18 Nov How to use decorative concrete in your bar or restaurant

Concrete has traditionally been thought of as quite a utilitarian material, but this is no longer the case. In the last few years, there has been a huge increase in the amount of concrete being used in interior design, in a wide variety of commercial and residential buildings.

Decorative concrete is particularly well suited to the hospitality industry, due to its refined looks, versatile nature, strength and durability. Here are some of the ways decorative concrete can be used to great effect in your bar or restaurant, and the reasons why you should consider concrete when you’re planning a makeover of your hospitality business.

Flooring

Decorative concrete is an ideal flooring material for a bar or restaurant. It is extremely strong and hardwearing, so it will withstand a large amount of foot traffic and last for many years.

It is also extremely versatile in terms of its appearance. Concrete can be stamped or dyed in different colours and patterns, so it can be made to resemble a wide variety of other flooring materials such as marble or wood, but at a more affordable price. It can also be given different textures, so it is an ideal choice if you want to minimise health and safety risks by having a non-slip floor that still looks highly attractive.

Walls

Painted walls or wallpaper are often impractical in a bar or restaurant. As customers will be constantly brushing past or leaning against the walls every evening, the pristine finish rarely lasts long, so it is often the case that you have to have your walls repainted or wallpapered every few months. Over time, this can be extremely costly, as you have to spend out on new materials and labour, as well as losing custom while your establishment is being redecorated.

Decorative concrete solves this problem. It is ideal for use as a wall covering, as it can withstand a lot of contact without ever losing its beautiful appearance. As it can take on a wide variety of appearances, it can easily fit in with the décor theme of your bar or restaurant, as it can be made to look like brick, marble or many other wall coverings, providing you with any look you want, from urban, futuristic chic through to a classic luxurious style.

Table tops

When you run a bar or restaurant, the tables are something you constantly have to think about and take notice of. They have to be hardwearing enough to withstand plenty of elbows leaning on them and hot plates being placed on them. They also need to be easy to clean, as spillages happen constantly. In addition, they have to look attractive enough to provide your customers with a welcoming ambience.

Concrete table tops might be something you have not previously considered, but decorative concrete is a highly effective material to use in this way. As it is so strong and durable, it will withstand all the pressure your customers put on it. It is also an extremely hygienic material that wipes clean easily, so spillages can be cleaned effectively without staining.

In addition, the appearance of decorative concrete table tops will instantly give your bar or restaurant a touch of luxury. It can be polished to a high-gloss finish, which looks highly attractive, and can be coloured to coordinate with the rest of your décor.

Decorative details

Most bars and restaurants feature a variety of decorative objects to give the establishment some character. Decorative concrete is ideal for creating ornaments and statues, as it can very easily be moulded into just about any shape you choose. This means you could have your logo moulded in decorative concrete above the bar, or a model of a mascot positioned outside the front doors to welcome customers as they arrive.

Decorative concrete can also be used to provide fancy detailing in numerous areas throughout your bar or restaurant. It is ideal for sculpting pillars either side of the doors, or cornicing on the ceiling, adding the finishing touches that make your business stand out from the crowd.

Find out more about decorative concrete

If you would like to know more about the many uses of decorative concrete, or would like to see how it could transform your bar or restaurant, please contact us. Our specialist team will be happy to discuss your requirements.