Psychology says having a lot of options can actually cause us a headache. With all the varieties of floor patterns and designs out there, it might just take you a whole day searching for herringbone alone. To help you narrow down your choices, here are five things to consider when choosing a stamped concrete pattern for your outdoor surfaces.
1. Elements surrounding the surface
Are you starting from scratch or doing an ultimate renovation for an area? Since the floors can make or break the rest of the design, planning around the elements is a must. Prioritize those that will most likely last for a long time, such as roof shingles, driveway bushes, and stonework patios. Look for their undertones and choose colors that will complement it. After all, you don’t want your pathway looking like it came out of the Land of Oz.
2. Base and accent colors
Base colors are those you see in the main area or, most likely, all over the house. Accent colors are then added for contrasting and emphasizing that base color. Try to differentiate those colors around the area or ask your contractor to give you a range of colors or color palette that will complement it.
3. Architectural Theme
If you’re a rustic lover, you might want to choose wooden patterns and hues that imitate wood for your patio. It would be a different case for those who go for a more modern approach since black stained concrete floors would appeal much better to their simplistic taste. Whichever you prefer, it is good to have an idea of the overall effect your house gives or which style it incline to.
Of course, mixing and matching some themes from different eras wouldn’t hurt, but getting expert opinions can help make a compromise without messing. Then there are other themes that will probably never go hand in hand. Imagine having an oriental stamped concrete patio with your retro furniture. Unless you’re confident with your spatial abilities, you may want to stick to a single theme.
4. Textural Applications
Texture isn’t just for adding beautiful details, but it adds function at the same time. Outside surfaces tend to be exposed to rain and water from pools, so choosing patterns with deeper grooves and rougher textures will help minimize slipping. For added protection, you can always request for a non-slip additive to the surface.
You can also select different textures for specific areas. Fractured slates or herringbone can be suitable for pathways leading to the doorstep, while smooth surfaces are ideal for patios. Driveways can also be a mix of smooth and rough textures that helps with your car’s wheels.
5. Ask the professionals
What works for others may not work for you, so having your contractor bring you some samples or showing you an idea of how it will come out can give you peace of mind that the design you’ll be getting will have the look you were going for. Since they also have had experience installing floors for past customers, they have a better idea of what a finished product will look like. Try asking them for videos and a portfolio of their past creations.
