Fall 2004 - National Ready Mixed Concrete Association

feature
Growing Markets
for Architectural and
Decorative Concrete
By Jamie Farny, Program Manager, Portland Cement Association
The decorative market has been
continuing to gain strength in
the past few years, and is often
referred to as the fastest growing segment
of the industry. It’s important for
the attention it brings to concrete construction.
It turns the ubiquitous material
that is taken for granted, or barely
noticed, into the main attraction. Decorative
concrete is to plain concrete as a
luxury edition car is to the base model.
Both vehicles may get you from one
place to another, but who doesn’t want
to look good doing it
Value-Added Products
Architectural and decorative concrete
are premium products. They are
not for every application. They cost a
little more and look a lot better. Sometimes
they add an aspect of safety to a
project. They can be applied to most
types of construction, including commercial,
industrial, retail and residential
buildings. The following list of examples
is by no means complete:
• exterior walls
• retaining walls
• white or colored interior floors
• exterior flatwork, such as driveways,
patios, plazas, pool decks
• curbs and gutters, medians, planters
• bridge parapets and barrier medians
Stamped and colored concrete provides a good-looking pool and spa deck.
18 ı FALL 2004