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“If you want a granite look at a price not nearly as high as natural granite, it can be done with concrete,” Arnold says. “Custom colors to harmonize with other materials? We can do that, too.”

A broad range of coloring admixtures and the exposure of varying aggregates can give concrete projects an incredibly wide range of differing appearances. Lithochrome stains and hardeners create beautiful, translucent special effects along with surprising abrasion resistance.

The warm color of the tilt-up concrete panels used to construct the Chapel of St. Ignatius in Seattle, Wash., was created by integrally coloring the concrete. After it cured, subtle shading was added for a permanent patina that accentuates the dramatic, uplifting architectural design. Courtesy L. M. Scofield.

A variety of finishing techniques permit unusual special effects; decorative saw cuts or sandblasting patterns onto a chemically stained surface adds excitement to the design.

Architects and designers often specify logos, geometric patterns or other designs when specifying the use of chemical stains on concrete floors and toppings. With saw cutting tools, it’s possible to etch rose compasses, faux flagstones, floral arrangements, and other intricate patterns into the surface. The designs become vivid when chemical stain is applied to them.

Faux finishes may be achieved by applying secondary stain colors to create a feeling of movement that simulates marble or other natural stones.

“Something I would like to work with is translucent concrete,” says Windom Kinsey, design principal at Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects, Las Vegas.