Decorative Cement Is the New Choice for Earth-friendly Design
What comes to mind when you see the words “decorativecement”? Perhaps an urban loft apartment with exposed floors. Possibly an elaborately patterned driveway or a city park with etched pavestones. These are just two of the many uses of this durable and surprisingly versatile material, which is popping up everywhere in residential and commercial designs. Designers and property owners are discovering the many benefits of this resilient substance and its wide range of applications.
One benefit of using concrete and cement for design is very simply put: It lasts. Wood and laminate floors are subject to a host of weather and wear-inducing elements, especially moisture. Decorativecement is virtually impervious to water and easily stands up to factors that can damage or mar less durable materials. As a result, it can be a much more cost-effective option for home and commercial design.
Today, the use of ecologically-sensitive materials in construction and design has become a major priority. That brings us to another significant benefit of decorativecement as an exterior surface in residential and commercial design. Cement may be one of the greenest materials around. Its basic elements are widely found and readily available, meaning that its use won’t prove a drain on natural resources. Since it is made of materials found in nature, it lends itself well to the burgeoning trend in earthy tones and themes in design. Cement is easily maintained, and because it can serve as both foundation and floor in interior rooms, conserves energy and resources.
For many people, one of the biggest draws of decorativecement is its versatility in design. You might be surprised to discover how many ways this durable material can be styled. Stamping is one possible way to enhance the natural attractiveness of cement, as virtually any design can be impressed into the surface and then colored or left in its natural shade. Cement can be dyed or tinted before it hardens or painted afterward, allowing an almost limitless range of hues and patterns. Joint patterns add a geometric style to exposed surfaces. Finally, terrazzo offers a highly polished but easily maintained finish to cement’s natural stone look.
As interior and exterior design seek more and more to incorporate environmentally sound techniques and materials, decorativecement is becoming a highly desirable alternative to both wood and synthetic materials in construction. Its many benefits make it a great choice for anyone who is looking for earth-friendly materials with aesthetic and functional appeal.
Wolf-Gordon is a leading resource for decorative cement and other home designing needs. Visit in person at one of the following showroom locations: Los Angeles Showroom Pacific Design Center at 8687 Melrose Ave., Suite BM5 Los Angeles, CA 90069; Chicago Showroom Merchandise Mart at #10-161 200 World Trade Center Chicago, IL 60654; or visit http://www.wolf-gordon.com/. To obtain samples or for general information, call 800-347-0550 or email info@wolf-gordon.com.