When we think about changing the decor of our home, one of the first things that comes to mind is what materials are we going to use. In that choice, already considered using the apparent concrete?
Being a brand of a more modern decoration and with an industrial footprint, exposed concrete can be a very elegant and versatile option for different points in the house, from walls to counters and bookcases.
In this text, we will try to show you some great options so that you can adhere to this material in your renovation, as well as what are the tips so that it is always well taken care of and with the beautiful aspect that this material can have.
Know the exposed concrete
The exposed concrete is a concept that relates to using the material without any type of plastering or covering, as the name says, in an apparent way. Can be used on walls or on the floor, in the external or internal area.
In addition, it is possible to build furniture and niches with the material, like concrete shelves, banks, even with details and other particulars through the technique of concrete polishing.
When talking about apparent concrete, the tendency is to think of the common material, which is a mixture of sand, cement, stone and water. In its version for decoration, some other elements are added, like chemical additives and pigments.
Therefore, concrete can be considered one of the best choices, not being restricted only to environments with more industrial and modern footprints, But yes, bringing elegance to any room.
Another point that must be taken into account is that, despite the very sophisticated appearance and being the choice of high-end home decorators, concrete is one of the cheapest materials to use.
The reason for this is very simple: exposed concrete does not require any finishing, like any diverse choice. There is no need to apply plaster and paint, not even do extra care.
For this reason, has been the choice of construction and renovation company, both for use in new developments and in carrying out renovations, to give a new look to a property.
The only attention that is important to have is the application of varnish or other covering that is indicated to maintain the good condition of the chosen material. This becomes especially important when talking about external use, because it will be exposed to bad weather.
Advantages of choosing exposed concrete
Among the many benefits of choosing, we can mention the much lower cost than other materials, both by the application itself and the lack of need to use other coverages and resources.
Some of them are:
- Thermal comfort;
- Cost-benefit ratio;
- Cheap material;
- Ease of cleaning;
- Simple installation;
- Durability;
- Good appearance.
Another undeniable advantage is the ease of cleaning and maintenance, since any damp cloth can already remove dust. For families with children, becomes the best option, since it will not be marked with the use.
One might think that the burnt cement will be restricted to use in dark gray tones and that this may limit the choice, more use colored burnt cement it is already a reality and can bring even more modernity to the chosen room.
It is about finding the tone that will be in the right place to harmonize with the rest of the space and with other elements present, like lighting, windows, style of furniture and the purpose of the room.
The use of exposed cement can also give the property a very elegant look, especially when used outdoors, in combination with plants and wooden details.
You can say, surely, that the use of the material values and can increase the price of the property in the event of a residential property valuation, because it is a durable material that will hardly need to be changed.
In addition, another important benefit is that installation on floors, for example, it's simple and clean, unlike most modifications that are made to a property. This is because the concrete is already pre-sealed and pre-polished, greatly reducing dirt.
Regarding the temperature, there is another myth about apparent cement: leaves the coldest environments. Actually, the cement makes the thermal comfort more comfortable and the ambient temperature is kept stable, not necessarily colder.
For all these reasons, today it is considered an indispensable material to carry out a renovation or construction, especially for its versatility, that allows you to integrate with any style of decoration.
Tips to use on your property
With all the advantages, if the desire to change the floor of your room has gotten bigger and you can't wait to use this material in your home, we have some tips so you can make the best use.
First of all, understand in which room or area the material will be best used. It may be that, if you have a lot of spending on facade cleaning, making an investment to change into exposed concrete can be a good idea.
The fact is that, for use on facades, this material is already consolidated as one of the best options, being modern, practical and durable, besides being very beneficial for the pocket and present in several options.
Regarding use on facades, can be considered, medium and long term, the best option, since only the varnish may need maintenance to keep it in the condition it was put in.
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One of the biggest expenses for homeowners is with facade painting, that need to be done periodically, having annual recurrence or, tops, every three years, depending on the chosen color.
For use in bathrooms, the material has everything to be the ideal replacement for a marble countertop, or, yet, an entire wall of exposed concrete, that already integrates the countertop and the space that will be the sink.
In addition to being very aesthetically pleasing, concrete is a durable material and, with the correct application of the varnish, it will also be durable in a more humid environment like the bathroom, without any damage to its structure.
Another excellent way to incorporate this material into your home is through cellular concrete construction, that can be done to divide environments and can receive the exposed concrete as a final finish.
If there is the will, it is also possible to make tables, banks, shelves, closet, all kinds of elements to be added to the property according to the residents' needs, making use of exposed concrete to ensure a more stripped touch.
A very interesting option is to take advantage of the use for columns and, even, for stairs, since the material serves exactly this type of purpose and will be very stable, beyond dashing.
The use of exposed concrete on the ceiling, although an unusual option, can bring a very modern and unexpected result, being the ideal complement for a kitchen with a more industrial style, that further enhances the material.
Choose recognized professionals
A very important tip is to choose a responsible and experienced professional for the application of the concrete. Because it is a simpler and more characteristic material for unfinished constructions, it is essential that the application is well done.
This is because the apparent cement has a number of peculiarities in its application, mainly so that it offers a homogeneous and purposeful result, with the well-made aspect of the chosen use for the material.
If this is not done properly, there is a risk of having an incomplete reform aspect, as if the wall just hadn’t been finished correctly, floor or any other chosen surface.
When considering use on the floor, one must also speak of the need for expertise so that the parts are properly fitted, including the use of own devices that ensure that the installation is adequate and well seated.
Another important point is that the cement must be well applied and perfect at first, since it is not a material that allows touch-ups, even if you fix some part that is not good.
Therefore, hiring the appropriate labor is part of the good choice for the use of the material, since failing this step may make it necessary to redo and this will bring more costs for your renovation.
Even though the material is used to carry out concrete curb at the entrance to the house, it is essential that only good professionals are selected, to give even more security to your reform.
Finally, the use of concrete can be a wonderful option, whatever your inclination in terms of style or your need as a resident of the property. For decoration, can be the key to transforming an environment and making your home even more like you.
This text was originally developed by the blog team Investment Guide, where you can find hundreds of informative content about different segments.