Decorative Concrete – A Makeover of a Basic Building Material
People traditionally view concrete as the bland material that makes up a home’s foundation. Today, however, concrete has been given a makeover; in fact, there is a rapidly-growing industry for decorative concrete. This basic material can take any color and shape you wish and can be used inside and outside your home. The cost of a decorative concrete project depends on its difficulty and size, but concrete applications are generally more affordable compared to other materials.
A popular way to transform an existing concrete slab is by staining it. Concrete is easy to color as it is porous and neutral. Acid stains penetrate the surface and react with the lime and calcium in the concrete, producing a variety of colors. The stain becomes a permanent part of the concrete and will not chip, fade or peel away. Colors can be translucent, solid or variegated, leaving a marble finish, making staining a great application for entrance areas, kitchens, basements and other living areas. Concrete can now be found indoors as countertops, flooring and fireplace surrounds as well as outdoors as decks and patios.
You don’t have to start with the usual gray cement if you are installing new concrete surfaces. There are several different methods for coloring concrete, each producing a different effect, including simulating the look of tile, flagstone, pavers or brick. Colored concrete requires no special maintenance as it will retain its color indefinitely.
Another decorative option is engraved or stamped concrete. You can engrave or stamp freshly laid concrete with any texture or design you want, allowing it to be used not only for exterior applications but also for kitchen islands, countertops, sinks, backsplashes, tables and tiles. Watch a patio get a stamped concrete makeover in this HGTV video:
Any kind of pattern can be engraved into concrete; tile is one of the most popular. Freshly laid concrete requires at least a 28-day cure before engraving can be applied. Existing slabs can be etched or engraved with special tools and equipment. Stamped concrete can resemble anything, including wood and stone. Stamping must be completed while the concrete is being poured.
Concrete flooring is generally associated with the type of flooring found in warehouses or home improvement stores. Polished concrete, however, can give your home a high-end appearance.The polishing process involves grinding very fine concrete surface layers with diamond-infused abrasive tools. Minimal maintenance is required for polished concrete, and it can be refinished easily years later to look like it did on “Day 1”.
An exposed-aggregate concrete surface gives the appearance of thousands of stones and pebbles laid like tile with cement as the grout. The manufacturing process consists of laying the concrete and then removing the outer “skin” to uncover the coarse decorative aggregate, which is either seeded onto the surface or batched into the concrete mix. This type of finish is ideal for driveways, patios, pool decks and sidewalks as it is skid-resistant and durable.
You can personalize your finished product by adding your own materials (coins, stones, glass, fossils, etc.) to the decorative concrete mix. This ia a common treatment for countertops. It is recommended that you use non-fragile materials that can withstand daily wear and tear and that you use a quality sealer to provide extra protection.
Decorative concrete surfaces are simple to maintain. The surface should be coated with a compatible sealer to protect if from dirt, grease, stains and water penetration; it will also make it much easier to clean. For exterior applications, you may want to mop or pressure wash as needed and have the surface professionally resealed every three to five years to protect the coloration. Interior applications only require occasional cleaning with warm water, a neutral cleaner and a microfiber mop. Regular waxing can also help in the long run. Low-gloss finishes need much less care than high-gloss finishes.
The options are endless whether you choose decorative concrete or decorating an existing concrete surface. Concrete is versatile and will fit into any design scheme and work well whether your home is new or old. Concrete is durable and can be made into anything, and it will last for a long time if you maintain it well.
