Concrete Patios

We have become enamored of concrete and want to use it in new ways in our landscape design. Does Exterior Worlds have some suggestions for us?
Concrete is an especially practical aesthetic in landscape design, especially in contemporary and urban settings. Nature has given concrete its appeal of durability and convenience. Yet there is artistry, too, with its simplicity and the freedom of a blank canvas it affords. Concrete has been given new life in the last 10-15 years and has a natural beauty similar to granite, marble, and quartz. In fact, some artists have called it “liquid stone.” This flexibility frees up the design potential, especially for concrete patios. Architects, builders and artists also now use concrete for furniture, kitchen countertops, even interior walls. No longer an ugly duckling material, it has come into its own in the 21st century—for monumental buildings, home interiors, urban landscaping, pool deck design and works of art, just to name a few examples.
Concrete is especially suitable for a patio design because it gives you the ability to create any dimension—right angle, straight edge, curved wall, round island. You can make it smooth and polish it, thus highlighting its coolness. Alternately, you can stain or color it, stamp or texture it. Let your imagination guide you to a beautiful concrete patio.

How are Houstonians building creative concrete patios?
When using concrete as your base material, the main word is “customize”—whether you’re talking about custom patterns, custom mixes or custom designs.

Custom patterns are created by using concrete insets to replicate a pattern. For an extra visual appeal, a floor pattern can then be replicated in related areas, such as a concrete countertop.

Custom mixes give you the opportunity to match your chosen concrete surface to most any color. Feel free to bring in examples of a color that will work flawlessly for you.

Besides a concrete patio, your custom designs may include an outdoor kitchen, a feature of the home landscape design that has skyrocketed in popularity here in Houston. Other custom designs using concrete: mantles over outdoor fireplaces, sinks and built-in benches.

Since drainage issues are so important in Houston, how can we avoid creating one more impervious surface?
Given our infamous torrential rainstorms, a landscape drainage system is a necessary component of any hardscape project in Houston. It determines whether your patio has a usable hard surface or becomes a swamp. Professional landscape designers and landscape architects can design patio drains—such as, French drains or decorative drains—in ways that blend seamlessly into the overall look. Drainage contractors can help as well.

We also want to be as ecologically correct as possible. Is concrete still a good choice in that regard?
Going “green” and using sustainable materials to create healthier and more resource-efficient environments is on everyone’s mind these days. Concrete fits perfectly into this concept. It is a natural compound. It is low maintenance. It is tough, durable and can withstand years of outdoor use without having to be replaced. Use it as much as you want in your “green” green garden design.