Concrete ideas for patios and decks

Gabrielle Bonghi

Like functional sculptures, many stylish indoor and outdoor products are produced from a fiber cement material that renders the designs lightweight, easily transportable and perfect for urban dwellers. Concrete is a natural material that has long been a favorite among architects and designers for its durability, as well as its expansive breadth of colors and textured finishes that provide a wide spectrum of design possibilities.

Because it's most commonly used as a building material, concrete is naturally perfect for outdoor products of all kinds. It's weather and UV resistant, making it virtually maintenance free and able to hold up to just about anything, including kids and dogs. It's also porous, so it drains well, making it great for planters because it allows plants to breathe and absorb just enough water and nutrients. Better still, it stays cool, helping to maintain proper soil temperatures.

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