When most of us think of concrete flooring, a big, dull gray slab comes to mind and we’re not so far off. Most concrete flooring hangs out in the garage or outside and is gray and flat. But in reality there are several decorative concrete possibilities available to the adventurous homeowner. Here are five options for your perusing.

1. Concrete has the valuable ability to simulate other, more expensive materials. Great for sunrooms or any indoor room, decorative finishes and stamped patterns for concrete can achieve the look of wood, slate, granite, marble, tile, and more at a much lower price.
2. Concrete can also be made in many different textures, from a polished smoothness to a rough gravel texture. For a more natural look you could go with an exposed aggregate finish or you can have any kind of stone embedded into the surface — your pick.

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Concrete homes have grown in popularity with the growing attention to the conservation of trees and improving energy efficiency in homes. However, are they practical and functional, or simply a passing fad?

As discussed in the article Why Build a Home with Concrete, concrete homes offer many advantages over stick-built homes, including energy efficiency, non-toxic materials, and high durability. The drawbacks were also pointed out: concrete is not a renewable resource verses trees, which can be replanted.

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Concrete has come into its own, and builders and remodelers are paying attention. A combination of cement and fine aggregates, concrete is surprisingly versatile and more affordable than natural stone. For a more environmentally friendly alternative, look for concrete infused with flyash, a byproduct of coal-fired electric generating plants. This diverts the byproduct from the wastestream while reducing the energy investment of concrete production and, ultimately, improving the strength and performance of the concrete. Here are 5 concrete ideas for your home renovation.

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