Concrete calls out the creative juices

In addition to artisans and artists, DIYers are also discovering their inner creativity through the use of concrete.

One of their discoveries: concrete-medium projects can transform spaces indoors and out.

For the do-it-yourselfer, the initial interaction with concrete really comes down to carpentry skills more than artistic ability, said Chris Becker, who brings 20-plus years of hands-on concrete craftsmanship to his new post as designer and product innovator with Oldcastle Architectural. Creating concrete slabs with traditional shaping materials and reverse casting is an easy way to try something simple like pouring an outdoor tabletop, bar surface or seating bench. While artisans may be more adept at creating 3-D objects such as sinks, water or fire features, and intricate countertops, the DIYer can have great success with small-scale projects, such as planters, candleholders, small tabletop features or a custom inlay for their hardscape.



“There’s also a very earthy, organic perception to concrete as a medium,” said Becker. “This isn’t something that you’re harvesting out of the ground. And obviously concrete is very durable and weather resistant, making it perfect for outdoor applications. It’s not going to blow away in the wind and will never shatter like an upended glass tabletop. It still has a sense of being a pretty permanent material and that won’t change over time. The real change is in seeing people’s imaginations and the way they can work with an artist to bring a traditional outdoor material inside.”



Becker says the most creative pieces come alive when someone can take a particular material, like wood or stone, and make it look like something else.



“To me, it’s about making a custom concrete sink in someone’s bathroom that’s all one piece and with just the right color and nuance, it becomes what everyone pays attention to,” he said. “Someone may be able to afford a more expensive material like marble or cut stone; however, by opting to create a custom piece, it then becomes the focal point. It’s no longer just about the chandelier or the tile in the space – it becomes something no one else has seen before.”



However, one important tenet to keep in mind, Becker said, is to avoid giving zeal the driver’s seat. The concrete focal point should complement its surroundings rather than distract from the harmony of the environment.



“Rule number one, take your surroundings into consideration, because it has to look like it belongs,” Becker said. “And number two, if you can fool people and keep them guessing how you did something, then that keeps it interesting, cool and a bit mysterious. Throw in a little gesture or a unique feature – a good design is something that appears simple but upon closer look, may not be so simple after all.”