By using the process of adding color to the top layer, the color can be swirled or striped, creating a unique look.Decorative concrete, also known as patterned concrete and stamped concrete, is quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional paving stones. However, one important advantage that is frequently overlooked is the creative flexibility that patterned concrete allows one to have. This is a particularly popular choice with artists and designers, creating a look that will stand out from the norm. Unique patterns of your artistry Because the pattern or design of choice is etched into a plate that is then stamped onto the concrete, there are literally hundreds of patterns from which to choose. Color can be added in a variety of ways, either as a dye to the entire batch of wet concrete, creating a uniform and consistent color to your concrete, or by adding color to just the top layer of concrete. Having a uniform color to your sidewalk or patio is a widely accepted practice, but with the process of cast-on color, you can choose to make a pattern with color. Rainbow of pleasing colors An additional aspect of the creative license that decorative concrete allows is the process of color application. Another option is to have the master design a plate custom made for a truly unique, one-of-a-kind addition to your backyard. The usual trend is to install patterned concrete to mimic the look of brick, flagstone or some other material when the process of installing those original materials isn't a possibility because of cost or environmental conditions. Creating an outdoor patio or walkway with brick, flagstone or other pavers is an aesthetically pleasing look for your yard, but is not a universally viable option because of potential cost or climatic difficulties. The wet concrete is poured and smoothed, and before it is allowed to dry, a plate with a pattern etched into the exterior is applied to the wet concrete, imparting the design from the plate onto the concrete, creating a pattern. Traditional artistry for modern design Decorative concrete is created through a process that is similar to old printing methods. . The colors can even be alternated if you would like to have each stone a different color, or make a pattern with the color of your stones by repeating a pattern using two or three solid colors, for instance. If patterned concrete is being installed to mimic the look of brick for instance, it is a natural assumption that the concrete will by dyed the rich russet color of traditional brick. But one of the beauties of decorative concrete is the creative license to which the process lends itself. This process is repeated over the entire surface area of the concrete, usually generating a tessellating design. Choosing the process of cast-on color, where the dye is added to only the top layer of the concrete, is another choice offering vast creativity. Concrete in its natural state is a light gray color, making it literally a blank slate. The practical applications of using patterned concrete in your yard as opposed to pavers, and the advantages of making this choice, are well known and widely documented. Your builder or concrete installer will have a palate of plates to choose from, so you can pick a design that most reflects your taste and individuality. A rainy climate provides challenges to using pavers because they continue to settle once they are installed'an issue that does not present a problem for Eco-friendly polyester yarn the decorative concrete technique. If you use the process of integral color, by which the entire volume of the concrete is dyed, you can pick from a range of colors, or mix several colors to obtain an exclusive look. Patterned concrete is a stylish choice when deciding how to pave your walkway or patio, and it is also a creatively exciting choice for people who want to add a bit of personal flair to their environment. Patterned concrete has become a popular alternative to pavers because it is often a more cost effective material to use, and it may be an easier material to work with and install in tricky climates.