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Cement and concrete are two of the most common materials used in rendering mixes, and have also become a popular design choice for builders, architects, interior designers, and homeowners due to their natural appearance, sustainability, and versatility. Whether you’re decorating an eco-friendly space or a contemporary building, cement and concrete will add that extra ‘wow factor’ to your home.

Continue reading to learn more about how to utilise cement and concrete in your home.

What is the Difference Between Cement and Concrete?​

Cement and concrete are often used interchangeably. However, contrary to popular belief, there are key differences between them.​

  • Cement: Cement is an essential component of concrete, which is why people may get confused. It is made from shells, clay, limestone and silica sand. Adding water to a cement mixture triggers a chemical reaction known as hydration, which forms a binder that holds construction materials together.
  • Concrete: A key construction material used in residential and commercial projects worldwide for its strength and durability. It is one of the most widely used man-made materials in the world and comprises a mix of cement, aggregates (crushed stone or sand), and water.

The Long History of Cement and Concrete​

Cement and concrete have much longer histories than most people realise. It is believed that cement formed millions of years ago when burnt limestone reacted with oil shale. Concrete is thousands of years old and was first used in the  Nabataean Kingdom (modern-day Jordan). The use of concrete transformed the architecture of the Roman Empire and enabled them to construct iconic structures still standing today, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon in Rome, and the Roman Baths in England.​

In 1756, British engineer John Smeaton created the first modern concrete (known as hydraulic cement) by adding aggregates (pebbles and powdered brick) into the cement mixture.

​In 1824, English inventor Joseph Aspdin developed Portland cement, which has since become the primary ingredient in concrete.

How is Cement and Concrete Used Today?​

Instead of being used solely as construction materials, cement and concrete have taken on new, creative and innovative roles inside and outside the home.​

Some of the most innovative ways these materials are now used include:​

Modern Home Facades​

While cement rendering is the traditional and most commonly used type of render used on the exterior of a home, designers and homeowners are beginning to modernise it even more by combining a cement render with other materials like wood, bare bricks or sandstone to create an eye-catching home facade that truly sticks out from the other homes on your street.​

Cement renders are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect render type to mix with other construction materials.​

Feature Walls​

Make specific walls in your home stand out by using a textured or coloured cement render that adds points of interest throughout your home. You can even choose to hang artwork on these feature walls, or let the cement render speak for itself.​

Tables (Indoor Or Outdoor)​

Cement-rendered tables are timeless and versatile, making them a perfect addition to any indoor or outdoor space. They can be used for everyday family dinners, formal meals and dinner parties, or even as coffee tables in the living room or as bedside tables in a bedroom.​

They can be coloured or come in more neutral shades such as light or dark greys and whites. Make the table your own, so it fits in perfectly with your space.​

Kitchen Counter or Island​

Using concrete as a kitchen counter or island may seem a bit unusual, but it has its benefits. They are incredibly strong and durable, holding up well for many years, even with heavy use. Features such as sinks and cupboards can also be easily cut into the concrete.​

Bathtubs

​Bathe in style with a cement-rendered or concrete bathtub, which instantly brings elegance and a minimalist appeal to your bathroom. Cement or concrete bathtubs last for years and provide a unique bathing experience. They usually stay warmer for longer periods of time compared to regular bathtubs, thanks to their dense nature, and are easy to clean and maintain.​

Garden Planters

​Adding concrete or cement-covered planter boxes to your garden or along the border of your home is the easiest way to add texture and points of interest to your outdoor area. The rich texture of concrete and cement is the perfect contrast to the plants’ natural materials.

Planter boxes are also incredibly versatile (you can add texture, colours or patterns to them).

Pool Area

Placing a white cement-rendered brick wall around the pool provides both privacy and safety, and also perfectly offsets the blueness of the water and tiles, making the hues of blue look even brighter and more vibrant.​

Concrete is even used as a diving feature or as bridges to connect pathways.​

Fire Pit​

Outdoor fire pits have become a popular design feature in many modern homes. Cement or concrete fire pits create a strong and stable base for fires to be lit during the colder months, or while you’re entertaining.​

Whether they’re round or square-shaped, big or small, they add a touch of style to your outdoor spaces.​

Outdoor Furniture

​You may not think that concrete or cement-rendered outdoor furniture is the most comfortable thing to sit on, but it is incredibly durable and weather-resistant. You no longer have to worry about moving outdoor furniture under shelter when it rains.

Just place some large, soft cushions on the chairs for comfort, and you have the perfect outdoor space to entertain.

Front of House​

Traditionally, your home may have a letterbox, a little fence and a door entry light at the front of your home, but in modern days, you can incorporate all these functions with a cement-rendered or concrete structure. Combine your letterbox, house number, lights, and even planter boxes into a single structure to welcome people to your home in a stylish way.​

Water Features

​Glossy porcelain has typically been used for outdoor water features, such as water fountains. However, in recent years, raw concrete has become a more popular option. Concrete adds texture to the water feature and contrasts well with the ripple of moving water.

Tapware​

You may think having concrete or cement-rendered tapware is unusual, but it is steadily becoming a more common feature in minimal and modern bathroom and laundry designs.​

They are achieved by placing concrete casts onto the tapware or by applying a specialised micro-cement coating to give your tapware a unique, textured appearance and feel.​

Lamps and Lights

​Another unusual use of concrete and cement is for lamps. Concrete pendant lights and lamps give a room the ‘wow factor’. Like tapware, they are usually created by using a mould and attached to the light. They can also be used as the ‘stand’ for a floor or desk lamp.​

Flooring (Crazy Paving)

​While crazy paving may not be as popular as it once was, thanks to timber decking and large concrete slabs, it is slowly making a comeback. Crazy paving refers to irregularly shaped stone or concrete arranged in an eye-catching pattern.

​Although stones are usually used for crazy paving, concrete slabs are becoming a more popular option due to their cost-effectiveness.

Contact us for more cement and concrete design ideas! At Sydney Cement Rendering, we take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts. We provide our customers with the highest quality rendering services. Contact us at 0402 704 984 or visit our website: https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about what we offer!