If you own a business, you know the importance of maintaining and improving your property. Your overall curb appeal depends on many things - a newly paved parking lot, exterior planters and designated parking, for example - so it is beneficial to consistently take care of your property's curb appeal to protect your overall investment.

There are many ways to implement versatile concrete into your surroundings that are both practical and ornamental and that will contribute to the aesthetics of your business or storefront. Here are a few ideas.

Decorative concrete can contribute to the aesthetics of your business or storefront, and it gives customers a favorable impression of your company. Use it decoratively or for more practical purposes, knowing that concrete buildings can last over 50 years. This is a durable and attractive surfacing material with a wide-range of uses:

• Concrete statues for your company door or property
• Signage made from concrete
• Architectural elements and moldings made from concrete
• A concrete structure for your company mailbox

These are just a few options, so talk to your concrete supplier if you have other suggestions.

Consider using concrete, perhaps instead of asphalt, for your business's driveways or paths. Unlike asphalt, concrete doesn't become soft or malleable during hot and humid conditions. The smooth surface that it creates will be a convenience for anyone visiting your business, and it will be a lot easier on the vehicles that traverse your property regularly; furthermore, the smooth finish gives your entire property an appealing, polished look.

There is something chic and modern about polished concrete floors; they provide a durable and slip-proof surface for your patrons, clients and colleagues. This equates to an added safety measure and reduced risk of falls or injuries when people are in your building.

While concrete floors may not seem to contribute to the exterior curb appeal of your property, if you have large picture windows or a showroom, polished and pristine floors don't hurt!

Happy employees are conducive to productivity, so create a lovely outdoor space for your staff with a concrete patio. This space can be used for a staff area where your team can take breaks, eat meals or enjoy the fresh air during work hours.

This could also be an opportunity to ramp up your building's curb appeal by creating something special for prospective patrons and customers:

• Set up a seating arrangement for visitors to enjoy when patronizing your establishment.
• Use the space to put potted plants or flowers that bring a pop of color to your façade.
• Decorate the outdoor space for holidays to show the community your festive spirit!
• Transform your patio into an outdoor gallery, studio or storefront during mild weather to draw foot traffic.

You could also create an alluring and soothing environment by placing a fountain or water feature on a concrete pad. The options are practically endless.

If parking is a problem at your business, use concrete to form borders and meridians that will make parking easier for your patrons. Talk with your contractor about a tentative design and estimated costs of turning your parking lot into a more efficient and accessible space with concrete.

This may subsequently improve the overall valuation and potential of your property while also impacting the overall curb appeal of the property with a newly paved parking lot.

Maintain your company's curb appeal by keeping your business updated and maintained with concrete. Use these suggestions to find clever ways to make the most of concrete and implement it in your business's appearance.

Central Carolina Concrete will demonstrate the many ways that concrete can improve the appearance and utility of your property while keeping your clients' convenience in mind.