Both rough and refined, board-formed concrete plays an important role in architecturally significant buildings and residential interiors. It can warm up stark modern interiors and provide a cool contrast to warm woods. Made by pouring wet concrete in a temporary board frame, or mold, the concrete that is revealed when the framing is removed is as varied as the types of boards used-knotty and rough, or smooth like plywood sheets. Another variable in the finished look is the size of the gaps between boards, widely spaced boards create a rough raised effect; tightly spaced boards create a smoother look.

We like the rough grain effect in the pressed concrete in a Long Island house by Murdock Young Architects.