is a much different process than applying paint, and will not be quite as easy to change. Additionally, with so many color options to consider, it gives many people peace of mind to have professional help. At Unique-Crete Designs, we’re here for you every step of the way. Here are some of our top tips to help you choose colors for your decorative concrete project that you’ll love for years to come.

6 TIPS for CHOOSING CONCRETE COLORS

1. Do not expect an exact color match.

A rough rule of thumb is that concrete often dries about two shades lighter than the sample color presented. Factors that impact the depth of the final shade include the cement itself, the aggregate, and weather and atmospheric conditions during application and drying.

2. Stamped Concrete looks best with added contrast color.

A darker antiquing color is typically used to provide depth and highlights. Without this secondary application, a stamped concrete surface tends to look dull and unrealistic.

3. Most sealers darken colors applied topically

Antiquing color and other colorants applied atop the concrete for effect will experience a noticeable darkening. It’s important to consider this when choosing colors in order to avoid an unattractively stark contrast. If choosing an antiquing color lighter than the base, failing to factor in the impact of the sealant can result in an intended contrast color being neutralized to the same shade as the base.

4. Don’t match, “complement”

Aiming to choose a color that perfectly matches the color of a home tends to result in a washed out look that lacks impact. Even worse, with the natural irregularities in final color, an attempt to identically mirror a color will more likely miss the mark. A slight variation in color can be visually unsettling, and often looks like a mistake. Your best choice is to select a color that is an attractively complementary color. Taking a cue from contrasting trim or roof color is always a good  choice.

5. The right color for faux

Are you installing a stamped concrete pattern meant to replicate a natural material like wood or stone? Take your lead from the colors that are found within that item in nature.

6. Color for functionality

A dark color is never recommended on a pool deck or other area where you are likely to walk in bare feet. The sun’s heat is absorbed by darker and reflected by lighter hues, so your toes will be a lot more comfortable on something not much darker than sand. By contrast, darker shades are an excellent choice for areas like concrete driveways and garage floors that would benefit from stain-camouflaging effect of a darker hue.

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Unique-Crete Designs

Provides service to the Middle Tennessee area, including Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Clarksville and Springfield. A family-owned business, we offer many one-of-a-kind concrete finishing solutions, concrete overlay systems and much more. We are certified for Retroplate Concrete Polishing System and HTC Superfloor. For more ideas about how to create a stunning custom concrete pool deck of your own without the high-end price tag, contact  Unique-Crete Designs at 615-334-0904 today, or click HERE to get a free estimate.

For special savings and offers from Unique-Crete, click the link below:

http://www.concrete-finishing-nashville.com/

Unique, Artistic Concrete Countertops

Concrete for countertops is catching on.

People are beginning to catch on to the idea of using concrete for countertops. Slowly, but steadily, the trend is building momentum. From a practicality standpoint, it makes perfect sense. Concrete is incredibly durable, not to mention affordable. And today, concrete has the ability to dress up with a mirror-like high gloss finish, dress down in a beautifully basic, more natural look, and spread it artistic wings with staining, stamping, and a whole gamut of artistic expressions!

Stylish and savvy designers have been using unadorned concrete countertops in urban industrial styled spaces for quite some time. Simple buffing and sealing is all that’s required for this look. But now, with the addition of pigments, stains, forms, and special finishes, it seems there’s nothing the once humble concrete countertop can’t do. From amazing wood grain and swirling-veined stone replicas to charming old world looks and one-of-a-kind artistic creations, concrete is quickly becoming one of today’s surface material superheros.

There was a time when concrete countertops were relegated to the either the wealthy or to enterprising diy-ers, but no more. Concrete has gained acceptance and popularity as the countertop medium of choice. At Unique Crete Designs, we are experts at helping you express your unique individuality in your home decor with versatile, affordable concrete - no matter what your style aesthetic.

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Unique-Crete Designs

Provides service to the Middle Tennessee area, including Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Clarksville and Springfield. A family-owned business, we offer many one-of-a-kind concrete finishing solutions, concrete overlay systems and are certified for Retroplate Concrete Polishing System and HTC Superfloor. For more ideas about how to create a unique, artistic concrete countertop of your own for superior beauty and performance without the high-end price tag, contact  Unique-Crete Designs at 615-334-0904 today, or click HERE to get a free estimate.

For special savings and offers from Unique-Crete, click the link below:

http://www.concrete-finishing-nashville.com/

Stained & Colored Concrete for Pool Decks

Cruisin’

Don’t you love the way a richly colored pool deck makes the water look bluer, more inviting, and more luxurious? It evokes the feeling of stepping on board an elegant cruise ship, where you’ll be attended to by dashing servers bearing sterling trays. So beautiful!

Concrete: the traditional pool deck champion

When it comes to your pool deck, concrete has always been the champion of materials for the performance and durability you need. But lately, decorative concrete products and applications have catapulted the concrete used for your pool deck from a dependable utilitarian material to an artistic medium, capable of achieving innumerable stunning designs.

Many decorative options available

It’s true that the addition of color or stain to your concrete pool deck will reap dramatic results. The contrast brings a new depth and interest to your outdoor space that gives it distinction. You could also choose to add other decorative concrete applications, like stenciling and stamping to further express your unique taste. Pool deck medallions and monograms are popular as well, reinforcing corporate identity or a cherished family crest or initial.

Favorite colors for pool decks

The image shown above features a deep tobacco colored concrete which has also been augmented with a topical stain washing, giving it a lustrous leather-like feel. The architectural pool coping is done in a contrasting natural slate texture and color, giving it an authentic look that instantly add interest. A variety of attractive shades are available for your custom concrete pool deck. Some of our favorites include sun-soaked earth tones, deep pewter blues and charcoals, and the more traditional and soothing sandy beige and white combinations. Color matching is often possible as well.

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Unique-Crete Designs

Provides service to the Middle Tennessee area, including Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Clarksville and Springfield. A family-owned business, we offer many one-of-a-kind concrete finishing solutions, concrete overlay systems and much more. We are certified for Retroplate Concrete Polishing System and HTC Superfloor. For more ideas about how to create a stunning custom concrete pool deck of your own without the high-end price tag, contact  Unique-Crete Designs at 615-334-0904 today, or click HERE to get a free estimate.

For special savings and offers from Unique-Crete, click the link below:

http://www.concrete-finishing-nashville.com/

Planning Your Decorative Concrete Driveway

“Ho-hum.” Those words are practically synonymous with a plain grey concrete driveway. But at Unique Concrete, we’ve got the perfect prescription for turning your driveway from drab to fab. Not that you would you expect any less from us. Today’s decorative concrete driveway options are great for adding instant curb appeal to your property.

BASIC DIMENSIONS

• Length - The standard measure for driveway length allowance is 18-20’ for each car or truck. Full size pickups with extended cabs and over-sized mini-vans should have an extra allowance of 22-24’. Adding a clearance of 3-5’ t the bottom of the drive is preferable if you have the space. 
  
  
• Width - A minimum of 10’ per vehicle is the standard, but wider spacing allows for easier passage and loading between vehicles - and is best to help avoid accidental scratching of your vehicle’s finish when the kids’ bikes get a little too close.
  
  

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• SINGLE VEHICLE - 20’x10’ minimum, 20’x12’ preferred
• DOUBLE VEHICLE - 20’x20’ minimum, 20’x24’ preferred
• TRIPLE VEHICLE - 20’x30’ minimum

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SPECIAL FEATURES

• The Turnaround - A longer driveway tends to necessitate a turnaround area. This allows room to back a vehicle into the turnaround and drive forward out the drive. The size:
• 10’x12-14’; more for extended cabs
  
  
• Edge Bands - Adding 1-2’ wide bands along driveway sides improves ease of mobility, and keep you out of that awkward and even dangerous place where minimal driveway width allowances (common among many builders) let you down with everyday loading and unloading, and send you stumbling into the lawn. They also increase possible design options and ultimately, aesthetic interest. As a virtual “decorative frame”, edge bands give a driveway extra panache that adds dramatically to curb appeal.

• Comfortable Entry Walkways - A walkway from the driveway to the front entry should be placed at the vehicle door exit rather than at the front of the drive. A wider landing where the walkway meets the driveway allows for easier transition from open vehicle doors, and is especially helpful in unloading groceries and larger items. In addition, making sure your walkways are 4-5’ wide rather than the minimum 3’ will make a world of difference in personal comfort and stability over the course of the years.

• Conduits Tunnel - Have you thought about the out placement of conduits for utilities, main water lines, electrical lines, low-voltage lighting, sprinkler pipes, speaker wires, etc.? Planning for an extra 3” pvc pipe 12-18” below the driveway for access under the drive at a later time as needed is very wise. However, don’t forget to cap the pipe to prevent it filling with debris in the waiting.

• A “Fancy” Apron - Many designers recommend enhancing the base of the drive, or “apron”, to create a stunning first impression, and a welcoming appearance. The apron is a great place to make a statement for visitors and passersby.

• Pitch Perfect - Proper grading and drainage to reduce the pitch of the drive at the final approach helps minimize the likelihood of your vehicle scraping against the surface of the driveway. Adding curbing or small retaining walls along the sides of the driveway most always eliminates this problem.

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Want more information about creating a special, one-of-a-kind look for your driveway? Contact Unique-Crete Designs today at 615-881-6694 or click HERE to get a free estimate. We look forward to helping you!

5 Tips for a Stunning Decorative Concrete Driveway

Have you been dreaming about a stunning, one-of-a-kind design for your driveway that beautifully sets your home apart from all the others? Decorative Concrete is being used by homeowners everywhere to create the perfect pièce de résistance for their home. At Unique-Crete Designs, we love helping our clients make their design dreams come true. Take a look at the five tips we’ve provided below:

1. USE A MIX OF PATTERNS OR FINISHES

Employ variation by using two different patterns or finishes in your custom concrete driveway design to create dramatic interest.

2. CHOOSE BOLD COLOR

Color is a powerful towel in generating visual appeal. If coloring the entire driveway is more than you can manage, select specific spots to highlight.

3. DIRECT THE EYE WITH A FOCAL POINT

Choose your focal point, and craft your design to clearly direct the eye. You can incorporate the intersecting points of your driveway to effectively achieve this. Favorite designs for your focal point include the compass rose, logos, monograms, family crests, address numbers, or shapes with varying stamped patterns.

4. PLAY WITH PATTERNS

There are so many different patterns to choose from! You can incorporate bold geometric shapes to make a statement, or select something a bit demure for a casual look. While  you’re at it, why not finish off your design with an attractive bordered edge?

5. INTEGRATE YOUR DESIGN INTO THE CONTROL JOINTS

In this picture, typically square control joints are instead created in an interesting pattern of geometric shapes that make up the featured design of this driveway.

This is just a small sampling of what can be accomplished with decorative concrete. For more ideas about how to create a stunning custom concrete driveway of your own without the high-end price tag, contact  Unique-Crete Designs at 615-881-6694 today, or click HERE to get a free estimate!

Celebrate Pool Party Season with a Custom Concrete Patio!

It’s that time again: pool party! That’s right, you know when the heat hits, there’s no better place to beat the heat than your refreshing inground pool. If you’re like most Middle Tennesseans, you spend as much time as possible with friends and family enjoying it, not to mention the countless  hours maintaining your pool to keep it fresh and beautiful. But what about your patio surround? Whether it’s been awhile since you’ve invested any tlc in your patio and you crave a fresh, new custom look, or you need a brand new patio installation, Unique Crete can help!

You probably already know that concrete’s durability and design versatility makes it an excellent material choice for patios. It’s also extremely low maintenance. Looking to liven up your existing patio? We can grind your floor, score and stain it, and you'll have an attractive upgrade in no time flat. If your existing concrete patio is cracked or stained, it can be resurfaced. Concrete resurfacing will make your patio look like new! There are many stunning, creative designs that can be achieved with a coloring and stamping a resurfaced concrete patio.

Want a great concrete patio style tip? Many are choosing to integrate plants into the places where expansion joints would otherwise be located. These help to create a more permeable surface and break up the expansive paving with green. And, they give your custom patio a lush, rich, designer look that you and your guests will love!

If you’re looking for high quality cutting edge style for your patio without the high-end price tag, poured or resurfaced concrete is just the ticket for all of your needs!  Unique-Crete uses safe, naturally occurring materials to enhance the strength of the concrete. Want to learn more about creating your own special concrete patio project with Unique-Crete Designs? Call 615-881-6694 or click HERE to get a free estimate!

Stamped Concrete Trends for 2015

Looking for an affordable but attractive option for the patio area of your home or business?  Stamped concrete bring you the best of both worlds, with the added  bonus of being extremely low maintenance! Stamped concrete offers a for a wide variety of patterns, textures and color options, perfect for adding your own unique signature to your Middle Tennessee patio makeover! Of course, trends do come and go. At Unique Concrete, our expert staff will walk you through the many different looks you can achieve with stamped concrete, and help you choose the style that is best for your project. We want you to love your look, without fear of quickly becoming dated and unappealing.

4 Favorite Stamped Concrete Trends for 2015:

1) Seamless textures

With the ability to virtually eliminate grout lines and seams that are notorious for collecting dirt and growing weeds is a great advantage over traditional mortared stonework and grouted tile. The seamless textures offered by stamped concrete give the illusion of natural stone without all the drawbacks of tile.

2) Earth tones and natural coloration: Although stamped concrete does allow for virtually limitless color options including reds, oranges and greens, the latest trends are to create a more natural appearance and mimic natural materials like stone, brick, slate and even wood.

3) Satin sealer: Glossy sealers can create a plastic appearance that takes away from the natural shades and hues associated with natural elements. A satin or matte sealer will still provide a protective finish for your concrete but provide a more earthy look.

4) Borders: Borders like brick, flagstone and even pebble are increasing in popularity. The border will highlight the field area and can create a nice contrast to break up large spaces. A new and emerging trend is the create a pool coping edge stamped in concrete. The pool coping edge can be cantilevered and match the rest of the pool deck or be distinctive and contrasting the rest of the patio.

If you’re looking for high quality cutting edge style without the high-end price tag, stamped concrete is just the ticket for all of your hardscaping needs!  Unique-Crete uses safe, naturally occurring materials to enhance the strength of the concrete. Want to learn more about creating your own special stamped concrete patio project with Unique-Crete Designs? Call 615-881-6694 or click HERE to get a free estimate!