The more understanding that a contractor has about what consumers are spending big money on, the more successful they will be. That's why we supply this valuable data to the market.

With over ten thousand hits to each area in the first quarter, it's no wonder these five markets are thriving in the decorative concrete industry. The top five areas rank as follows:

1.   Houston, TX
2.   Dallas, TX
3.   Maryland
4.   Austin, TX
5.   Phoenix, AZ

A key contributing factor that has led to the continuing rise in the popularity of concrete applications in these areas is the climate and temperature. Because the weather trends in the areas remain stable throughout the year, contractors have the opportunity to work year-round. Contractors are able to take advantage of this 12-month work schedule by planning and completing jobs throughout the winter months. Even in Maryland, contractors are able to take time during the winter months to plan and prepare for a busy summer.

"Decorative concrete is one of the hottest trends today," said Jim Peterson, CEO of The Concrete Network. "The more understanding that a contractor has about what consumers are spending big money on, the more successful they will be. That's why we supply this valuable data to the market."

Houston, Texas tops the list as the #1 area for decorative concrete work. With over 11,000 hits over a three month period this metropolitan continues to be an area of growth in the housing estate and business development markets. As the nation's fourth largest city, the area leads in residential growth and homeowner spending. Houston is quickly setting the pace for decorative concrete in the United States.

Decorative concrete is a versatile and cost effective application comparing favorably to other home improvement options, such as granite, slate, brick, etc. The colors, patterns, and styles available with decorative concrete are nearly limitless. Applications such as stamped concrete, stained concrete, concrete overlays, engraving, concrete countertops, and polishing are just a few of the many ways homeowners, builders and designers are taking advantage of the versatility of decorative concrete. For examples of all that decorative concrete has to offer, visit The Concrete Network's extensive online photo gallery.

Established in 1999, The Concrete Network's purpose is to educate consumers, builders, and contractors on popular decorative techniques and applications including stamped concrete, stained concrete floors, concrete countertops, polished concrete, and much more. In March, 2007 The Concrete Network Web site had 997,745 visitors researching decorative concrete.

The site excels at connecting buyers with local contractors in their area through its Find-A-Contractor service. The service provides visitors with a list of decorative concrete contractors throughout the U.S. and Canada, and is fully searchable by 23 types of decorative concrete work and 200 metropolitan areas throughout North America.