Defining the Standard
At its newly redesigned North York showroom, Patterned Concrete Ontario, which was founded in 1972, shows how proprietary technology, decades of expertise and bespoke design set its work apart from standard stamped concrete.
By Susan Semenak
Patterned Concrete Ontario has spent decades turning what was once simply a grey structural material into a medium of beauty and performance, setting a high bar for the decorative concrete industry. The company, founded by the Guida family, has become synonymous with premium stamped and decorative concrete solutions. Patterned Concrete® is a trademarked brand representing a process that manipulates the look of concrete into natural stone, brick, slate, tile or any decorative paving finish, ultimately combining aesthetics with proven durability.
The Guidas began installing concrete in the 1960s, building a foundation in finish and technique that would later guide their work as licensed professionals for the global Patterned Concrete brand. They have since acquired the U.S.-based company and have become the licensor of 14 dealerships across North America, using the company’s proprietary products and tools. All of their decorative concrete systems are put down by trained installers who are capable of bringing personalized custom solutions to each project. It’s this cumulative expertise that sets Patterned Concrete apart from its competition, ensuring a remarkable outcome every time.
Decorative concrete continues to grow in popularity for the level of customization and longevity it offers, allowing designers and homeowners to tailor colour, texture and pattern in ways that traditional materials often can’t. However, Andrew Guida, third-generation in the family business, notes that not all stamped concrete is created equal. “Concrete is one of the most used materials in the world. When done right, it lasts a long time and is super low-maintenance,” Guida says. “But poor installation or product quality can mean more maintenance issues and less longevity. Plus, design choices will be limited.”
Quality is key at Patterned Concrete, as is customer experience. Guida’s team works closely with clients to develop samples to their liking, creating prototypes in numerous colours and textures in order to find the material that will work best with the facade of the house. “We can do a herringbone brick pattern in a hundred different tones,” Guida says. “It’s a highly personalized service.”
While Patterned Concrete is often associated with stamped concrete, the company’s expertise extends across the full spectrum of decorative concrete systems. Since the late 1980s and early 1990s, Patterned Concrete has installed acid-washed limestone finishes, exposed aggregate, polished concrete, stained and dyed surfaces, concrete overlays and hybrid applications that combine multiple treatments within a single project. Beyond concrete, the firm offers full in-house design-build capabilities, with experience installing a wide range of landscape and hardscape materials, allowing projects to be conceived and executed as cohesive outdoor environments rather than isolated surfaces. This depth of technical knowledge, material fluency and construction experience positions Patterned Concrete as a premium decorative concrete resource in its local market, not a single-system specialist.
The options can be overwhelming, which is why Guida recommends a visit to Patterned Concrete’s newly redone showroom on Supertest Road in North York. Here, visitors can explore more than 5,000 square feet of stamped and decorative concrete samples in a variety of patterns, colours and textures, as well as gain inspiration for using natural stone, porcelain and other landscaping features. Clients can review more than 1,000 photos and videos and take an in-depth look at what makes Patterned Concrete unique, from its high level of detail and expert design acumen to the bespoke offerings crafted for each client. Beyond the typical showroom experience, the space is a place for visitors to learn about the material Patterned Concrete has spent over 50 years mastering, and team members are on site to answer all questions. “The showroom is proof that the beauty of concrete is limitless,” Guida says.
THIS IMAGE: Andrew Guida, Product implementation & Technical Support