2 Ways To Create An Attractive Concrete Base For Your BBQ And Outdoor Dining Area
Posted on: 13 November 2017
Outdoor dining is a popular choice for many Australians and there is an enduring love for a delicious BBQ meal during the warm summer evenings. Having a dedicated BBQ and outdoor dining area to accommodate this is an important addition to a home. If you're thinking of creating an area like this, then you might be considering have a small concrete slab laid as a base.
Concrete is an excellent choice for the job. It's durable, strong, inexpensive, and it gives you a huge amount of flexibility in the size and shape you can create. If concrete sounds practical but also a little boring, then here are two easy and effective ways you can make your new concrete slab a beautiful and unique base for your BBQ and dining area.
1. Exposed aggregate
Aggregate is the name of the small pieces of stone or gravel that are used to bulk up the concrete mix and help the materials bind together. In regular concrete, this is usually made from blue-stone or even crushed, recycled concrete. For a more attractive and colourful look, you can choose pretty, decorative stones and pebbles instead.
River pebbles, quartz, seashells and coloured glass are all great options. Once the concrete has set, your contractor will sand the surface, which exposes the attractive aggregate. The sanding also buffs the aggregate, giving it a sparkle and shine that looks beautiful, particularly when your outdoor lighting shines on it during evening BBQ dinners.
2. Coloured resin
To get a colourful and uniform finish to your bare concrete, you can add a resin-based sealant that includes a colourant in the mix. This will give your concrete a subtle yet attractive finish that is much more appealing than the dull grey colour of regular concrete.
As well as making the concrete more attractive, the coloured resin will also help to seal it and protect it. This will help prevent weathering and water damage and will make your slab last for much longer. Using a resin sealant is also great for an outdoor eating area because it will prevent the concrete from becoming stained by greasy food spills or drinks such as juice, cola and wine.
To find out more about these decorative concrete ideas, contact your local concrete contractor. They can answer any questions you may have about exposed aggregate and coloured resin and help you to decide which option is best for your home.
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