by Bailey Shelton | photos by 360 Tour Designs
Modern edges, custom lines. These are the elements that make for a unique outdoor patio. As home trends push the envelope of home construction, bolder outdoor spaces are rising to meet the standard. Homeowners are encouraged to dream big, but bear in mind the possibilities while they do.
A CUSTOM LOOK WITH A QUICK FINISH
While outdoor projects usually start in warmer months, homeowners still should try to maximize that outdoor space from the moment it’s completed. Owner of FLATMADE Concrete Co., Ben Driskell says the speed of concrete projects is as satisfying as the finished project.
When we think of custom outdoor spaces, winding pathways or dynamic sculptural structures might come to mind, but custom features can also mean a more vibrant outdoor life for your home. Think about outdoor pizza ovens or custom firepits, an extra step at the edge of your pool to dip your feet in while your shorts stay dry. These small luxuries are the difference between the standard and a customized blueprint.
Driskell says, “People are going for something that’s nicer than your regular concrete, coordinates with natural stone, and is low maintenance.”
As easily poured as it is personalized, each of FLATMADE’s outdoor projects are built to suit your vision. That said, be sure you know what you’re signing on for–there’s no moving a custom concrete picnic table once it’s poured.
“Most of these are more form over function, they’re going for that unique one-off piece that’s completely custom to that home,” says Driskell.
Innovations 3-D renderings also help the team come together with a cohesive vision. Driskell says these pre-project mockups help keep his project quotes as accurate as possible– the team at FLATMADE can see every aspect of the project before work begins.
“Now a builder can send me their renderings and plot plans, and I can price an estimate before they even send a bid to the client,” says Driskell. “This ends up being better for everyone because there aren’t going to be any surprises at the end of this build.”
DURABILITY TO STAND THE TEST OF TIME
While there’s no swatch test for concrete, different treatments and finishes can help to color-match your property. Driskell’s team at FLATMADE is adept at making these adjustments via sealants and finishes– and they come with some added benefits. Homeowners can expect weather resistance, fine-tuned surface textures, and longer-lasting patios from certain sealants and topcoats, as well as cosmetic adjustments.
Modern American homes are embracing the beauty of natural material more and more often, and those natural materials are shifting the look and feel of outdoor spaces as well. This natural look is unlikely to ever go out of style.
“It’s not just about function anymore, it’s about how we can either make something bold that really stands out or how we can make the material more neutral to blend with the neutral look of the home,” says Driskell.
Think long-term as you design your patio. Your outdoor space should be able to last for many summers to come without an annual reseal or early replacement. For more information from the experts at FLATMADE Concrete, visit flatmadeconcrete.com.
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15290 Allisonville Road
Noblesville, Indiana 46060
