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Decorative concrete can provide colorful out- door living spaces that require minimal mainte- nance. Concrete has been used in various applica- tions for hundreds of years, and is a go-to product for hardscape additions to residential, commer- cial and industrial projects. Today's landscape professionals meet client needs with outdoor living amenities like hot tubs, cabanas, pools, ponds and outdoor kitchens. Many add decorative concrete into their projects, but it takes a trained eye to develop a hardscape that will blend with and enhance an installation. Over the past few decades, concrete has become popular in projects where environmental con- siderations are a major focus. Concrete is free of volatile organic compounds (VOC), making it a good choice for those who suffer from allergies to carpet or tile glue. A concrete professional can craft an expansive range of surfacing styles from the homeowner or architect's vision. The follow- ing projects demonstrate that versatility. Decked Out in Missouri The pool deck and upper level of a Cassville, Mo., backyard was imprinted with hand-cut stone tools over an eight-week period by Ozark Pat- terned Concrete, an installer based in Lowell, Ark. Most of the 6,772-square-foot project was colored with an oyster white color hardener (LM Scofield) and a pecan tan antiquing release (Lithochrome), highlighted with color hardener pigments and grouted to match the existing stone on site. The borders and walkway under the mining track used a russet color hardener to match the flooring in- side the home. The intersections of the borders and the centerpiece are tracings of the ranch's Demolishing Concrete Stereotypes By Bonnie Moore, Patterned Concrete Industries, Ltd. Top: Many landscape contractors incorporate decorative concrete into their projects, as homeowners and businesses want durable, long- lasting hardscapes that are largely maintenance free. The concrete covering the upper areas and pool deck of this Cassville, Mo., residence was imprinted with hand-cut stone imprinting tools, colored with an oyster white hardener and pecan tan antiquing release, highlighted with various color hardener pigments and grouted to match the home's existing stones. Left: The owner of this Rogers, Ark., residence wanted a concrete hardscape that would complement the brick facade of their French country home and pool house. Ozark Patterned Concrete installed a veranda for the pool house, imprinted it with Old English herringbone brick imprinting tools, then grouted it to match the brick of the pool house and accents on the home. An inlay was scored and dyed to create a permanent floor covering for the entryway. Right: The 495 square feet of concrete decking at this Bentonville, Ark., residence was formed, placed and finished in just two days. The edges of the imprinted concrete were faced with an "end grain" texture mat to continue the project's woody appearance. 16 LC DBM Hardscapes (Continued on page 18)