Once you've decided to accent concrete with a decorative element, your options aren't just limited to choosing color and texture. Stencils and engraving give you two ways to create sharp-looking, distinct patterns on your concrete.

Stencils in decorative concrete work the same way stencils do with other media. They are placed, then something is spread over the top of them, and finally, they are pulled up. Almost any decorative coating can be laid on top of concrete stencils - including stains, dyes and overlays - but the user must take care to use a stencil that can stand up to the demands of the materials laid on top of it. Designs and patterns can also be engraved into concrete using special engraving tools. This is also called concrete etching, and it is often done after the concrete is stained, so the etched line stands out.