Textured concrete is a class act

When most people think of great outdoor pathways, patios and driveways, interlocking brick springs to mind. And why not? It's everywhere, looks good and lasts a long time. But textured concrete is another outdoor surface option that deserves attention too. It goes down fast, is reasonably priced, and offers more visual choices than interlocking brick. Even though it's been around for years, few people know about it.

Textured concrete surfaces are related to municipal sidewalks in that they're both made of concrete that's cast in place on the ground within wooden forms. But the similarity ends there. Through the use of dyes and special rubber mats, impressions of random stone, brick, or cut flagstone can be formed into the concrete's top surface when it's still soft. The results are quite convincing. There are tradespeople who specialize in textured concrete installation, but the process is also practical for any ambitious homeowner. In fact, it's one of the best do-it-yourself outdoor surface options around.

Getting your supplies
Besides concrete and wooden forms, you'll need four things to get going: concrete dye, a texturizing mat, something to pound the mat down into the concrete (you can make your own pounder out of a 12-inch x 12-inch piece of 3/4-inch plywood with a 2x2 handle), and a powdered release agent to prevent the concrete from sticking to the mat. You won't find any of these at your local building centre, so don't even look. Form and Building Supply (800-265-1075) and L.M. Scofield Co. (800-800-9900) are two companies that specialize in textured concrete supplies. Both have a network of regional sales offices; call for details.

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