Concrete is no longer just a basic building material—it’s a design statement. In 2025, Los Angeles homeowners and designers are using concrete in creative, stylish, and unexpectedly luxurious ways. Whether it’s for flooring, countertops, exterior walls, or outdoor living spaces, the right concrete finish can completely transform a modern LA home.

With the city’s love for bold, expressive architecture and minimalism, choosing the right concrete finish is key to achieving a distinctive and lasting look. Here’s a deep dive into the best concrete finishes for bold Los Angeles home designs this year.

Why Concrete?

Concrete is durable, sustainable, and incredibly versatile. In LA, where architectural trends lean toward clean lines, industrial elements, and indoor-outdoor living, concrete is a perfect match. It works beautifully with both minimalist and maximalist design styles and pairs well with materials like wood, glass, metal, and stone.

In 2025, concrete is being used not just as a foundation but as a focal point in everything from driveways to designer kitchens.

1. Polished Concrete

Polished concrete is sleek, reflective, and one of the most popular choices for modern homes in LA. It’s created by grinding the concrete surface with increasingly fine abrasives and sealing it for a glass-like finish.

Ideal for:

• Modern interiors
  
• Loft-style homes
  
• Kitchens and living rooms
  
• Luxury garages and studios
  

Benefits:

• Low maintenance
  
• Long-lasting and durable
  
• Available in various sheens (from satin to high-gloss)
  
• Reflects natural light, making rooms feel brighter
  

Many homeowners pair polished concrete with radiant floor heating for comfort and efficiency in cooler LA neighborhoods like Pasadena or Topanga.

2. Stained Concrete

Stained concrete is perfect for adding color and depth while still showcasing concrete’s natural texture. Acid-based stains create rich, variegated tones, while water-based stains offer a wider range of bold or muted colors.

Best used in:

• Entryways
  
• Patios
  
• Bathrooms
  
• Commercial-style kitchens
  

Why LA homeowners love it:

• Adds a warm or artistic flair without covering up the concrete
  
• Can mimic the look of stone, leather, or wood
  
• Great for homes with bohemian, industrial, or Mediterranean influences
  

In 2025, earth tones like terracotta, rust, slate, and moss green are trending, especially in homes that embrace LA’s desert-meets-modern aesthetic.

3. Exposed Aggregate

This finish reveals the pebbles or stones embedded in the concrete, creating a textured surface that adds depth and visual interest. It’s especially popular for driveways, walkways, and pool decks in LA homes where outdoor space is as important as the interior.

Great for:

• Mid-century modern exteriors
  
• Driveways and walkways
  
• Poolside areas
  
• Outdoor dining spaces
  

Pros:

• Slip-resistant
  
• Extremely durable in all weather conditions
  
• Beautiful contrast when combined with wood or metal fencing
  

You can choose natural stones for a subtle, coastal look or colored glass for a more dramatic, artistic finish.

Shop Now

4. Brushed Concrete

Brushed concrete is finished by dragging a broom across the surface while it’s still wet, creating a lightly textured surface with fine lines. It’s a clean, modern look that provides traction and depth without being overly rough.

Popular in:

• Modern entryways
  
• Staircases
  
• Rooftop patios
  
• Outdoor kitchens
  

Why it’s trending in LA:

• Simple, subtle texture that complements both lush landscaping and desert plants
  
• Incredibly versatile and easy to maintain
  
• Pairs well with contemporary wood or steel facades
  

This finish is often seen in LA’s luxury hillside homes, where function and form must balance on steep terrain.

5. Trowel or Smooth Finish

A smooth trowel finish is created by hand-troweling or machine-finishing concrete until the surface is flat and smooth. This sleek finish is a designer favorite for minimalist LA interiors and exterior facades.

Used for:

• Concrete walls and panels
  
• Interior floors
  
• Custom countertops
  
• Shower surrounds
  

What makes it bold:

• Ultra-modern appearance
  
• Clean and architectural
  
• Works well in open floor plans with natural light
  

Smooth-finished concrete can be tinted or paired with matte sealants for an even more elevated, gallery-like aesthetic—perfect for art collectors or design-forward homeowners.

6. Salt Finish

A salt finish is achieved by pressing coarse salt into freshly poured concrete and then washing it away, leaving small, shallow indentations. This creates a subtle texture that’s visually interesting and slip-resistant.

Commonly seen in:

• Pool decks
  
• Walkways
  
• Garden patios
  
• Outdoor showers
  

Why it’s a great choice for LA homes:

• Unique texture that feels coastal and casual
  
• Complements beach house and Spanish-style architecture
  
• Works beautifully with travertine, stucco, and greenery
  

It’s especially popular in neighborhoods like Venice, Malibu, or Santa Monica where homes blend relaxed living with upscale design.

7. Microtopping / Overlay Finishes

If your existing concrete surfaces need a facelift, microtoppings or overlays are ultra-thin layers of polymer-modified cement applied to existing surfaces. They offer a clean slate with a modern, smooth appearance.

Ideal for:

• Renovations
  
• Interior design upgrades
  
• Creative wall treatments
  
• Garage floors or basements
  

Design advantages:

• Can be customized with textures, stains, or patterns
  
• Refreshes old surfaces without demolition
  
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications
  

In 2025, designers in LA are using microtoppings to create custom murals, floor maps, or branded entryways in creative residences and live-work spaces.

8. Board-Formed Concrete

This finish gives concrete the appearance of wood grain by pouring it into molds lined with wooden planks. The result is a textured surface that mimics timber, offering warmth and raw elegance.

Perfect for:

• Accent walls
  
• Fireplace surrounds
  
• Exterior retaining walls
  
• Garden borders
  

Why LA designers love it:

• Combines the look of wood with the durability of concrete
  
• Adds architectural depth
  
• Offers a modern, natural aesthetic for indoor-outdoor flow
  

Board-formed concrete is showing up in high-end builds in areas like Silver Lake, Beverly Hills, and Studio City.

Final Tips for Choosing the Right Concrete Finish

When selecting a concrete finish for your LA home, consider the following:

• Functionality: Will it be used indoors, outdoors, or both? Prioritize slip resistance for exterior areas.
  
• Aesthetic: Match the finish to your home’s architecture—whether that’s industrial, coastal, or modern minimalist.
  
• Maintenance: Some finishes, like polished or stained concrete, require sealing and regular care.
  
• Climate resilience: Make sure the finish holds up to LA’s unique climate—sun, salt air, and potential seismic activity.
  

Conclusion

Concrete is bold, stylish, and full of creative potential—especially in a city like Los Angeles that celebrates architectural individuality. Whether you’re remodeling a Hollywood Hills hideaway or building a brand-new contemporary home in West LA, choosing the right concrete finish can turn a basic surface into a standout design feature.

In 2025, the top trends in concrete finishes emphasize texture, sustainability, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions—perfect for expressing your home’s unique character.