How Decorative Concrete Became A Must Have

Twisted Concrete PotAt Home Again Studios, we love to use cement (an ingredient in concrete) to create one-of-a-kind décor pieces for the home.

While concrete has been around for millennia (learn more about its history here!) decorative concrete has only risen to popularity in recent years.

Originally created as a medium for construction, the Romans’ perfected the recipe so well many of their buildings are still standing today—despite years of weathering and natural disasters. By 1890 though, concrete manufacturers started using colors and stains to enhance the look of building facades and make the designs more interesting.

Concrete Napkin Holder and PotIn 1915, Mason Scofield created color hardeners, color wax, sealers and chemical stains, making them the first company to manufacture colors and make decorative concrete.

By the 50s, tools for stamped concrete are developed and patented by Brad Bowman, making it possible for contractors to get creative with their work. His first stamps were crafted with wood, before moving onto metal and eventually aluminum. Fast forward a few years to 1956, and Bill Stegmeier begins installing “Cool Deck” around swimming pools—a finish that kept bare feet from getting too hot on Summer days. He also invented release power so that textures could be stamped into concrete.

Concrete Skull and CandleIn the 1970s, stamped concrete continued to take off. Jon Nasvik became the first to develop urethane stamps that imprinted both pattern and texture on fresh concrete. The first pattern used was a brick pattern. It was also around this time that Disney was building EPCOT in Orlando Florida. They contributed to the explosion of stamped concrete when they commissioned 12-15 of the most unusual, decorate concrete patterns they could find.

Today, stamped concrete patterns are standard for patios, driveways and pavements.

In 1978, Gerald Brasseaux was making a concrete patio when leaves fell onto the wet drying surface and created the idea for Paper Stencil Patterning. And in the 80s, Buddy Rhodes Studios became the first business to specialize in concrete furniture. Their first concrete countertop was commissioned in 1986 and the design has been gaining popularity ever since.

Concrete DecorNowadays, concrete is everywhere. Whether you have a stamped concrete patio, poured concrete furniture, or decorative concrete pots and planters, this popular building material is no longer just for construction.

Trust us when we say, you won’t be disappointed when you add a new concrete item to your home. And at Home Again Studios, we have a number of hand-poured pieces for you to choose from.

SHOP CONCRETE DECOR