Concrete is the most widely used man-made material in the world. It is a composite material made up of cement, water, aggregates (such as sand, gravel or crushed stone) and sometimes admixtures. Concrete can be used in almost every application where structural integrity, durability and aesthetic appeal are required, such as in our bespoke concrete tables. In this article, we will discuss what concrete is and its various uses.

What is Concrete?

Concrete is a building material that has been used for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all used concrete in their construction. The modern form of concrete was developed in the 19th century by Joseph Aspdin, a British stonemason. He developed a process for producing a cement-like substance by burning clay and limestone in a furnace, which he called “Portland cement” due to its resemblance to a type of stone found in the Isle of Portland.

Today, the production of concrete involves mixing Portland cement with water, aggregates and sometimes admixtures. The Portland cement reacts with water to form a hard, durable material that binds the aggregates together. The strength and durability of concrete can be enhanced by adding reinforcing materials such as steel bars.

Uses of Concrete

Concrete is a versatile material that can be used in almost every application where structural integrity, durability and aesthetic appeal are required. Here are some of the most common uses of concrete:

1. Buildings: Concrete is widely used in the construction of buildings such as homes, offices, schools, hospitals and other commercial buildings. Its strength and durability make it ideal for use in the foundations, walls, floors and roofs of buildings.
2. Bridges and Highways: Concrete is used extensively in the construction of bridges, highways and other transportation infrastructure. Its durability and ability to withstand heavy loads make it an ideal material for use in these applications.
3. Dams and Water Reservoirs: Concrete is also used in the construction of dams and water reservoirs. Its ability to withstand water pressure and its durability make it ideal for use in these applications.
4. Decorative Purposes: Concrete can also be used for decorative purposes. It can be stamped, stained or polished to create a wide range of decorative finishes that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building or space. Our concrete tables are a perfect example of this.
5. Concrete furniture: of course we have to mention the beauty of concrete in building furniture, including concrete dining tables, console tables, coffee tables etc. Have a look at our gallery here.
6. Other Applications: Concrete is also used in many other applications such as retaining walls, foundations for equipment and machinery, and even in the manufacture of concrete blocks and pipes.

Contact daniel today to see how we can transform this amazing material into tables that are a beautiful centrepiece for your home.