"Pairing concrete with warm, natural materials creates a balanced aesthetic," says Nahal Sohbati, landscape designer at Topophyla. Wicker and rattan are often weather-resistant, too, making them a ...

Typically, contractors construct these Superflat slabs in long, narrow strips (11 to 22 ft. wide), striking off the concrete form-to-form by hand screed, vibratory truss screed, or laser screed.

The most popular ways of creating contraction joints is by using saw cuts, tool cuts and zip strips. The American Concrete Institute offers criteria on contraction joint construction and practices.