Products and Services
Concrete is natural, with a unique beauty that is created using different finishing and coloring techniques. If you are considering a new decorative concrete application, we will look at your space and give you an idea of what to expect and the cost involved. It is important to have a realistic expectation of the outcome and choose a contractor based on experience, knowledge, and dependability rather than cost alone. When done properly, your concrete surface should last a lifetime.
Listed below are several of the options available that can be customized with the input of the homeowner.
Colored Concrete
Integral color uniformly adds color to the entire concrete slab, turning the ordinary into extraordinary. The advantage of coloring the concrete throughout is that when chipping or pitting occurs, the chipped area will reveal the color underneath and will not be as noticeable. Also, integral color gives contractors a simple, easy way to add color and texture with very little additional labor. A range of textures from a simple broom finish to an elaborate stamping pattern can enhance the colored concrete and change the look entirely.
Concrete Stamping, Texturing and Stencils
In interior or exterior applications, cast in place concrete can be imprinted with stamping mats or texturing skins to resemble natural materials like slate, cobblestone, tile, brick and wood. The finished product is attractive and often more economical than the masonry finish that it mimics.
When stamping any surface, a release agent is applied to the surface of the concrete as well as the stamping mat or tool. Release agents are available in a range of colors and add an extra dimension to the concrete, accentuating the indentations that make it appear more natural. Another option that adds additional color is through the use of dry shake color hardeners that are broadcasted onto the fresh concrete and worked in, producing greater surface strength and durability.
Acid Staining
Among the many choices of decoratively colored concrete, acid staining is becoming increasingly popular. A new or existing surface can be stained as long as there are no sealers, grease, or oils that will prevent the stain from reacting with the concrete. Acid stains react with the lime in the concrete, producing a marbled or variegated look. Each slab of concrete will react differently depending on its condition and/or the preparation of the surface. The finish will not fade or chip and will have a long lasting, vibrant color as long as the surface is properly sealed and maintained.
Water based stains are also available. The pigments in water based stains penetrate the pores of the concrete. Thus, the colors develop quickly and can be approved on site within minutes of application. Also, water based stains can be sealed immediately after adequate drying with limited clean up.
Exposed Aggregate
A simple and inexpensive option for any outdoor area is to use integrally colored concrete with an exposed aggregate finish. A surface retarder is applied to the wet concrete and later rinsed off. Several different grades are available which range from a micro etch to a fully exposed aggregate. These different etches can be combined together or with broom finished concrete, incorporating borders or unique designs, thereby adding visual interest to any driveway or patio.
Concrete Overlays
A polymer overlay can be applied to an existing concrete slab that is too expensive or messy to be torn out. An overlay can be 1/4 to 3/4 in thickness, and can be colored, stained, stenciled or stamped. Not all surfaces are suitable for an overlay. The base must be structurally sound and proper surface preparation is key to a good bonding of the overlay. A few other factors to consider when determining whether an overlay is appropriate is the conditions the overlay will be exposed to and the installed cost.
