Why is Decorative Concrete Under-Utilized

Decorative concrete is an easy to install, long lasting, and sustainable flooring material. It is also extremely versatile and is an aesthetically-pleasing surfacing that can be customized to work with nearly any environment. With so many benefits, why is decorative concrete still under-utilized, even in cities like Portland’s concrete projects?

Contractors may not have the artistic experience needed

Decorative concrete is more difficult to place with skill than traditional concrete. It is often a focal point and central design element of the space in which it is placed and will be more scrutinized than most concrete. It requires experienced concrete contractors who are dedicated to creating aesthetically appealing, long lasting decorative concrete. Unfortunately, if decorative concrete is not well engineered and not placed by experienced concrete artists, the result can look unattractive or begin to crack within a few years. The unskilled use of decorative concrete can certainly generate an undeserved negative reputation.

Style preferences have favored other finishings

Other finishing materials such as tiling, linoleum or vinyl flooring, wood, or paver stones for outdoor areas, have traditionally been popular materials. As decorative concrete continues to innovate, many developers, businesses, and homeowners are not yet aware of the many benefits and flexibility of decorative concrete. Additionally, some decorative concrete finishes so seamlessly mimic these other popular finishing materials that people may be unaware that they are in fact admiring decorative concrete. This awareness gap and traditional preferences have limited adoption of decorative concrete in applications in previous decades.

Concrete as a sustainable material is gaining interest

With the growing adoption of LEED and green buildings, more developers and business owners are learning about the flexibility of concrete finishing. Concrete has a high thermal mass, making it a terrific insulating material; it is long lasting and does not require significantly more material than constructing the building itself.  These attributes can make it a sustainable building material option. As awareness of concrete’s benefits grow, so has the awareness of the versatility and aesthetic value of concrete finishes. 

Conco’s mission is to be the best supplier of concrete services in the Western United States and to bring experience, expertise and quality to each project.  We continue to upgrade and expand facilities to better serve the growing market for public works projects, commercial, educational, parking structures, and other construction development.  Please contact us to learn more about our high-performance, precision-engineered fabricated rebar in the Portland area.