The industrial style in interior and object design has been around for a long time and continues to set the trend. One of the easiest ways to include this style is with the use of different concrete materials and textures. There are many simple, yet innovative concrete surfaces that have been developed, which has meant that many designers are using it in unexpected and unusual ways. Due to its malleability, strength, durability, and ability to incorporate textures and colours, concrete finishes can be used in any project.

Although polished concrete flooring is a fashionable coating, concrete is as old as the history of mankind. It is a technology that has not stopped evolving. It obtains a more versatile material every day, with better mechanical properties and without losing the low cost that characterises it.

Even so, for many years, its use as a floor covering was limited to shops, industrial buildings, and sports facilities. Since, despite being an economical and low maintenance option, its crude and unattractive appearance limited its application.

The journey of Concrete Textures So Far

Concrete surfacing is such an essential part of the human environment. Various projects were carried out throughout the 20th century to give artistic value to the raw material. Artists, architects, and designers dedicated themselves to study it and modify its appearance to obtain pieces that could be considered beautiful. As a result, new approaches and treatments have been sought to change its rough appearance and produce modern and sophisticated finishes.

With this technique, excellent and resistant surfaces are achieved, frequently requested in the construction and remodelling of spaces with high traffic such as airports, commercial, educational, and health centres. But they are also increasingly used as decorative floors in residential environments.

Qualities of Concrete Surfacing

The minimalist and industrial styles are in vogue for modern decoration. They are the ideal framework for concrete surfacing. Its smooth and bright appearance recreates the feeling of marble. However, it has the advantage that it is seamless, withstands high traffic in difficult areas and outdoors, and its price is lower.

The trend of installing polished concrete floors has become so popular and fast-growing that, in many cases, it confuses consumers and contractors with the introduction of new technologies and methods. However, the safest way to get the best results is to hire professionals who have proven systems to make polished concrete floor installations. This system must involve a series of equipment, abrasives with diamonds and chemicals to obtain an always consistent result in finish and quality. If you don’t have a concrete slab to polish, or you’re looking to achieve a concrete finish in your space without using the polished concrete method, there are different ways you can add concrete textures in your space.

6 Ways to Use Concrete Textures in Your Space

1.     Perfect For the Top of Any Table

With concrete, you can achieve a uniform and continuous surfaces; this makes it perfectly applicable as a top for all kinds of tables. It can be adapted to different matt, satin or gloss finishes for a modern look. A cost effective way to achieve a concrete looking table top is by using X-Bond. X-Bond is a hand trowelled micro-cement topping which can be applied over MDF or laminate. This is much more light weight than concrete and you can achieve a more consistent finish.

2.     Create Mobile Concrete Elements

Its unpolished surface recreates the rustic industrial aspect that works perfectly for this type of piece since it can be modelled to obtain any shape. The strength and hardness of concrete make this element to get incorporated with both indoors and outdoors.

3.     Make Your Wall a Feature

Using a concrete overlay system, you can create various concrete textures to a feature wall as a point of difference. Some of the various textures are hand trawled, polished or sprayed with a spray-gun to create a rough texture.

4.     Concrete Lighting

Thanks to the advantage of concrete’s versatility and malleability, designers have taken advantage of it by creating different designs of all kinds for the lighting sector. It includes pendant lamps, desk lamps, and wall sconces, even with bright and fluorescent colours that give the object a fun, fresh, and jovial character.

5.     Seamless Work Surfaces

Smooth concrete surfaces work very well for clean-ability in the workplace. You can have concrete surfaces on work desks, reception desks, walls and floors.

6.     Concrete Sinks

A beautiful sink can transform the look of your bathroom, and there are some beautiful concrete basin designs and colours on the market. You can use a concrete basin to add texture to your bathroom and as a focal design point.